chapter 2

It took me a long moment to find my voice. I looked into Mildred's wise eyes and nodded.

Percival and I came from completely different worlds. My parents were just ordinary teachers, while the Flint Family ranked among the top three richest families.

The day before I married Percival, Mildred handed us a divorce agreement.

At first, I thought it was meant to shame me. I never expected that same agreement would end up saving me.

Mildred sighed. "I really thought meeting you would settle him down, but it seems he's still making foolish mistakes.

"That Lorelei… Well, never mind. Since you've made up your mind, I respect your decision."

Hearing her say that put my mind at ease.

It wasn't just about the divorce. My parents had also submitted their resignations and we were going to pack up and leave the country for good.

Mildred would take care of all the arrangements for us. She estimated it'd take about three days.

Time was tight, but for me, it still felt too slow.

After leaving the hospital, I headed straight home.

But when I got there, the once-familiar garden was a complete mess.

An excavator had dug up all the white roses, and the servants stood by with grim expressions.

My heart dropped. Then my whole body started to shake.

Percival had planted those roses just for me. The swing set beside them was gone too. Even the flower archway I'd spent three years growing—vanished without a trace.

I asked, "What's going on?"

"Mrs. Flint, Mr. Flint said Ms. Shelby is allergic to pollen, so he had it all dug up. Such a shame."

"Yeah. Three years of growth, gone just like that. The whole yard feels empty now."

I clenched my fists, nails digging deep into my palms. After a moment, I nodded. "Whatever."

I walked inside and saw Lorelei nestled in Percival's arms on the sofa. She was holding the handmade ceramic mug I made during our honeymoon.

When she saw me, Lorelei smirked. "Oh, Buffy, you're back. So sorry we had the flowers removed without asking you first.

"Percival was worried about my allergies, so he had it done. You're not going to blame me for this, are you?"

In the past, I would've thrown a fit. But now, seeing her smug expression, I just replied flatly, "No. Do whatever you want."

Hearing this, Percival snapped impatiently, "Buffy, what's that supposed to mean? Stop with the passive-aggressive tone.

"I brought her here to recover. After all, you're the one who sent her out of town. Her body couldn't adjust to the new environment, and her allergies flared up because of it."

"Yeah, whatever."

I didn't even glance at him and headed straight upstairs.

Unexplainable panic shot through Percival at my indifference. He stood up as if to follow me, but Lorelei stopped him.

She said, "Percival, I think I'm having trouble breathing."

He immediately turned back to her. I paid no attention. I ignored them and went to check the bedroom.

My heart froze the moment I saw it.

They had even taken over my room.

Lorelei's lace nightgown was lying on the bed, and all my clothes were gone from the wardrobe.

I turned to leave and ran right into Percival carrying Lorelei in his arms.

I asked, "Where are my things, Percival? Are you putting her in the master bedroom?"

Lorelei said, "Buf, I'm sorry, I—"

"Don't call me 'Buf'. Since when does the other woman get to call me that?"

"Buffy!" Percival snapped.

I smirked. "What, are you going to lock me up for her again? Where to this time?"

He said grimly, "The master bedroom has better airflow. Everything of yours is in the guest room now. Don't worry, I know my limits."

I felt like I'd heard the biggest joke of my life. His limits?

Maybe the mockery in my eyes was too obvious, because Percival's face darkened.

I didn't want to hear another word from him, so I turned and went to the guest room.

The moment I stepped inside, a bitter laugh escaped me.