Chapter 2
I walked for what felt like forever, stomach heavy and aching, before finally making it out of the villa complex and catching a cab.
Before I got in, I looked back one last time.
Maybe this is the best way for things to end.
At least I won’t be like I was in my last life–risking everything for a man who never cared about me.
I couldn’t go back to my parent’s place, so I returned to the tiny apartment I’d lived in before I got married.
I threw myself into cleaning. Washed the sheets and blankets, wiped down every inch of the place–floors, counters, even the cracks in the walls. I kept scrubbing until there was nothing left to clean.
When I finally stopped, it was midnight.
A sharp pain stabbed through my stomach.
I curled up in bed with a pillow, suddenly feeling completely exhausted.
My face felt damp. I reached up to wipe it and realized–I’d been crying.
Ten years of love ended just like that. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept turning over the same question, should I keep the baby?
Meanwhile, Fred was enjoying his new romance with Nelly.
The popular actress had been showing off her happiness lately on social media – sharing pictures of candlelight din- ners, jewelry, and designer bags.
I recognized the backgrounds in her photos. That was my house. My old bedroom.
One of the photos even showed the tall, strong silhouette of a man reflected in the kitchen window, preparing a late- night snack.
Fans went wild.
I, however, was stunned.
This was the same man who wouldn’t even pour me water when I had a fever. Now he was playing chef for someone else.
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22:51
Chapter 2
A week later, on Monday, I waited until the board meeting at Burnett Group started before returning to the villa.
I quickly gathered my things, grabbed my ID, and went downstairs.
But I bumped into Fred, who had rushed back.
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When he noticed what I was holding, he sneered, snatched my luggage, and tossed it aside.
I frowned and stared at him. “What’s your problem?”
He looked annoyed. “Tania, seriously? Running away from home like a teenager?
“What’s next? Threatening me with your life like before?”
Fred frowned deeply, his face filled with disgust as he snapped at me.
“Why would I even think of suicide?” I said, gripping the railing tightly.
Back then, I was desperate. I’d used every trick I could, even putting my life on the line just to keep him from walking
away.
But after everything I’d been through, I finally understood. Staying alive matters most. I never want to feel that hope- less again.
Especially not for someone like Fred, who never had a heart to begin with.
He scoffed. “What now? Got another trick up your sleeve? I’ve got no time for your drama.
“Those stunts might’ve worked once or twice, but do it too many times and it’s just like crying wolf.”
I looked him straight in the eye. “Relax. I’m just here to pack up and leave.
“Fred, I want a divorce.”
He looked stunned for a second, and then his face twisted in irritation.
“Divorce? You’re carrying the Burnett family’s child, and now you’re talking about divorce? You think just because you’re carrying my kid, you can throw your weight around?”
I didn’t say a word. I quietly made my way down the stairs, pulled out the divorce papers I’d prepared, and held them out to him.
“I’m serious. I’m done. I don’t want anything–just my freedom.”
We’d been married for six years. But outside of basic upkeep on the house, he never really spent money on me.
To the world, I was Mrs. Burnett–rich and respected. But only I knew I was paying my way with the money I earned from my online writing.
Since I hadn’t spent a dime of Fred’s money during our marriage, I saw no reason to start now–especially not while walking away.
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22:44
Chapter 2
Fred skimmed through the papers, his expression unreadable, then set them aside without a word.
A cold, mocking laugh slipped from his throat, the sound sharp enough to sting.
“You’re really walking away with nothing? Tania, are you still that naive at thirty?”
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He tossed the divorce papers onto the coffee table like they meant nothing, then suddenly stood and walked toward
d and me, his shadow swallowing me whole.
“Without the Burnett family behind you, your father and brother won’t survive in business.
“Once we split, how are they going to keep living like royalty?”
I leaned back to keep some distance, refusing to meet his eyes. My lashes trembled, but the storm behind them had al- ready frozen into ice. I pressed my lips together and said nothing.
“Fred, even if you try to use my family to control me, it won’t work anymore.”
Maybe it was the determination in my eyes, but he froze for a moment, then stepped aside, his face growing colder.
“Why?” he asked.
After a pause, his voice softened a little. “Is it because I brought someone home and made you upset? Fine. That was on me. I promise you’ll never see them again.”
I clenched my fists and–for the first time in years–let out a real laugh.
“Forget it, Fred.
“These past six years, I’ve had enough of your emotional abuse and the pain of holding on to someone whose heart was never with me.”
I yanked off the only necklace he ever gave me. The beads scattered across the floor.
“Even if I have to drag my family to wash dishes or sweep the streets, I won’t be your puppet anymore.”
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