Chapter 3
Arthur knew exactly how to manipulate Chelsea. With a few sweet words and a touch of tenderness, Chelsea'd willingly give him everything.
In Chelsea's last life, she was worn down by his emotional tricks, always giving in, always compromising, until she had nowhere left to stand.
But that foolish Chelsea, the one who spent her whole life being naive, was already gone. She died at the bedside and under the wheels of a truck.
Arthur moved a little closer, his voice full of expectation. "By the way, how's that promotion I mentioned last time coming along? We'll need your father to help me out at the crucial moment, give me a push. If I make it this time, our whole family's future will change."
Chelsea looked into his eyes, seeing his naked ambition and scheming. Whatever warmth was left in her heart vanished for good.
Even now, all he cared about was how to use the Aniston family as a springboard to advance himself.
She pushed down the turmoil inside and forced a smile. "Why rush? I already talked to Dad about it. He said he'd look into it. Should be fine... You know, these things take time. Gotta wait for the right opportunity."
She kept it vague, just enough hope, but nothing concrete.
But to Arthur, it was music to his ears.
Since the Aniston family didn't object, that meant there was hope.
He swept Chelsea off her feet and spun her around in excitement.
"Really? Chelsea, you're amazing! Rest assured. Once I get that promotion, I'll make sure you have everything you ever wanted."
Chelsea was startled by his sudden move, barely holding back the urge to push him away. She stiffened in his arms.
Meanwhile, Julianna watched everything from the crack in the bedroom door, seeing it all unfold.
Watching Arthur sweet-talk Chelsea, Julianna was overcome with bitter jealousy, her heart heavy with resentment.
Burning with envy, a thought suddenly sparked in her mind.
"Ah!"
A piercing scream suddenly echoed from the kitchen, followed by the crash of shattered dishes.
Arthur's face changed in an instant. He let go of Chelsea and bolted out of the bedroom like an arrow released from a bow.
Chelsea followed at a calm pace, only to find the kitchen was a mess.
Julianna was slumped on the floor, clutching her hand, tears welling up in her eyes, looking heartbreakingly fragile.
"Arthur... I saw Chelsea was feeling down, so I thought I'd cook something for you both, hoping it'd make her feel better... But I messed up when pouring hot water and burned myself..." Julianna whimpered.
She sniffled as she held out her right hand. It was all red, with a couple of nasty blisters, looking pretty scary.
Arthur was already freaking out with worry. He crouched down, wanting to help but afraid to touch her. "How could you be so careless. Does it hurt? Let me see. Oh, god, it's blistered. We need to get you checked out at the hospital right now."
Then, Arthur gently helped Julianna to her feet, half-carrying her as they rushed out the door together.
Chelsea glanced around the home she'd devoted thirty years of her life to. Suddenly, it all felt absurd.
She turned and walked toward her parents' place.
Her parents looked up, surprised to see their daughter show up out of the blue.
"Chelsea? Why are you back at this time? Where's Arthur?" her mom asked, rising with worry.
Chelsea sat down across from her parents, took a deep breath, and said, "Dad, Mom, I want a divorce from Arthur."
"What?" Her mom nearly dropped her ball of yarn.
Her dad took off his glasses, looking at her with concern. "Chelsea, don't say such things. What happened? Did Arthur hurt you?"
Chelsea shook her head. "I signed up for a full-time SAT prep course today. I want to go to college."
Her parents were stunned again. Back then, Chelsea had given up her chance at the SAT for marriage. Something they'd always regretted.
Was she going back to school?
Her mom asked, "Why do you suddenly want to take the SAT?"
Chelsea squeezed her mom's hand and looked at her dad. "Dad, Mom, I've been thinking a lot. One can't always rely on others. People can let one down. Putting all my hopes on a man is too risky.
"It's better to invest my time and energy in myself. If I have skills and knowledge, I can stand on my own anywhere."
Enrique Aniston looked at his daughter with pride, let out a long breath, and a rare smile appeared on his face. His eyes even grew a little misty.
"Good! Good! Good!" Enrique said three times, beaming. "Chelsea, you've finally grown up. You know how to plan for yourself and stand on your feet. That's the daughter our family is proud of. If you want to go to college, I'll support you a hundred percent. Whatever you need, ask me."
Her mom squeezed Chelsea's hand. "Chelsea, I'm behind you all the way. Whatever you want to do, go for it. Home will always be your haven."