Chapter 3

The next day, I went to find my dad.

As I pushed open the door, I realized my mom was home too, deep in conversation with my dad.

My dad was taken aback when he saw me.

"Is there something you need, Charlotte?" my dad asked.

I bit my lip, glancing at my mom, unsure if I should speak up. She caught my hesitation and stood up.

"Why don't you two talk? I'll go rest for a while," she said.

My dad looked a bit reluctant, but just watched as my mom left.

As soon as my mom left, I couldn't hold back anymore. "Dad, I want a divorce from Edward," I blurted out.

My dad looked completely shocked. I told him everything, crying as I spoke. He had always been weak to my tears. By the time I finished pouring out all my grievances, his brows were tightly knit.

"I understand, Charlotte. I'll talk to Edward for you. He's gone way too far this time," my dad said.

I shook my head hard. "I want a divorce. I don't want to talk to him anymore. He looks down on me."

My dad fell silent, and after I kept pressing him, he finally spoke up.

"Charlotte, don't be dramatic. This is just a minor issue. No need to go as far as divorce. Edward's busy with a project right now, and if you keep making a fuss, you'll just distract him," my dad said.

His words made my heart go cold.

I asked, "So even you think I'm just being unreasonable?"

My dad let out a sigh.

"Charlotte, you're grown up now, not a child anymore. You're not like your sister, who can run the company.

"In your marriage, you need to be the supportive wife at home and stand by Edward's side. If you keep causing drama like this, you'll only ruin your relationship," he said.

A sharp pain stabbed through my chest. I just couldn't understand how the family that once cherished me could suddenly treat me this way.

"Ever since Elizabeth came back, you've all changed. In your eyes, she's the perfect daughter, and I'm just clueless and good for nothing. You and Edward both think I'm beneath you, don't you?" I yelled.

My dad's gaze was resigned.

"Charlotte, don't be so stubborn. How could I ever think less of you? But the truth is, you're not a little girl anymore. You can't expect everyone to spoil you and cater to your moods like they did when you were a kid," he said.

"But you all said you'd always protect me and never let anything hurt me," I cried out.

He didn't say a word, just changed the subject, leaving me feeling even more alone.

"I'll have Edward join us for dinner tonight. I'll make him apologize, and that's the end of it," my dad said flatly.

I stood up, her voice shaking. "Even if none of you agree, I'm still leaving him. I don't need anyone telling me how to live my life anymore."

Just as I was about to leave, I saw my mom coming downstairs and overheard my dad's disappointed voice.

"You're right. I messed up raising her. I spoiled Charlotte so much. Now she's stubborn, selfish, always puts herself first," my dad said.

I felt like her heart had just plummeted to the bottom of a pit.

They were the ones who treated me like a princess, always saying I didn't have to lift a finger as long as I was happy.

But now, they were the ones who treated me with disdain. If this was going to be the case, they shouldn't have made those promises to me back then.

When I got home, I started packing my bags.

But after being spoiled for so many years, I couldn't even find where my clothes were kept. Rebecca hesitated, trying to talk me out of it.

"Mrs. Foster, Mr. Foster said you're not allowed to leave, and we're not allowed to help you pack," Rebecca said.

Gritting my teeth, I struggled to pack my things into the suitcase, determined to move out. Just then, William drove up to the house.

When he saw the suitcase in my hand, his face darkened. He marched over, snatched the suitcase from me, and threw it to the floor.

The suitcase burst open, and my clothes spilled everywhere.

"Charlotte, are you done with this nonsense?" William snapped.

I clenched my jaw, my eyes red from holding back tears.

"I'm not the one being dramatic. You're the ones who messed up. I'm divorcing Edward," I snapped.

William gave me a mocking look.

"Charlotte, you're twenty-eight, not eighteen. What's the point of acting out like this? We spoiled you when you were little, and now you don't even know how old you are anymore," he sneered.

My heart lurched, and I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. Head down, I bent to pick up my suitcase from the floor and said stubbornly.

"Fine, go ahead and hate me. I don't need you to care about me," I said.

I snapped the suitcase shut, and William scoffed coldly.

"Charlotte, if you're really moving out, just know you're not welcome here anymore. Dad's cutting you off, no more money. Once you're broke, let's see how long you can keep throwing these fits," he sneered.

I stood there, totally at a loss, my mind blank with confusion.

I had always relied on others since I was young and didn't know how to earn money or have any source of income. If I didn't have a place to live, I wouldn't even know how to rent an apartment.

Just then, Edward stormed in.

He spotted me crouched on the floor, grabbed my arm, and hauled me to my feet. His tone was ice-cold as he barked out orders.

"Take her back to her room. Watch her closely these next few days. Don't let her stir up any trouble," Edward commanded.

"Yes, sir," Rebecca answered.

I felt numb and lost, struggling as hard as I could, but it was useless. There was no way I could break free.

"William," I called out.

I looked over at William, but he just gave me a cold, indifferent stare.

"Charlotte, you really need to work on your attitude. If you were even a little bit as mature as Elizabeth, I wouldn't have to worry about you all the time," William said.

Tears streamed down my face as I broke down.

"William, please, don't lock me up. William," I cried.

As my cries echoed through the house, I was shut away in my room, the door closing on my pleas.

For three whole days, Edward kept me locked in my room. Only when I finally stopped fighting and gave up did he let me out.

Not a single person tried to help me. William and my dad just tossed me to Edward, letting him call all the shots. Even taking away my freedom was just business as usual for them.

Only then did I realize that if I ever wanted to break free from them, I'd have to do it on my own.

After three days locked away, I wasn't crying or causing a scene anymore. I looked Edward right in the eye.

I said, "I'm going to start my own business, Edward."