I Divorced My Husband After Prison Release

Mina Long’s fingers tensed slightly as she looked up to meet the man’s captivating gaze, his silver hair snagging her attention. After a brief pause, she mustered a faint smile. “Josiah Burke?” His face overlapped with the memory of a boy—battered, bloody—who had once held a knife to her throat in a desperate attempt to protect himself. The Josiah from back then had been distant, guarded. The man before her now carried a calm authority, as if he’d shed the harshness of his youth. “I’m surprised you remember me.” Josiah paused, humor crinkling the corners of his eyes. It had been far too long.

Mina was just as taken aback. Before she married, she’d studied medicine overseas. That was where she’d saved Josiah after he was shot. Seeing someone from a similar background in trouble, she couldn’t just walk away. And yet, the moment he regained consciousness, Josiah’s instinct was to hold a knife to her throat. Back then, Josiah had been a brooding boy with striking looks and a hostile edge—the kind that made Mina pity him. But after Malani Castillo returned and brought chaos with her, that empathy slowly faded. Soon after, Mina rushed home and got married. Josiah had even emailed her, wishing her happiness in her new marriage. She hadn’t expected that, upon meeting again, he’d be so composed and sophisticated—like he’d become a different person.

“Need a ride?” Josiah’s voice was deep and magnetic. Polite on the surface, but there was an undercurrent of insistence.

Mina glanced at the car he leaned against—a Rolls-Royce—hesitated, then ducked her head and climbed in.

When they’d met overseas, Josiah had been a struggling student, barely making ends meet. His expressive eyes had often softened her heart—part of why she’d decided to help him. But now she was the one who’d fallen on hard times.

From the backseat, Mina let out a light laugh and teased, “Seems like life’s been treating you well these past few years. Did you hit the jackpot?” Josiah paused, humor sparkling in his eyes. “I rented it.” “Really?” Mina blinked. “I’ve got a client in town. Had to rent a fancy car and watch to make a good impression.” His tone was relaxed, without a hint of shame about the act. Mina couldn’t help but chuckle. From the backseat, she studied him. His suit and watch might have been rentals, but his air of refinement was unmistakably real. He played the part convincingly.

Their eyes met briefly in the rearview mirror. A tremor went through her heart, and she quickly looked away.

“So, Mina, about your injuries…” Josiah’s gaze drifted over her wounds and settled on her pale face. “Do they hurt?” His voice was steady, gentle in a way that felt carefully restrained. “Just a clumsy fall,” she replied, lowering her gaze. Her smile was tinged with bitterness. She probably looked wretched and pitiful to him. But they weren’t close enough for her to spill personal details.

A quiet settled between them as warmth filled the car. At some point, Mina drifted off to sleep. Josiah, however, kept his gaze on her, watching the sleeping woman. Her long lashes fluttered softly, hinting at some hidden tension, yet her serene beauty remained untouched. The information he’d uncovered flickered through his mind, fueling a barely contained anger. His eyes, dark and intense, gleamed with a chilling fervor. After a moment, he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. A soft smile touched his lips as he murmured, almost unwilling to disturb her peaceful rest, “Mina, if I fail to take care of you, don’t hold it against me…”

The car stopped in front of an unfamiliar apartment building. When Mina woke, she was momentarily disoriented. “Where are we?” “I’m not sure where you’re headed, but I figured you might need a place to stay. It belongs to a friend of mine, and it hasn’t been rented out,” Josiah explained. His tone was casual, carrying a slight note of persuasion. “Want to take a look?”

The apartment was well-appointed, bathed in natural light. Mina hesitated at the doorway, knowing a place like this was beyond her reach right now. The irony wasn’t lost on her. She had dedicated herself to the Perry family, working tirelessly for their company, even liaising with clients. Yet all that money ended up in Hunter’s pockets. Even her credit card expenses had been under his control, and at any minor disagreement, he cut her off financially. Meanwhile, Hunter casually transferred money to Malani, dressing it up as “caring for her sister.”

A bitter smile edged her lips as she shook her head, deciding against it. “Thank you for your kindness, but I…” Josiah seemed to sense her reluctance and gently interrupted, “If you’re worried about the rent, you can stay here for a few days. No rush on discussing payment.” His tone was gentle, yet it carried a resolve that left little room for negotiation.

As Mina lingered in indecision, Josiah handed her the keys. “The rent is quite affordable.” He named a price that made Mina’s eyes widen in surprise—it was practically a steal.

Overcome with gratitude, she smiled and thanked him. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Also,” Josiah’s voice was soft and easy as he continued, “I happen to know a reputable divorce lawyer here in the city. It might be useful, so… care to exchange contact information?”

His unexpected kindness caught Mina off guard, and her voice trembled slightly as she replied, “Thank you.”

If it meant finally gaining her freedom, she truly hoped for a smooth divorce. So she didn’t refuse his offer. After marrying, Mina had changed her phone and number, losing contact with Josiah in the process. Now, she took his phone and entered her contact details.

“You’re welcome,” Josiah said, watching her with a meaningful gaze. “Mina, I hope you regain your freedom soon.”

With that, he closed the door and departed. Mina watched his departing figure, an inexplicable feeling stirring within her. Somehow, she sensed that Josiah was far more eager for her divorce than she had expected. Yet Josiah had no connection with Hunter—he was merely an ordinary man, far removed from her husband’s world. Nonetheless, she dismissed the thought, her resolve strengthening as she surveyed the apartment with renewed determination. No matter what, she was set on proceeding with the divorce.

Outside, as Josiah shut the door, his smile faded, giving way to a menacing aura. His silver hair framed his face, radiating a magnetic allure as he idly fiddled with the ring on his finger, his voice laced with a lazy drawl. “Mina, this time, I won’t let you go.” Had it not been for that twist of fate, you would have been mine all along. As for Hunter Perry, he would pay for his actions.