Chapter 2

Edward and I had an arranged marriage, a family alliance. Our wedding tied the Sinclair and Foster families together as strong partners.

After Elizabeth came back, my dad brought her into the family company. She proposed a new project, and Edward was so taken with her ideas that he agreed to invest right away.

The two of them spent every day at the office, sometimes working so late they didn't even come home.

I'd had several arguments with Edward about it. He used to coax me when I got upset, but now he just looked tired and brushed me off, telling me not to make a fuss.

I could see that Edward had changed.

His heart had changed.

After Edward left, I was in a terrible mood all day. By evening, I couldn't take it anymore. I just had to go see him at the office myself.

The driver dropped me off, and I made my way upstairs, my heels clicking on the steps. The whole place was deserted. Everyone had already left for the day, and the only light on was coming from Edward's office.

I snuck in quietly and stood just outside his office, eavesdropping through the crack in the door to catch their conversation.

Inside, Edward and Elizabeth were sitting across from each other, both smiling, chatting, and laughing like they didn't have a care in the world.

A sharp pang hit me as I overheard Elizabeth speak.

"Mr. Foster, you're still not heading home? Isn't your wife going to get jealous?" she said playfully.

Edward's brow furrowed slightly.

"Just ignore her," he replied.

Elizabeth grinned. "Rebecca told me Charlotte's been pretty mad lately. Maybe you should go home and check on her."

Edward gave a dismissive snort, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Jealous? She's nothing without me. Charlotte's just like a spoiled little pet, useless and caged," he sneered.

I stood there, stunned, barely able to believe what I'd just heard. My eyes widened in disbelief, and my whole body shook.

Edward actually saw me this way.

Fury bubbled up inside me, tears threatening to spill. I was about to burst in and demand answers, but before I could move, another man's voice suddenly interrupted everything.

"Charlotte's getting out of hand. Maybe it's time she got a taste of reality," he said.

The voice was instantly familiar. As he moved, I finally saw his face.

It was my doting brother, William, standing there, cool as ever.

"Charlotte's not a little girl anymore. If she keeps blowing up over every little thing, who's going to tolerate her? Toughening her up a bit will be good for her," William said.

I covered my mouth with my hand, my face pale as a sheet. I could barely stand.

My movement must have caught their attention. Edward's eyes snapped to the door, sharp and alert.

"Who's there?" he called out.

I was shaking, stumbling back a few steps. I, always so proud, actually ran away like a coward.

My pride wouldn't let me stay. I couldn't bear Elizabeth's pitying gaze.

I ran off, tears streaming down my face.

In the car on the way home, I just broke down and cried my heart out.

Edward really thinks so little of me, and even William, who always spoiled me, was taking their side now.

None of them loved me anymore.

It was almost midnight when Edward finally came home.

I was sitting in the living room when he walked in. He didn't say a word, just took off his coat and hung it up.

My eyes were red and swollen, but before I could even start questioning him, he spoke first.

"Did you go to the office today?" he asked, his voice icy.

I clenched my jaw, shooting him a glare, refusing to back down.

"Yes, I did," I shot back.

Edward let out a sigh, looking helpless.

"It was you at the door, wasn't it?" he said.

"So? If I hadn't gone to the office today, I never would've known you think I'm so worthless. If you have so little respect for me, then why did you even marry me? You never loved me, did you?" I shouted.

As I spoke, tears welled up in my eyes again, a mix of humiliation and fury.

Edward rubbed his temples, looking frustrated.

"Charlotte, I'm really tired. I don't want to talk about this anymore. I've got so much going on lately and don't have time for all this drama. Can you please stop fussing?" he said.

My heart clenched; I just couldn't believe it.

"A small thing?

"You call something this serious a small thing? Do I even matter to you at all?" I demanded.

Edward frowned at me, like I was just making a scene.

"I'm going to bed. If you're feeling upset these days, why don't you take a break and go somewhere to relax? I'll book the tickets for you," he said.

He turned to leave, but I called out after him.

"Edward, I want a divorce. Is that just another 'small thing' to you?" I yelled.

Edward stiffened for a moment, then turned to face me, giving a cold, mocking laugh.

"Divorce me? You really think you can? Tell me, am I wrong? All these years, haven't I been the one supporting you? Charlotte, you don't know how to do anything by yourself. Without me, what could you possibly do?" he sneered.

I was stunned. Edward's voice grew gentle, as if he was trying to comfort me, but there wasn't a trace of warmth in his eyes. He looked at me like I was nothing more than his pampered pet.

"Just behave yourself, Charlotte. When I'm done with work, I'll take you out," he said.

Edward disappeared into his room, leaving me alone in the living room. I just sat there all night, staring blankly. I was done hoping for anything from him.