Chapter 2: The End of a Hollow Marriage

Jordan Steele sat on his motorcycle, the city lights of Orlando flickering around him. A soft melody played through his Bluetooth headphones—a song from the band Beyond.

As the familiar tune filled his ears, his mind drifted back to three years ago—to the day he first met Hailey Camden.

Jordan wasn’t just another deliveryman.

He was born into the Steele family—the wealthiest, most secretive dynasty the world had never heard of. While names like Rothschild, DuPont, and Morgan were whispered among the elite, the Steeles remained a mystery.

Their fortune exceeded $100 billion, but their wealth was carefully concealed. Even the world’s richest lists failed to recognize their name.

Jordan’s grandfather believed in rigorous education and discipline, ensuring that every heir was exceptionally trained from childhood.

By the age of five, Jordan had already mastered both martial arts and classical instruments. At eighteen, he had completed a four-year Ivy League business program ahead of his peers.

But money and knowledge weren’t enough.

To build his character, his grandfather sent him away—stripping him of his status and forcing him to live as a commoner. He was placed in Orlando as a live-in son-in-law to the Camden family—a second-tier business family.

For three years, he endured their mockery, insults, and abuse. He had played his role well, waiting for the day he could finally reveal his true identity.

Tonight was supposed to be that night.

Instead, Hailey’s betrayal had changed everything.

Jordan scoffed. “Hailey Camden… I wonder how you’ll react when you learn the truth.”

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8:00 PM – Orlando, Florida

Jordan stepped into his apartment, weary from the day.

Hailey was already home, a rare sight, and she had even ordered takeout—a small act that might have once made him hopeful.

“You’re home?” she said nonchalantly. “No need to cook. Come eat.”

But Jordan didn’t budge.

He slipped off his shoes and said, “I’m not staying. I came to pack my things.”

He strode toward the bedroom—a room separate from hers.

In three years of marriage, they had never shared a bed.

Hailey followed, placing her hands on her hips. “What? You’re running away? Over something so trivial?”

Jordan froze, then turned to her. His voice was calm, but his eyes burned with fury.

“You think adultery is trivial?”

Hailey didn’t even attempt to deny it this time. She simply rolled her eyes.

“So what?” she snapped. “Do you expect me to beg for forgiveness? You’ve been living off me for three years. Even if I did betray you, you should just put up with it.”

Jordan’s fists clenched, but he forced himself to stay composed.

“Put up with it?” he echoed. “I’ve put up with your family for three years. I cooked every meal, cleaned after you, and served you like you were royalty. But not once did you ever look at me with respect.”

He took a step closer.

“Your mother humiliated and slapped me in public, and I stayed silent.”

“Your father treated me like a servant, forcing me to do the dirtiest, most dangerous jobs, and I endured.”

“Your uncle and cousins bullied me, and you let them.”

Jordan exhaled sharply, his decision final.

“Not anymore. I’m done. Hailey, I want a divorce.”

For a brief moment, shock flashed across Hailey’s face.

Then she laughed.

“Hah! You want to divorce me?” She crossed her arms, smirking. “You really think you can survive without me? Let me remind you—once we’re divorced, you’ll lose everything.”

“You won’t have a penthouse apartment anymore.”

“You won’t get to drive the Audi I let you use.”

Jordan chuckled, shaking his head.

“A penthouse? An Audi? Hailey, I don’t need any of it.”

She scoffed. “Fine. I’ve wanted a divorce for a long time. Honestly, I don’t know why my grandfather ever thought it was a good idea to marry me off to someone as useless as you.”

Her eyes burned with arrogance.

“The Camdens are set to become a first-tier family. We have millions in assets. A nobody like you was never worthy of me.”

Jordan had heard enough.

“Then let’s go to the lawyer’s office first thing in the morning.”

Hailey’s expression stiffened.

“I can’t tomorrow,” she said immediately. “It’s my grandmother’s 80th birthday. We all have to be at her house by 10 AM. Besides, I need to discuss this with my family.”

Jordan smirked.

Three years ago, she had no choice in marrying him.

And now, she had no choice in leaving him either.

“Fine,” he said. “Talk to them. But don’t take too long. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

He grabbed his suitcase and walked out.

Behind him, Hailey’s voice shrieked through the apartment.

“You’ll regret this!” she shouted. “In a few days, you’ll be begging to come back!”

Jordan ignored her.

Her words were meaningless.

Why would a man worth over $100 billion ever beg to return to a woman who never deserved him?

Hailey had no idea who she had just lost.