Chapter 3
"Yeah, I heard he's got a huge surprise planned," another voice chimed in.
"But what about Mrs. Shaw? It's their anniversary, after all," someone else asked.
"Shh... Don't even mention that jinx. She's just an orphan—how could she ever measure up to Miss Sutton?"
The lunchbox in my hands suddenly felt like it weighed a ton.
So, he wasn't really in a meeting.
He just didn't want to spend our anniversary with me.
I didn't go upstairs. Instead, I turned and headed for that revolving restaurant.
Through the massive glass window, I saw them.
Leonard was wearing the suit I'd picked out for him, looking at Sloane with such affection in his eyes.
Sloane was dressed in a pure white dress, smiling like a princess.
The restaurant was filled with the soft sound of violin music, candles flickering on the table, and roses decorating the setting.
That was the kind of romance I'd always dreamed of.
He never gave me the romance I always dreamed of.
The waiter presented an exquisite cake, candles flickering on top.
Leonard gently held Sloane's hand, inviting her to make a wish.
Then, he pulled out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it.
Inside was a massive diamond ring—several sizes larger than the one he had given me at our wedding.
I saw her cover her mouth, tears shimmering in her eyes.
I watched as Leonard slipped the ring onto her finger, then leaned down and kissed her.
Everyone around them was clapping, cheering them on.
And me, the real Mrs. Shaw, was nothing but a pathetic joke, forced to hide in the shadows and watch my own husband propose to another woman.
My eyes were so full of tears I could barely see.
I turned and stumbled out, just wanting to get out of there before I completely broke down.
I had no idea how I even made it back home.
When Patricia saw me looking like a total mess, she snorted.
"Why are you crying? It's your anniversary with Leonard. Don't go around looking so miserable."
I looked at her, my voice steady and deliberate.
"Mom, you knew all along, didn't you?"
Patricia didn't look the least bit guilty.
"So what if I knew? Sloane is the one the Shaw family truly recognizes as our Mrs. Shaw.
"If she hadn't gone abroad back then, you wouldn't even have a chance here.
"Stella, you should know your place. If something isn't yours, don't try to force it."
I laughed, the tears coming out so hard I could barely breathe.
"So, for three years, you've all been lying to me?" I asked,.
"So what if we did?" an icy voice suddenly sounded behind me.
Leonard was back.
Sloane followed him, looking all bashful and shy.
The diamond ring on her finger stung my eyes.
Leonard walked up to me, his expression icy, not a trace of warmth in his eyes.
"Stella, we need to talk," he said.
He pulled me into the study and tossed a document onto the desk in front of me. "Sign it."
It was a divorce agreement.
Staring at those words on the page, I went cold all over.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because Sloane is back." He said it as if it were obvious. "Now that she's back, you have to make way for her."
"What about me?" I jabbed a finger at myself, barely holding back tears.
"Leonard, what am I to you? Did these three years of marriage mean anything at all?" I demanded.
He looked at me, a flicker of pity in his eyes.
"Stella, we were never from the same world.
"I admit, when I married you, part of it was because you were obedient and easy to control.
"But that doesn't mean I could ever love you."
So it was just because I was obedient.
How pathetic!
"What if I don't sign?" I asked.
"You have no choice," he nuffed out the last flicker of hope inside me.
Just then, the study door was thrown open.
Sloane burst in, her face pale as a sheet, leaning against the wall, barely able to stay on her feet.
"Leonard... it hurts... my stomach..." she whimpered.
Leonard's face went pale, and he rushed over to steady her.
"Sloane, what's wrong?" he asked.
Sloane pointed at me, her face twisted in pain, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"It was her... she gave me that glass of water."
I froze.
When did I ever give her water?
Leonard whipped his head toward me, his look murderous.
"What did you do to her?" he charged at me and shoved me to the floor.
My head slammed into the corner of the desk, and blood instantly gushed out.
He didn't even look at me—just grabbed Sloane in his arms and rushed out.
"Hold on, Sloane. I'll get you to the hospital right now."
Patricia followed after them, her eyes full of hatred as she walked past me.