Chapter 4

On the third day after our wedding, Scarlett showed up.

She wore a white dress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, and a light touch of makeup that made her look as innocent as a white blossom.

She was carrying a thermos in her hand.

"Nadia, I made some soup for you guys," she said, standing at the door with a gentle, caring smile.

When Veronica saw her, her face broke into a radiant smile. "Scarlett, welcome.

"Come on in and have a seat. You've just recovered. Why are you out and about already?"

Scarlett said sweetly as she gently took Veronica's arm, "Veronica, I'm much better now. I wanted to check in on Nadia and Milton."

Milton came down the stairs then, and the moment he saw Scarlett, his whole expression changed.

I'd never seen him look at anyone with that kind of tenderness before.

"Scarlett, what brings you here? It's windy outside, and you've JUST recovered. Don't let the wind get to you," he said, walking over and naturally taking the thermos from her hand.

"It's really nothing, Milton," Scarlett replied, lowering her head with a gentle smile.

Her voice was soft as she added, "I made some rib soup for you all. Would you like to try it?"

I stood by the stairs, watching all this play out, and couldn't help but find it ironic.

That was my husband and my sister right there.

They were putting on their little act of tenderness right in front of me.

Back then, whenever I saw scenes like this, my eyes would get red and I'd sneak off to my room to cry in secret.

This time, I went straight downstairs, smiling as I walked over. "Scarlett, welcome. Perfect timing. I'm heading out soon, so you two take your time."

Scarlett glanced up at me, a flicker of triumph in her eyes, though her words were all polite. "Nadia, you're heading out? Am I interrupting you two?"

I said, waving it off, "No, not at all. I'm meeting a friend for some shopping. You guys go ahead and catch up."

Milton shot me a look, his brows knitting together. "Out again?"

"Yeah, staying home is too dull," I replied.

I didn't give him a chance to say anything else. I grabbed my bag and headed straight out the door.

I heard Scarlett call out behind me, her voice soft and a little pitiful, "Milton, is Nadia upset that I came? Should I go then?"

Milton said coolly, "Ignore her. Stay and have dinner with us."

I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath.

Scarlett thought I was upset.

Honestly, I couldn't be happier.

I wished that the two of you would stick together every day, so I wouldn't have to keep pretending at home.

I grabbed a cab to the venture capital company Jordan had set me up with and spent three hours in talks with the investors.

They were seriously interested in the AK Lab project and were ready to put in 60 million dollars for a 20% share on the spot.

With the 15 million dollars my father left me, plus this new 60 million, it was more than enough to launch phase one of development.

By the time I left the company, it was already dark outside.

I was standing by the curb, waiting for a cab, when my phone rang.

It was Milton.

"Where are you?" he asked, his voice cold.

"Out," I replied.

"Do you know what time it is? Why aren't you home yet?" Milton pressed.

I glanced at the clock, it was already 8 PM.

"I'm coming back now," I replied.

After hanging up, I grabbed a cab and headed back to the villa.

When I walked in, Scarlett was still there.

She was sitting on the couch, with Milton right beside her, the two of them watching TV together. Veronica had already gone to her room to rest.

As soon as she saw me, Scarlett stood up quickly. "Nadia, you're back! I saved some soup for you. You just need to warm it up."

I said, slipping on my slippers, "No need. I already ate. You two go ahead and watch the TV. I'm heading upstairs."

"Nadia," Milton called out, stopping me in my tracks.

I turned around.

He looked at me, his eyes unreadable. "Scarlett's staying over tonight. The guest room's all set."

"Alright." I nodded. "I'll have the housekeeper bring up an extra blanket."

With that, I headed upstairs.

There was a moment of quiet behind me, then Scarlett spoke softly. "Milton, is Nadia upset?"

"Nah, that's how she is," Milton said.

I closed my bedroom door, leaned against it, and pulled out my phone to text Jordan.

[Jordan, the funding's all set. We're signing the contract tomorrow.]

Jordan replied almost instantly: [Awesome! Nadia, your dad's watching from above. He'd be so proud of you.]

I smiled and replied: [Thanks, Jordan.]

Then I opened up the system panel and took a quick look.

[Regret Points: 5

[Available Skills: None

[Next Quest: Divorce Countdown. 1094 days until the divorce storyline kicks in.]

1094 days was roughly about three years.

I was fine with the wait.

[Mindset stable. 'Medical Mastery' skill set unlocked.]

Suddenly, waves of medical knowledge poured into my mind, everything from basic anatomy to genetic engineering, clinical pharmacology to surgical techniques, all flooding in at once.

I grabbed the bedside table to steady myself, taking a few deep breaths.

When the dizziness finally passed, I opened my eyes and realized my grasp of medicine had leveled up completely.

[Medical Mastery: You've mastered the world's top medical technologies and knowledge systems. Host can use it anytime.]

I walked over to the window and pushed it open. The night breeze drifted in, carrying the crisp chill of early autumn.

Milton's villa garden was massive, lit up by the garden lights, making the lawn look gorgeous.

But I knew this beautiful cage could never hold me.