Chapter 3

Of course, the real issue was talking about the divorce first.

Michael showed up, with Lily sticking to him like glue. She affectionately linked her arm through his, her baby bump practically a trophy she wore with pride.

I tried to keep my voice calm, with a touch of nostalgia. "Michael, do you remember? When we first moved in, we didn't have a real dining table. We just sat on cardboard boxes, eating instant noodles. You said you'd give me a better life."

I started counting all the memories we'd shared. I spoke slowly, my eyes locked on his face. I was hoping to catch even a hint of emotion on his face.

If he still had a shred of conscience left, if he even showed the slightest bit of remorse, maybe my plans for what came next would've changed. And maybe his sorry ass would've been safe for a little longer.

I ended up disappointed.

He just looked annoyed and cut me off. "Can we not talk about the past? I'm here to discuss the divorce."

That last tiny spark of hope inside me just fizzled out. Alright then. Guess that means I can move forward without a shred of guilt weighing me down.

I lowered my head, my shoulders trembling, my eyes rimmed with red. "Alright, I get it. I was the one holding on too tight. But let's face it, you're the one who hurt me, aren't you? Honestly, I've been working hard for a promotion lately.

"My boss is obsessed with whether his employees have a happy family. The company's annual party is next week. Michael, just this once, for what we had, come with me and show up at the party.

"If you do, I'll sign the divorce papers the very next day. You'll never hear from me again!" Pulled the classic move, retreating to advance, playing the victim, and sweetening the pot. Sure enough, Michael wavered.

But Lily was on high alert and shot back. "No way! Who knows what you're trying to pull? What if you use this chance to mess with Michael again?"

Lily's eyes lit up with a wicked idea, and she threw out an even more ruthless demand.

"Alright, if you want Michael to play along, you need to hand back all those luxury handbags, jewelry, and whatever else you claimed from him before. Think of it as a deposit to prove you're not shady!"

My face twisted with hesitation. "Those were gifts he gave me because he wanted to. They belong to me."

"Hmph. Yeah, right, you just kept coming up with tricks to get him to buy you stuff!"

The tension was thick in the air. Nobody was backing down. My chest was tight with anger as I stood up abruptly. "I need to hit the bathroom and cool off for a minute."

As soon as I got into the bathroom and locked the door, I whipped out my phone.

"Boss, the side chick is forcing me to hand over all the bags and jewelry Michael bought me before she'll agree to let him go to the annual party. I'm not giving in, and we're still deadlocked."

Ethan replied almost instantly, "How much are they worth?"

I thought for a second. "Around 6 thousand, give or take."

My phone buzzed. Three hundred thousand dollars just landed in my account.

Ethan messaged, "Quit stalling. Stick to the plan."

Staring at all those zeros in my account, all my worries vanished in an instant. Just like that, I felt totally at peace.

I deliberately rubbed my eyes in front of the mirror, just to make them look even redder. And then I put on my best heartbroken face and walked out, looking like I was painfully giving up something dear.

"I've made up my mind. I'm serious about being independent now. I'm done with all these things."

Lily was eyeing me with suspicion, while Michael looked genuinely shocked as I opened up my safe. I pulled out each luxury bag and piece of jewelry, setting them out on the bed for all to see. "Here they are. Every last one," I said.

Lily stepped up, checking each bag and piece of jewelry like she was appraising loot.

Once she confirmed everything was legit and in top shape, she grinned like she'd just hit the jackpot. "Alright, since you're finally playing ball, Michael, you can go with her this time," Lily said, sounding all smug.

But she whipped around to Michael, going full-on control freak. "At the annual party, you better answer my texts the second I send them. I want you to video call me and show me where you are and who you're hanging out with. Got it?"

Michael nodded so fast he looked like he didn't dare say no, totally eager to please.