Chapter 2

I always thought it was just someone scheming against me, trying to set me up.

I put up with endless gossip and judgmental stares, and still gave birth to Adrian's child.

I thought once the baby was born, a paternity test would prove I was innocent, but Adrian just kept dodging me.

He went abroad with Yvette to give birth to their child, bought a luxury mansion for her and her kid, and spent every day with them, playing happy family like I never existed.

It wasn't until my two kids turned one that Adrian and Yvette finally came back from abroad.

I took the kids to find Adrian, hoping he'd finally acknowledge them as his own.

But as I was about to confront Adrian, I accidentally overheard him and Yvette talking, my heart pounding as I hid around the corner.

It turned out that Adrian was the mastermind behind it all. He'd gone completely crazy over Yvette and schemed against me.

I was so stunned and couldn't believe what I had just heard. I missed a step from the top of the stairs. Before I knew it, I was falling. By the time I hit the ground, I was already gone.

Just thinking about how those two manipulated me in my previous life made me want to tear Adrian apart.

Seeing me stay silent, Adrian's patience was shot.

He said, "Larissa, because we were once married, I've already given you your chance. If you refuse, then don't blame me for what comes next."

Adrian's gaze was icy cold, and every word dripped with chilling threat.

After everything, there was no way I'd ever grovel or depend on him again.

I grabbed the divorce agreement, flipped through it, and said, "I'll sign, but I want sixty percent of everything we own together. You'll need to change those terms."

Adrian couldn't hide his shock when I agreed to split and demanded that much.

Adrian stared at me. "What do you need so much money for?"

I said, "For my own security, of course. I have been married to you for seven years and helped build everything we have. There's no way I'm leaving empty-handed."

Adrian was deep in thought, but Yvette was losing her patience fast.

"The company belongs to Adrian. You didn't do anything. What makes you think you deserve such a big cut?" Yvette scoffed.

I replied with a cold laugh, "Because I'm his wife.

"I was with Adrian for the past seven years. I'm his rightful wife, and I've got every right to my share of our marital assets."

Yvette clearly hated the idea of me walking away with so much, but Adrian put his foot down for Yvette.

Adrian said, "Fine, sixty percent, just like you want. But hear me, Larissa—once you sign, there's no turning back. If you try to pull anything slick, don't expect any kindness from me."

He probably figured I was just playing games, so he leaned hard into his threat, making sure I got the message.

But when I signed the revised divorce agreement without even blinking, Adrian's face darkened.

I didn't hang onto him or make a tragic scene like I did in my previous life. That just made Adrian even more annoyed.

On the way to the courthouse, Adrian looked like someone had just stolen his fortune.

Even Yvette, the woman he adored, couldn't get more than a grunt out of him.

I didn't even bother with his attitude. I was about to cut ties with this jerk and start over. Honestly, I was buzzing with excitement.

Adrian was obscenely wealthy. After the divorce, I'd be rolling in billions.

I was seriously dumb in my previous life. With that kind of cash, I could've had any pretty boy I wanted.

There was no need to pour my heart out for this miserable jerk.

I was already plotting my post-divorce game plan. First, I was going to terminate this pregnancy.

Since I was finally cutting Adrian out of my life for good, there was no way I could be associated with him.

Once the divorce papers were in my hand and I recovered from the abortion, I would move on to another man. I heard Karchenina men were the symbols of romance.

I wanted to head to Karchen, hunt down some tall, hot, young eye candy, and let myself soak up all that charm everyone raved about.

I was all smiles inside, already daydreaming about my new life and all the fun waiting for me. The second we stepped into City Hall, I snatched the paperwork and scribbled my name.