But just as she was about to push the door open, a cold draft blew down the long hallway.

Goosebumps erupted on Sloane's skin, and her chaotic mind suddenly cleared.

Catch them in the act? And then what?

Scream like a shrew, or weep like a victim?

It would be too humiliating.

Sloane released the doorknob and silently turned away.

She went into the study, opened a document on her computer, and painstakingly typed out three words: DIVORCE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.

This was the third preparation.

Once she started, there was no stopping.

The clatter of the keyboard echoed in the silent room, sounding just like the prayer beads scattering on the floor.

After typing the last word, she sent the file to her lawyer.

She added a note: [Mr. Davies, please review and finalize this. I'll come in tomorrow to sign, then file it with the court immediately.]

Back in her room, despite her exhaustion, Sloane couldn't sleep.

It wasn't until the dead of night, when she heard Willa leaving, that she finally closed her eyes.

The next morning, when Kaelen came downstairs, Sloane was already eating breakfast.

He paused. "Why didn't you wait for me?"

Sloane's voice was calm. "I have to go to the office for an urgent contract. I was worried I'd be late."

She finished her explanation, her eyes sweeping over his empty wrist. She asked casually, "Where are your prayer beads? The ones you never take off."

Kaelen was silent for a moment, then answered lightly, "They broke."

He didn't mention how.

Sloane smiled and didn't press him. "Then let's get you a new one."

"A few years ago, I acquired a nine-eyed Dzi bead from a temple in Tibet. You didn't need it then, so I had it enshrined. After all this time, it's probably ready to be collected."

Nine-eyed Dzi beads were incredibly rare and precious. Very few authentic ones existed.

Kaelen didn't refuse. He just asked, "When are you going?"

Sloane thought for a moment. "Tomorrow. I can use the opportunity to fulfill a vow I made."

"A vow?"

For some reason, Kaelen was suddenly interested.

He asked, uncharacteristically talkative, "What did you wish for?"

Sloane thought of all the temples she had visited, kneeling piously before each Buddha.

Praying that she could marry Kaelen Thorne.

She had once been so proud, the golden girl in everyone's eyes.

But because of one obsession, she had become this person, begging for love.

If only Kaelen hadn't saved her...

Sloane snapped back to the present and curved her lips into a smile. "That's a secret."

Every time she had bared her heart, she had only received scorn.

So this time, she decided to keep some dignity for herself.

Across the table, Kaelen's eyes flashed with surprise at her unexpected answer.

He had expected her to use this as another opportunity to declare her love.

Seeing Sloane get up to leave, he said on impulse, "I'm also interested in Tibetan Buddhism. I'll go with you this time."

Sloane was a little surprised, but still said, "Alright. I'll have my assistant book the tickets."

When she got to the office, Mr. Davies was waiting with the printed divorce agreement.

"Mrs. Thorne, I just want to confirm one last time. Thorne Industries will be handed over to a professional management team, and a trust fund will be established, is that correct?"

Sloane nodded. She had already sold the shares in her own company.

Thorne Industries would go back to Kaelen. As long as he didn't make any foolish investments, the assets and money would be enough to support him for a lifetime.

After signing, she asked, "How long until the divorce is finalized?"

Mr. Davies replied, "One month."

Sloane rubbed the wedding ring on her finger. "I understand."

Her phone vibrated. She looked at it. It was an international number.

[Ms. Sloane Ramsey, your application for Swiss permanent residency has been approved. Please visit the immigration office at your convenience to complete the necessary procedures.]

...

Two days later, inside a Tibetan temple.

Kaelen, holding the Dzi bead, was discussing Buddhist philosophy with the abbot under a tree in the courtyard.

Sloane, meanwhile, was kneeling piously before the compassionate, downcast statue of the Buddha in the main hall.

"Buddha, your disciple has come today not only to fulfill a vow, but to make a new one."

Sloane's dry lips trembled. She prostrated herself, and a single tear traced a path down her cheek.

Her voice was firm. "I pray that after Kaelen Thorne and I part ways, we will never—in this lifetime—meet again."