Only Smoke Remains - Chapter 2

Back when we were dating, I once scraped my skin. In a panic, Zachary had accidentally used iodine on me, unaware that I was allergic to it. Within moments, I broke out in red rashes all over, my throat swelled, and I could barely breathe.

Terrified, he ran out frantically to find a doctor. I still clearly remember the look of worry on his face to this day. Funny thing was, he didn’t.

I casually tossed the bottle of iodine into the trash next to me.

“Autumn, what the hell is wrong with you? I went out of my way to buy that. What do you mean by throwing it out? Are you going through menopause or something? Why are you being so impossible lately?” Zachary’s face darkened as he grabbed my hand, his words getting sharper and more cutting.

I replied calmly, “I’m allergic to that.”

He froze for a second. Then he crouched down and held my hand, trying to explain, “The store clerk handed it to me. I was in such a rush to get back that I didn’t check.”

I didn’t respond, but I happened to glance at the diamond ring on his left ring finger. “Where’s your wedding ring?”

His eyes darted away. Instinctively, he pulled his hand back and muttered, “Lost it. Must’ve slipped off.”

I gave a cold laugh and pulled up Luna’s latest social media post on my phone, holding it out for him to see.

In the photo, the two of them were wearing matching diamond rings. The caption read, “He got down on one knee and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.”

Someone had commented playfully, “When’s the wedding? Don’t forget our invites!”

Luna had replied with a blushing emoji, “Soon.”

Zachary’s expression turned stiff and awkward. “It was just for fun. We passed a jewelry store, and she thought they looked nice, so I bought a pair. Don’t overthink it. Anyway, that old silver band of yours was outdated. If it’s gone, it’s gone. I’ll take you tomorrow and we’ll get a better one.”

I set my phone down and said coolly, “Don’t bother. The two of you look great wearing them.”

He flushed with anger and snapped, “What the hell is that supposed to mean? I already explained. It’s just a ring. Do you have to be so petty and paranoid all the time? If there was anything between me and Luna, don’t you think we’d already be together? What would you even matter then?”

The exhaustion hit me like a wave. I didn’t want to fight anymore. I lay down, closed my eyes, and said quietly, “I need to rest.”

He glared at me, then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Back when we got married, Zachary’s company had been in serious trouble. Trying to be understanding, I had chosen a pair of simple silver bands.

He promised that once things got better, he’d buy me something bigger—something that really shone.

Now, he’d survived that rough patch with the help of my dowry… and turned around to give all the sparkle to his childhood sweetheart.

I looked down at the scratched-up ring on my hand, yanked it off, and tossed it into the trash.

Then, I called my lawyer.

After that, I had one of the best nights of sleep I’d had in years.

The next morning, my efficient lawyer sent me a draft of the divorce agreement.

I was reviewing it, about to head out to find Zachary, when he called me first.

“Mr. Chapman—the one we do a lot of business with—is getting married today. Get dressed and come down. I’m waiting outside.”

He hung up before I could say anything.

I hesitated, then changed into something appropriate, put on a bit of makeup, and went downstairs.

It wasn’t until I got to the car that I noticed that Luna was already sitting in the passenger seat.