Chapter 3

Olivia dragged me out for an early celebration of my freedom, and even when it was almost dawn, she refused to let me go home or let me near my phone.

By the time I finally checked my messages, James had practically blown up my phone. His texts kept coming nonstop.

When I tried to reply, I found that he'd blocked me.

Whatever. I blocked him as well and deleted his number.

Out of sight, out of mind.

When I got home early the next morning, I spotted Sherry in the living room.

She was holding a plate of breakfast, and as soon as she saw me, she rushed over and grabbed my hand. "You're here, Eleanor. Come on, have a seat."

She looked every bit like she owned the place.

Sherry leaned in close and whispered in my ear, "Honestly, I should thank you for staying out all night, Eleanor. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have gotten to be here.

"But honestly, even if you were home, I would've shown up a little later anyway."

Then she gave me a smug look.

Sherry was radiant and adorable, while I, after years as a full-time wife devoted to James, had ended up with a sallow complexion and tired eyes.

In the past, seeing her would've made me feel small and force a bitter smile.

But this time, I didn't get angry as Sherry wanted. Instead, I just smiled lightly. "Oh, really? Well, feel free to stay. Make yourself at home."

I still had the divorce agreement Olivia had made in my bag, and honestly, I couldn't wait to show it to James.

Sherry kept clinging to my hand, pestering me to teach her how to make breakfast. She said once she learned, she'd make it for James.

James suddenly appeared. He came down the stairs and strode right between me and Sherry, blocking us off from each other.

He still had dark circles under his eyes and looked annoyed. "Eleanor, what are you trying to do to Sherry this time?"

Sherry shook her head. "James, don't be like that. Ellie didn't do anything to me."

Sherry was actually a year older than me, but hearing her act all cute made my stomach turn.

I took a step back. "Didn't you hear what Sherry said? I didn't do anything."

James's face grew even darker as he pointed at me and started yelling. "You think I'd believe you? I saw you try to push her.

"You've always had it out for her. She hasn't been around you for ages, and now you're trying to mess with her again?

"You actually tried to lay a hand on her right in front of me? You really are spoiled rotten!"

I only grabbed Sherry's hand for a moment, and James started yelling at me like I'd committed some huge crime.

How ridiculous.

Even Sherry was grinning smugly at me from behind James.

This wasn't the first time James was playing favorites. I remembered that amulet I'd made myself.

It was the first thing I'd ever tried to make, and I spent a whole week struggling with it before I finally finished.

I wrapped it up carefully and handed it to James while he was working, but all I got was a mocking comment. "It's as ugly and lame as you. Take it away."

I felt frustrated and made a silent vow to make something way better next time.

But before I could even grab it back, Sherry swooped in and took it. "It's adorable. Can I have it, Eleanor?"

She was acting all sweet and innocent, her eyes practically sparkling as she stared at the amulet.

James directly agreed for me.

Less than half a day later, I saw Sherry carelessly toss the amulet into the trash.

I was so furious that I marched right up to her and slapped her across the face, right in front of James's assistant.

Afterward, Sherry covered her face, whimpering and sniffling. "Eleanor snatched the amulet from me, forced it into the trash, and then slapped me.

"I have no idea why Eleanor is so mean to me. I swear I didn't do anything."

Even the assistant, who was the only witness, sided with her, saying I was way too harsh.

James was so disappointed in me that he kicked me out on the spot and told me never to show up in the company again.

I could only cry, begging James not to shut me out.

But James didn't budge. He turned to his assistant and ordered him to drive me home immediately.

If I could, I'd go back and slap myself for acting that way.

I stayed calm, skipped the explanations, and took out the divorce agreement. "Since you're home, sign this."

James was stunned, staring at the divorce agreement in his hands for ages. He gripped it so hard that the corner was all crumpled.

"Wow, you really went all out with your props, huh?" James sneered. Then he threw the agreement right in my face.

"You really think I'd buy this? You threaten me with divorce every time. You honestly think I won't do it?

"You didn't come home last night and ignored all my calls and texts. I haven't even started with you yet. There's only so much drama I'm willing to put up with."

I reached out and caught the piece of paper as it fell, not bothering to argue. "I mean it this time."

I stubbornly handed the divorce agreement to James again, repeating myself. "I really want a divorce.

"Since you like Sherry so much, maybe I should just let you two be together."

James suddenly exploded with rage, ripping the divorce agreement to shreds right in front of me. "There's nothing going on between me and Sherry. You just love making up crap about us!"

Sherry's smile vanished, replaced by a look of pure shock. "James..."

James didn't even bother to look at her. He went on, "Don't ever pull this kind of stunt again. I'll pretend this has never happened today."

With that, James grabbed the keys from the table and marched out the door. "Take some time to cool off today. I advise you to think twice about what you're doing. Where can you go if you really get divorced?"

Sherry couldn't get a word in, so she hurried after James.