Chapter 3

After finishing everything, I felt as if all my strength had been sucked out of me and slumped onto the couch.

As the sky darkened, not a single light was on in the villa, and everything was eerily quiet.

I gently touched my belly, feeling the presence of the little life growing inside me. Only then did a bit of warmth well up in my heart.

I reassured my baby in my heart, "Don't be afraid, baby. Mommy will protect you."

At ten o'clock that night, Ethan came home.

He reeked of alcohol, and when he saw me sitting in the dark, he looked a bit surprised.

"Why aren't the lights on?" he asked, flipping on the hallway light. The harsh glare made me squint uncomfortably.

He kicked off his shoes, tossed his coat onto the couch, and walked over. His voice was tired, with a hint of condescending gentleness. "I know I was out of line at the hospital today. But Rosa... she's been having a rough time at home lately, and I just wanted to comfort her."

Here we go again.

Back then, I might've softened at his rare apology, thrown myself into his arms, and said, "It's okay, I understand."

But now, I just felt sick to my stomach.

[Here comes the classic scumbag speech!]

[Gastling master at work: 'I did nothing wrong, but I'll say sorry just to keep you quiet.']

[Look, divorce papers on the table!]

Following the comments, my eyes landed on the coffee table. There, a document lay quietly, the bold words on the cover stabbing at my eyes, "Divorce Agreement."

So, he'd even prepared my final way out.

If I'd made a scene at the hospital today, if I'd lost the baby, this agreement would've gone into effect immediately. I'd be thrown out with nothing, making room for his and Rosalie's so-called "true love."

How considerate, how ruthless.

I curled my lips into a cold, mocking smile.

Ethan looked at me, confused by my laughter. He frowned, clearly annoyed. "What's so funny?"

I didn't answer him. Instead, I stood up, walked over to the coffee table, and picked up the divorce agreement.

I flipped through it page by page.

The terms were downright ruthless. Not only would I get nothing from our marriage, but even my own pre-marital assets had been tied up in so-called business investments. If we divorced, I'd walk away with absolutely nothing.

"Ethan," I said, looking up at him calmly, "you've been planning to divorce me for a while now, haven't you?"

His eyes flickered and he looked away. "What are you talking about? I just... wanted to cover all the bases."

"Just in case I, the 'evil side character,' mess up your and the 'leading lady's' happy ending?"

He stiffened at that.

He stared at me, searching my face. "What do you mean?"

[He's freaking out! He's starting to get suspicious!]

[Do it! Slam those papers right in his face! Tell him, 'I'm done with you, I'm out!']

With a loud snap, I shut the agreement and tossed it right back at him.

"Nothing," I said, my voice low but cold as ice. "Ethan, let's get a divorce."

This time, he was stunned, frozen in shock.

He probably thought I'd break down, throw a fit, or go hysterical, never in his wildest dreams did he expect me to ask for a divorce with such composure.

"Luna, what are you trying to pull now?" Ethan finally came to his senses, disbelief written all over his face.

"No games," I said, stepping right up to him, looking up with hollow, lifeless eyes. "I just don't love you anymore."

I don't love you anymore.

Those four words cut deeper than any accusation.

Ethan's face instantly drained of color.

Ethan grabbed my wrist, his grip so fierce it felt like he could crush my bones. He demanded, "Say that again?"

"I said, I don't love you anymore," I replied, forcefully pulling my hand away and stepping back to keep a safe distance between us. "So sign the papers and get out of my life."

I was done caring about his shock or pain. I turned away without another glance. I headed upstairs to pack the suitcase I'd already prepared.

Behind me, there was a deathly silence.

I stood there for what felt like forever, until a loud crash exploded from downstairs, something had definitely been smashed to pieces.

Then Ethan's voice thundered up in rage. "Luna, don't even think about it! As long as I say so, you'll never leave me, ever!"

My hand froze on the suitcase handle.

[Warning! The male lead's dark side points are maxing out, he's about to go full obsessive mode!]

[Run! He's about to lock the door!]

My heart clenched, and I didn't dare waste another second. I grabbed my suitcase and bolted downstairs.

Sure enough, Ethan was heading toward the front door, his eyes bloodshot, he looked like he was about to change the door code.

With his back turned, I summoned every bit of strength I had, rushed past him, yanked the door open, and escaped into the endless night.

His furious yelling followed me as I ran.

I didn't dare look back. I just kept running, running, until I finally jumped into the car that had been waiting for me by the curb.

The moment the car door closed behind me, I slumped down, completely drained.