chapter 4

“I’ve already signed the papers. Your turn,” I said as I slid the prepared document across the table toward Elliott.

The moment Ryan and Daphne saw the bold letters spelling out “Divorce Agreement,” their eyes nearly popped out in shock.

Ryan asked, “Ophelia, what’s this about?”

Daphne said, “Ophelia, you’re the only daughter-in-law we’ll ever accept. That bastard really screwed up this time, and I’ll make sure he pays for it. Just don’t do anything rash.”

Both Ryan and Daphne tried to talk me out of it, but I shook my head.

I said, “Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, I’m really drained.”

Hearing me call them Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell made them realize how determined I was. They exchanged glances before slumping onto the couch, defeated.

Elliott rubbed the bridge of his nose, annoyed.

“Ophelia, cut the drama, alright?”

He paused, then added,

“If this is just about Claire’s post, I can explain.

“That day only happened because she came back, and I—”

“Not my business.” My voice flat as I met his gaze.

I used to love him so much. Now I hated myself just as bad.

I hated myself for being blind.

I hated myself for being a fool. I couldn’t even see what was right in front of me, yet still shamelessly clung to him.

Elliott said, “What the hell do you want? You pull this out now. What’s your game? You know well our families are in the middle of a business deal.

“This is just some cheap threat, isn’t it? Can’t you stop being so petty? I married you—what more do you want?”

Elliott was clearly losing his temper, but his words coming out strained out of respect for both sets of parents present.

He added, “Fine. I’ll say sorry. Happy now?”

“Save your apology.”

I looked up at him, my eyes completely blank. “I’m not messing around. I’m dead serious about this. Let’s get divorced.”

I said it calmly, like I was commenting on the weather.

I added, “Five years. I’m setting you free.”

Elliott looked at me first, then at the divorce papers before taking a deep breath.

He said, “Ophelia, stop this nonsense, will you?

“You’re saying all this in front of our parents. Obviously you don’t really want a divorce. You’re just using them to pressure me.

“Let me make one thing crystal clear: there’s absolutely nothing going on between me and Claire. You’re imagining things.

“I married you, so I’ll well do my duty as a husband.”

Before I could respond, Mom couldn’t hold back any longer.

She said, “Elliott, have you no shame? Duty as a husband? When have you ever done that?

“Where were you when your baby was sick? Where were you when he was hospitalized? When he took his last breath crying for you, where were you then?

“Even when your baby was being laid to rest, you didn’t come to see him one last time. Is this how you fulfill your duties? I must’ve been blind to let my daughter marry you.”

Ryan and Daphne looked awkward but stayed silent.

They had always known about the rocky relationship between Elliott and me.

But they never really stepped in.

As long as things weren’t out in the open, as long as face was saved, they turned a blind eye.

The only reason they opposed the divorce now? They were scared it’d affect the business contracts between our families.

Five years of marriage meant the Caldwell Family and the Holloway Family had formed countless business partnerships.

Most of them? The Caldwell Family needed the Holloway Family’s funding.

If we divorced and the Holloway Family pulled their funding, the Caldwell Family would take a massive hit.

That was why they couldn’t and didn’t dare to let me go through with the divorce.

“Ophelia, don’t be upset. I’ll teach this bastard a lesson!” Daphne whispered as she came to my side.

I just shook my head. “Mrs. Caldwell, save it.”

Then I lifted my eyes to look at Elliott.