Divorce my prentened poor Billionaire husband

Annika Price collapsed on the riverbank, completely drained, every limb heavy as lead and shaking so bad she could barely hold herself together. The rush of barely escaping a crocodile had sucked every last bit of strength right out of her. Then she heard a voice she knew all too well, and her head snapped up in shock.

Everest Kennedy stood over her, radiating that signature authority and effortless sophistication—walking, talking proof of the power and wealth that wrapped around him like a second skin. Even his cufflink, glinting in the sun, was worth more than she’d ever dreamed of earning. Nothing about him matched the hardworking, cash-strapped man she’d married three years ago.

Her head spun. Her whole body trembled. Everest Kennedy, the ruthless business titan… how was he not broke? She’d believed he was a regular working guy drowning in debt. It was all lies! He hadn’t married her because he needed her—he’d married her for a damn joke?

Selena Kennedy draped herself playfully over Everest’s arm, her voice thick with mockery. "C’mon, brother, this lady just risked her life diving after my necklace in the croc pool for a whole million. She’s clearly obsessed with cash. Too bad she didn’t find it, though—guess all she got was a free swim, huh?"

With a lazy flick of her wrist, Selena tossed a handful of bills over Annika’s head, letting them flutter down to land in the dirt at her feet. "Here’s a few hundred for your trouble, darling. That little crocodile stunt of yours was very entertaining."

Annika’s nails dug into the grass beneath her, her jaw set tight with defiance. She’d heard the splashes of meat being thrown to lure the crocs closer. This wasn’t some accident—it was a game for bored rich brats like Selena, who toyed with people’s lives like they were pawns on a chessboard.

She swiped the wetness off her cheeks, lifting her chin stubbornly to lock eyes with Everest. He might not have ever loved her, but she’d believed he was honest. Now? She was just a toy in their sick high-society games.

Everest looked her over with icy detachment, his gaze flicking over her work uniform and the face mask she wore. He didn’t notice the anxious staff hovering just out of sight, and from where he stood, towering over her, his tone was pure dismissal. "All this just for a little cash and a brush with a croc? Are you really that desperate?"

"Desperate enough to fall for a pretty face, that’s for sure!" Annika shot back, her voice shaking with rage and bitter irony. She flung the glinting necklace straight at Selena’s feet. "Here’s your million-dollar treasure, Selena."

Minutes earlier, treading water with a crocodile snapping at her heels, she hadn’t even flinched. She’d dove in on purpose, determined to end this stupid farce with Everest once and for all.

Everest frowned, picking up on the familiar lilt of her voice—especially that distinct little nasal inflection he’d know anywhere. "What’s your name? Take off the mask."

Annika hesitated, her fingers hovering over the edge of the fabric. Then she set her jaw. Why should she be scared of him? He was the one who’d betrayed her.

Still sitting on the grass, she pulled herself up straight, every line of her posture dignified. "You sure you want that, Mr. Kennedy? It might be more of a surprise than you think."

Everest’s expression turned even colder. "Oh, should I be scared? I’ve seen far worse than whatever you’re hiding."

"C’mon, brother, leave it," Selena cut in, putting on her sweet, understanding big-sister act. "She’s just a part-time worker. I’ll handle her little payout. Anyway, risking your life swimming with crocs for pocket change… isn’t that just sad?"

Selena’s interruption diffused the tension, and Everest lost interest right away. He’d already written Annika off as too timid to pull off anything actually bold.

"Riri, I’m ready to change," Annika mumbled, her legs unsteady as she pushed herself to her feet. She wobbled, and her friend caught her to steady her. From across the changing room, Selena’s playful voice drifted over as she curled up against Everest’s side.

"Brother, my birthday’s coming up. What did you get me?"

"Like I’d forget my favorite girl’s present, honey."

Then came Selena’s high-pitched squeal of delight. "Oh my god, brother! Is this the Tear of the Stars sapphire necklace? It’s worth millions!"

Once Selena’s excitement settled down, Everest chuckled, low and warm. "And out in the parking lot, there’s a Bugatti waiting for you, your new special ride."

Selena’s voice practically flew with glee. "Brother, is it the limited-edition Art Car? I’ve been obsessing over that forever! I love you so much!"

Annika’s hand flew to the cheap silver bracelet on her wrist, and she ripped it off and flung it as hard as she could into the bushes. It felt like someone was ripping her heart right out of her chest. The gifts he gave Selena were worth millions, but for three years, the only thing he’d ever given her was a free promotional bracelet from his company. It was already tarnished, but she’d cherished it. She’d never taken it off.

Even when they had nothing, she’d pinched every penny for months to buy him a watch that cost a few thousand dollars—only to find out he was too embarrassed to wear it anywhere. It was too "ordinary" for him.

Beside her, Riri couldn’t help but murmur, full of awe, "Mr. Kennedy is so generous! Any girl would kill to marry him."

Annika couldn’t even force words out. Her chest was so full of bitterness it hurt. Everest had never thought she was good enough to actually be his wife. He’d just tricked her with a fake marriage certificate for his own sick entertainment.

Seeing how pale Annika was, Riri jumped in gently. "Annika, it’s been a hell of a night. You should head home. The manager already said he’d pay you your full three hundred for tonight anyway."

But just as Annika finished changing and grabbed her bag to leave, the manager walked over. "Riri, have your friend take these drinks up to Suite 888."

"Does it have to be Annika? I can do it. She just went through hell tonight, she needs to rest."

"Sorry, kid. Miss Selena specifically asked for Annika. It’s just one last delivery."

A cold chill of dread trickled down Annika’s spine, her eyelids fluttering with unease. Selena, who’d just fed her to the crocodiles for fun, now wanted her to bring drinks to her suite. What new trick was she planning?

"Fine. I’ll do it."

Annika pulled her uniform and mask back on, picked up the tray of drinks, and headed for Suite 888.

When she reached the door, laughter and playful chatter spilled out into the hallway.

"So, Mr. Kennedy, now that Selena’s back… when do we start that little revenge game you were talking about? The one against Annika Price?"