Divorced From The Pretender novel Chapter 1

My husband was really poor. For three years of marriage, I covered all the household expenses.

Once, when we were shopping together and I fancied a $200 handbag, he said it was too pricey and told me not to buy it.

But then, I accidentally found out that for his first love's birthday, he gave her a diamond necklace worth $4 million.

Turns out, he wasn't a broke guy in debt.

He was actually a billionaire heir from a super - rich family.

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It was late when I got home from work. After a quick shower, I sat on the bed scrolling through my phone and suddenly a notification made my heart race.

"Popular actress, Samantha Cary, receives a $4 million diamond necklace from a mysterious millionaire on her birthday."

I rubbed my eyes and, trembling, zoomed in on the photos.

The man was only visible from behind, but after three years of marriage, I instantly recognized him.

He was my husband, Nathaniel.

For me, $4 million felt like an astronomical figure.

Just a few days ago, I had wanted to buy a $200 bag while shopping with him, and he had said it was too expensive.

I quickly calculated that $200 could buy enough tissue to last for months, so I dropped the idea.

At that moment, I could hardly catch my breath.

I met Nathaniel online, and after two months of chatting, we fell head over heels for each other when we finally met. On Valentine's Day, he proposed with a soda can ring, promising to get me a big diamond ring when he made money.

I said yes because I loved him.

He was an orphan who grew up in a children's home, and after a failed business venture, he has a debt of over a million. That was why we kept our wedding simple.

We lived in a rented apartment that I paid for, along with all our daily expenses.

To make ends meet, I worked a day job and had a part-time job waiting tables at night. His entire paycheck went to paying off his debts.

I didn't sleep a wink all night, and Nathaniel didn't come home until morning.

After freshening up, I rushed out without eating breakfast.

As I stepped out, I caught sight of a familiar figure across the street. I quickly hid behind a tree.

Nathaniel got out of a Bentley and was wearing a fancy suit from last night, which he had swapped for the cheap T-shirt and jeans I had bought him.

At that moment, a middle-aged man respectfully handed him a bag filled with delicious sandwiches.

Just as Nathaniel took it, a car pulled up in front of him.

I recognized the man who got out - it was the CEO of a tech company. A friend of mine worked there.

He approached Nathaniel with a huge smile and bowled over with respect.

Nathaniel seemed uninterested and barely acknowledged him.

I had heard my friend talk about her boss being a significant figure, yet he appeared almost humble around Nathaniel.