Chapter 7

Joan's words really struck a chord with me.

I nodded firmly. "I got it."

"Good." Joan smiled. "Let's make a plan.

"First, about the divorce.

"Don't bring it up for now. Hardy's got a huge ego. The more you push him, the more he'll fight back.

"From now on, you need to act.

"You have to make him think that you only brought up divorce because you were hurt by his 'embarrassing him' comment.

"You need to act weak, make him let his guard down again.

"Only then will we have a chance to gather more evidence against him."

I froze. "Act?"

"That's right." Joan's gaze was icy. "With a guy like him, you don't need to be genuine. He's been pretending for five years, so why can't you play along for a bit?"

"Second, let's talk about your interview with Peak Group.

"You need to be totally ready. The director is giving you another shot, so you have to prove she didn't misjudge you.

"Take all your college projects and polish them up. Use the latest software to create some 3D renderings.

"Get familiar with every award-winning case Peak Group has had in the last three years.

"You need to show the director that your five-year break was just you hitting pause, not stop.

"Third, and this is the most important thing. Starting now, you need to look out for yourself.

"Don't give Hardy any more chances to hurt you, not with his words, not with his actions.

"Remember, everything you're doing is to take your life back."

Joan carefully mapped out my way forward.

I looked at her, the girl who used to share instant food and late-night dreams with me in our dorm. Now, she'd grown into a strong tree, shielding me from the wind and rain.

And I had to work hard, too, to become a tree again, not just a clinging vine.

"Joan, about the lawyer's fees..." I felt embarrassed.

Right now, I barely had any cash. I only had the supplementary card Hardy gave me.

Joan laughed, just like she used to in college. "Come on, don't worry about it. When you win the case, just give me ten percent of whatever you get from Hardy."

She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat. "Go on, Yolanda. It's time to rebuild your wings, feather by feather."

Once Joan left, I sat alone in the spacious villa. For the first time in ages, my heart felt more settled than ever before.

I went back to the study and booted up my computer. I started frantically downloading new software and searching for design references.

I immersed myself in the world of design.

The lines, colors, and spatial structures I'd once forgotten gradually returned to my mind.

I found my focus again, and the happiness I'd been missing for so long.

*****

Late at night, I heard a car engine rumbling downstairs.

Hardy was back.

I shut down my computer, took a deep breath, and headed downstairs.

He was in the foyer, changing his shoes. He looked worn out.

When he saw me, he paused for a second, his gaze complicated.

He probably expected me to be either waiting for him in the bedroom or already asleep, like I always did before.

I walked up to him and took his suit jacket for him.

"You're back," I said, my voice gentle and soft.

Hardy didn't say anything and just looked at me.

I lowered my eyes, my voice soft and a little hurt. "It was my fault today.

"I shouldn't have gotten upset with you.

"I know you were just trying to help me.

"I won't go out looking for a job anymore. I'll stay home with you. Is that alright?"

I looked up at him, tears welling in my eyes, trying to look as vulnerable and helpless as possible.

This vulnerable look was my specialty for the past five years.

Hardy looked at me, and the icy look in his eyes began to thaw.

He sighed and pulled me into his arms. "Dummy."

His hand gently patted my back. "I was a bit harsh today. Don't let it get to you.

"I was too worried about you. I didn't want you to go out and suffer."

His voice was back to the gentle tone I remembered, as if the angry, controlling man from earlier was nothing but a bad dream.

I buried my face in his chest, a sneer creeping across my lips.

Hardy, the real show was just beginning.

*****

For the next few days, I played my double life to perfection, making sure not a single detail slipped through the cracks.

Whenever Hardy was around, I became his obedient trophy wife all over again.

Before he left for work, I'd make sure his tie and cufflinks were perfectly matched.

When he got home, I'd have his favorite aromatherapy and slippers ready for him.

I'd cling to his arm, listening to all his stories from the office.

Whenever he looked tired, I'd give him a gentle temple massage.

I stopped mentioning work or divorce, like that argument never even happened.

Hardy was more than pleased with my sudden change.

His smiles became more frequent, and his attitude toward me grew even more indulgent.

He bought me a red convertible.

"Do you like it? Next time you go shopping with your friends, take this one." Hardy handed me the keys, with a hint of showing off in his voice.

It was as if he was showing me that whatever I wanted, he could give it to me, no sweat.

I smiled and took the keys. "Thanks, honey. I really love it."

He thought this car was his latest way to keep me chained up, but he had no idea that it was actually my ticket to freedom.