Chapter 3

After what felt like forever, my dad was finally wheeled out.

The nurse wheeled my dad into the hospital room.

The doctor pulled off his mask and said to me, "Based on the test results, your father has stomach cancer. It's a complicated case. His condition isn't ideal, but treatment is still possible.

"Make sure to pay and finalize the treatment plan ASAP. The faster you act, the better. Otherwise, it'll get messy."

I stumbled back a few steps, my voice shaking as I asked, "What?" It was all I could manage.

The doctor repeated himself, then left in a hurry since other patients were waiting.

I slid down the wall and crouched on the floor, the constant beeping and whirring of hospital machines filling my ears. I swore I could hear the Grim Reaper laughing.

I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down in utter despair.

Didn't they say good is rewarded with good? Then why did my dad have to suffer like this?

After a long moment, I pulled out my phone and called Lucas.

He said money could repay a debt of gratitude, so I'd ask him for money.

It wasn't Lucas who picked up. It was Sophia. She said, "Hello?"

At this hour, Lucas should be at the office.

Did he bring Sophia to work, or has he just been with her all morning and skipped work?

I didn't say a word.

Sophia sounded confused as she pressed, "Who is this? Are you looking for Lucas? He's just getting ready. He'll be at the office soon."

Annoyance prickled at me. I hung up, clearly irritated.

I grabbed a cab and went straight to the Sterling Group, waiting out front for Lucas.

The winter sunlight was thin, offering no warmth at all.

I sat on the flower bed outside the Sterling Group, my hands and feet numb from the cold.

Finally, after an hour, Lucas's car pulled up in front of the Sterling Group.

I stood up, ready to walk over.

But when Lucas got out, he was carrying Sophia's daughter in his arms.

Sophia hopped out of the passenger seat.

She was rocking the latest spring fashion, her hair smooth and shiny over her shoulders, lips bright red, teeth sparkling. She looked like she was on top of the world.

Sophia was the very picture of privilege. Every inch of her screamed luxury and high society.

Meanwhile, I was just a walking shadow, hollowed out and dead inside.

As Sophia linked arms with Lucas, she caught a glimpse of me standing by the flower bed.

She instinctively let go of his arm, lowered her head, and said quietly, "Hannah's here."

Lucas followed her gaze, and the moment he saw me, his eyes darkened with anger.

"Don't bother with her. Let's go," Lucas said, not even glancing my way.

I watched his retreating figure and called out, keeping my voice steady, "Lucas, I need to talk to you."

He stopped and looked at me with clear annoyance. He asked, "What could you possibly want, other than stirring up trouble?"

The little girl in his arms gazed at me with clear, curious eyes.

It was like I was ruining their perfect family moment.

I gave a bitter laugh and said, "I'm here about the divorce."

Sophia looked a little surprised. She gently took her daughter from Lucas. and said, "I'll take her upstairs first. You and Hannah should have a proper talk. Don't start fighting just because of me.

"Divorce isn't something you mess around with. Try to calm her down, okay?"

Lucas sneered, "Did you forget how she cursed you and your kid?"

Sophia smiled softly and said, "Honestly, if I were Hannah, I couldn't stand it either. It's really not a big deal. Just explain things to her, Lucas."

With that, Sophia gave Lucas a reassuring smile, then walked into the Sterling Group building with her daughter in her arms.

Lucas kept his eyes on Sophia and her daughter, watching them until the elevator doors finally closed.

Look at him. He really couldn't wait to play daddy for someone else's kid, huh?

I said, "I'll be waiting for you at the café next door."

Inside the café, I slid the divorce papers I'd already printed across the table to Lucas.

Lucas opened the papers with a bored look, scanning them for a moment.

Then he let out a cold laugh. He sneered, "7 million? So you're finally dropping the act and asking for cash?"

I kept my eyes on the coffee in my cup and said, "You owe me this."

I looked as pale as a ghost, my eyes swollen and red.

Barely holding it together, choking down the pain.

Lucas stared at me for a few seconds, then turned his head slightly and asked, "What's wrong with you?"

See? If he really wanted to know, he never missed the signs in my mood.

His voice was gentle, carrying an unexpected softness, as if he still cared about me, just like he used to.

But I knew that wasn't true.

I gave a faint smile and said, "You know me well, don't you? I'd rather shatter than settle for damaged goods. Now that you're stained, I'm done."

My words clearly set Lucas off. His face turned cold, and he sneered, "Like you're any better? Rushing to get divorced, just like your mom, already got your next guy lined up, haven't you?"

Funny how the ones who knew me best always knew exactly where to twist the knife.

My heart clenched, disappointment in Lucas hitting me like a punch to the gut.

I forced down the bitterness in my throat and said evenly, "I've already signed. Once you put your name on it, we'll be officially divorced tomorrow."

I pushed my chair back, ready to walk out.