Chapter 2
The picture was two bright divorce papers.
I didn't cry.
But I knew, something inside me was broken, for real.
Hudson, this time, you were the one who gave up on us first.
The next morning, the villa's front door swung open.
I sat on the living room sofa, having been awake all night.
Hudson walked in, bringing with him a blast of cold air and the cloying sweetness of perfume.
That was Isla's favorite scent that drove men crazy.
He spotted me and his brows furrowed, like always.
"Why are you up so early?" he asked.
He loosened his tie, acting like nothing happened, not even a hint of guilt for ditching me last night.
His eyes lingered on my empty ring finger for a moment, then darted away.
He probably just thought I was having another bratty episode.
"Isla was seriously hurt last night, lost so much blood," Hudson said, barely hiding his impatience as he rambled on.
"She's a core member of the company. I couldn't just leave her," he continued.
Seriously hurt? I scoffed inwardly, that band-aid photo still flashing in my mind.
I stared at him coldly, saying nothing.
Hudson seemed irritated by my silence.
He pulled a velvet box from his pocket and tossed it onto the coffee table.
"Enough, stop acting up. I grabbed this on my way home, making up for your birthday present," he said.
The box popped open, revealing a diamond necklace.
The style was so outdated that it was obvious that the saleswoman just wanted to clear out old inventory.
And honestly, it was nothing like my style.
If this were before, I would've been thrilled, put it on right away, and nervously asked him if it looked good on me.
But now, it just made me feel sick.
"Oh, so you just grabbed this on your way home?" I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm as I picked up the box and weighed it in my hand.
Hudson was pouring himself a glass of water, not even bothering to look at me.
"Yeah, it's a limited edition. You should like it," he replied.
I stood up and walked over to the trash can.
Right in front of him, I flipped my wrist.
The box and necklace went straight into the trash.
My movements were sharp, not a hint of hesitation.
Hudson froze mid-sip.
He turned around, his eyes wide with disbelief, then quickly filled with anger.
"Lillian, are you out of your mind?" he snapped.
This was the first time he'd ever seen me throw something away.
The old Lillian, the one who always followed him around, quietly wiping away tears whenever she was hurt, died overnight.
I pulled out a wet wipe and cleaned my fingers, the ones that had touched the box.
"I don't want anything dirty," I said.
My voice was so calm that it even surprised me.
Hudson slammed his glass down and strode over, looking down at me like I was nothing.
"Is this all because I went to see Isla last night? Lillian, can't you get it? It was just work," he snapped.
"Work? Does work mean you have to hold her hand and baby her? Does work mean you drive her home in the middle of the night and come back smelling like her perfume?" I shot back.
I looked up, meeting his gaze head-on, refusing to back down.
Hudson's eyes flickered, then he just got even more pissed off.
"You're impossible. You're just too bored, nitpicking all this petty crap!" he snapped.
He pointed at the door. "If you don't want to be here, then get out. Don't be a nuisance in this house."
This was his house.
His pre-marital property.
So for three years, I'd been living here like a live-in maid, never really belonging.
I laughed, tears threatening to fall.
This was the man I'd loved for three years.
"Fine," I said.
I nodded and turned to head upstairs.
No shouting, no hysterics.
Half an hour later, I hauled my suitcase downstairs.
Hudson was sitting on the sofa, smoking. When he saw me, he let out a cold, dismissive snort.
"If you leave, don't even think about coming back. I'll cut off your cards. Let's see how long you can make it on your own," he said.
He was convinced I couldn't live without him.
After all, I was the lovesick fool who'd even given up a family marriage alliance for him.
I paused at the door.
"Hudson, don't forget your words," I said.
I didn't look back. I pushed the door open and walked out.
Did you really think I was still that Lillian who couldn't live without you?
These past three years, I didn't just lose my pride. I lost the sharpness that used to be mine.
Now, I was going to reclaim every bit of it.
Three days later, I walked into Hudson's office building, rocking my four-inch red-bottom heels.
The receptionist spotted me, looking nervous, she wanted to stop me, but didn't dare.
"Ms. Porter, Mr. Gomez is in a meeting..." she said, voice shaky.
"It's fine. I'll wait inside," I replied.
I took off my sunglasses and walked right into the CEO's office.
I pushed open the door.
No meeting, just silence.
Hudson was behind his desk, flipping through some files.