Chapter 3

After Alison got discharged, she only did two things.

First, she requested a work transfer abroad, scheduled for two weeks later.

Second, she handed Harrison the divorce papers to end their marriage.

Back then, Harrison told her that being married to the captain of the rescue team meant she'd never survive the endless loneliness.

He had her sign the divorce papers right away to save himself the hassle if she ever wanted out, so his work wouldn't be interrupted.

Alison stashed those papers deep in her safe, swearing to herself they'd never see the light of day.

"Our marriage will last forever," she once promised herself.

She never imagined they'd come in handy so soon.

Swallowing back the bitterness in her throat, Alison took the divorce papers and headed straight to the courthouse.

"Hello, I'd like to file for divorce," Alison said to the clerk.

The clerk frowned. "Ms. Bradley, you and Mr. Potter already got divorced a year ago."

Alison's mind went completely blank. It was like everything stopped for a second before she could react. "What did you say?"

The clerk pulled up the records and explained, "A year ago, Mr. Potter divorced you, and on that very same day, he registered to marry Mrs. Iliana White."

The clerk turned the screen toward her, and Alison stared at it, her nails digging into her palms.

She'd finally worked up the courage to leave Harrison, only to find out he'd already dumped her, behind her back, without her knowing.

'So, I was the mistress this whole time?' Alison thought.

Alison felt like all the strength had been drained from her. When she got back to the Potter residence, Stella was sitting on the couch, looking pissed.

"Where have you been? Harrison busts his back day and night for this family, and you call yourself his wife? You're never home. Are you sneaking off to see some other guy?" Stella snapped.

She snatched up a cup from the table and hurled it at Alison.

Alison's forehead throbbed with pain as warm blood slowly ran down her face.

Alison lifted her head, staring at Stella, her mother-in-law she'd spent seven years looking after. "Stella, do you know Harrison's been seeing someone else?"

Stella's face flickered with discomfort. "Oh, stop with the crazy talk. You're bored and making stuff up. Harrison's buddy got hurt and is in the hospital.

"Didn't you pass that nutritionist exam? Go make some soup. He'll swing by in half an hour to grab it."

All the ingredients were already bought and piled up in the kitchen.

Alison used to be a pampered young lady who never lifted a finger for chores.

But seeing how hard Harrison worked, braving the wind and rain, she went out of her way to get a nutritionist certification to make healthy meals for him.

Alison never imagined that one day, all that effort would end up being used to take care of the other woman.

"No," Alison replied, her voice hoarse and weary. "I'm not feeling well."

She went back to the bedroom, shutting out Stella's ranting.

Stella called Harrison, her voice choked with sobs. "That barren hen of yours has lost her mind. I told her to make soup for Iliana, and she hid in her room, making up excuses to slack off."

Harrison rubbed his temples. "I'm coming home now."

Alison heard the bedroom door open and close.

Harrison stood by the bed, shooting her a disapproving look. "What are you making a fuss about now?"

Alison thought, 'So, if I don't do what Harrison wants, I'm making a fuss?'

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked up at Harrison. "I won't make a fuss anymore."

Five minutes ago, her company had already approved her transfer.

In two weeks, she'd be leaving Riverside for good, never to return, making way for Harrison and Iliana.

"Harrison? Which room am I staying in?" Iliana called out from the living room.

Alison couldn't believe her ears. She snapped her head up, staring at Harrison in utter disbelief. "You let Iliana move into our home?"

"The earthquake hit everywhere, and Iliana's place was right at the epicenter. I was worried about her safety, so I let her stay here for a while," Harrison said.

"This is my home. My parents left it to me!" Alison was so furious that her whole body trembled.

Seven years ago, during the earthquake, her parents shielded her with their own bodies.

"Alison, you have to survive," her mom's voice shaking with fear and love.

"Alison, as long as this house stands, we will always be here for you," her dad said.

This house was Alison's only lifeline, and now Harrison had let Iliana move in.

Harrison shot her a disapproving look. "Are you still hoping to find your parents' bodies?"

His words hit Alison like a punch, and she fell silent.

For seven years, Alison had begged Harrison over and over to help her find her parents' bodies, but every time, he coldly refused, saying he couldn't waste rescue resources.

And now, he was using the search for her parents as a bargaining chip against her.

"Once Iliana has the baby and has something to keep her going, I'll divorce her and come back to you. If you agree to look after Iliana for a month, I'll help you find your parents' bodies," Harrison continued.

Alison felt like every ounce of strength had been sucked out of her. She collapsed onto the bed, her spirit crushed.

Behind her, Iliana pushed open the master bedroom door. When she saw Alison, she frowned, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "Why is she here?"

Harrison explained gently, "My mom felt bad for her after she lost the baby, so she told her to help out and take care of you as a maid."