Chapter 2

Olivia had several fractures in her left arm from the crash, but thankfully, the baby was unharmed.

She stayed in the hospital for a few days as the doctor ordered, but Ethan didn't bother to call her, not even once.

On the day she was discharged, Olivia had the housekeeper bring her the divorce papers. She flipped to the last page, signed her name, and then headed straight to the courthouse.

"Can you help me file for divorce?" she asked the clerk.

Less than three months after they got married, Ethan had already given her divorce papers with his signature, asking if she wanted out.

Back then, she shook her head and said she wanted to stay married to Ethan.

Now that she thought about it, she remembered how Ethan's expression changed the moment she said that. He wanted a divorce, but she refused, and ended up keeping him stuck in a marriage he never wanted.

But now, she was finally going to give Ethan what he wanted.

"The divorce papers are valid," the clerk said, quickly processing everything for Olivia. "You can come pick up your divorce certificate in thirty days."

"Thank you," Olivia replied.

After finishing up, Olivia headed home. As she walked in, she caught the sound of laughter coming from the living room.

In the living room, Ethan was tearing up some chicken breast and feeding Vanessa's kitten. The whole vibe was warm and homey.

"Olivia, long time no see," Vanessa said with a smile.

Vanessa smiled at Olivia, "Back when Ethan and I were dating, you always helped carry my bags and cleaned my shoes. I still remember your pineapple cake. It was so good."

Ethan spoke gently, "If you want some, she can whip one up for you right now."

"But she's your wife now." Vanessa said, sounding genuinely surprised.

"Doesn't matter. She's good at playing maid," Ethan replied, his voice cold and dismissive.

Olivia always thought she didn't love Ethan anymore, that his words couldn't hurt her. But hearing him put her down like that, it was like getting stabbed right in the heart.

The pain was suffocating; she could barely breathe.

To Ethan, even as Mrs. Sterling, she was still just the housekeeper's daughter. She'd never measure up to Vanessa.

"Vanessa's staying with us for a while, so you'll handle her meals," Ethan said coolly. "She can't stand peanuts or garlic, and only drinks coconut water that's freshly cracked."

Vanessa blushed. "Didn't think you'd remember all my food preferences."

"Not just now, I won't ever forget," Ethan said, locking eyes with her, his gaze intense with emotion.

Olivia walked calmly into the kitchen.

For all she cared, Ethan could let Vanessa stay here forever.

Once the divorce certificate came through, she'd be free at last.

Olivia brought the pineapple cake into the living room. But as soon as she got close to the kitten in Vanessa's arms, her throat started to itch, and she instinctively stepped back a few paces.

Vanessa smiled, "Don't worry, Olivia. Olive's super gentle. Ethan gave her to me."

Then Vanessa handed the kitten over. "Taking care of people and cats isn't all that different, right? Would you mind giving Olive a bath tonight?"

Ethan knew Olivia's name, but still let Vanessa name the kitten Olive, like he was rubbing it in.

Olivia felt humiliation creeping up inside her, sharp and cold.

She clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms, her voice shaky as she spoke.

"I can't. I'm allergic to cats," Olivia said, barely keeping her voice steady.

Vanessa bit her lip and stood up. "Guess I'll just take Olive with me, then."

Ethan quickly grabbed her hand, then shot Olivia a cold, annoyed look. "Olivia, stop being dramatic. If you're really allergic, just take some allergy meds."

Olivia couldn't help but protest, "I'm pregnant. I can't just take any medicine."

"Two pills won't hurt the baby," Ethan said coolly, completely unconcerned. Then, making sure she didn't forget, he added, "Olivia, remember who got your grandma the meds she needed."

Olivia's breath caught.

For her grandma's sake, she finally swallowed her pride. "Fine."

The kitten looked all sweet and innocent, but when it came to Olivia, it turned vicious. While she tried to bathe it, her arm ended up with four or five bloody scratches, the wounds stinging as blood trickled down.

But she just had to suck it up. The next morning, she went to the hospital by herself to get her shots.

When Olivia came back, her arm still stinging from the scratches and covered in bandages, Vanessa's eyes were red and pleading as she begged, "Olivia, I'm sorry, I won't make you do anything for me again. Please, just give Olive back to me, alright?"

"What are you talking about?" Olivia blinked, confused.

"Mr. Sterling, we found the kitten, but..." The housekeeper walked in, carrying a bag, the blood stains on it already dried and crusty.

Vanessa told the housekeeper, "Open it."

In the next instant, Vanessa screamed and collapsed straight into Ethan's arms.

Inside the bag was the kitten, its skin peeled off, a bloody mess so horrifying that Olivia instinctively stepped back, her stomach twisting in shock.

"Olivia, are you even human?" Ethan barked, his face twisted with rage.

"It wasn't me! I went to the hospital this morning for a rabies shot," Olivia pleaded, her voice shaky with desperation. "Go check the villa's security cameras if you don't believe me."