Chapter 14

This family gathering was for my birthday, but as soon as I returned to the living room, I told everyone I had an urgent matter to attend to and quickly left.

I was rushing to finalize my divorce.

With the divorce agreement, the process went smoothly; it didn't even require Rhys's presence.

Grandpa Hawthorne had connections, made a call, and two divorce certificates were promptly in my hands.

I walked out of the registrar's office, and as the sunlight enveloped me, I let out a sigh of relief. I was free.

I returned to the villa I shared with Rhys and packed my bags as quickly as possible.

There weren't many things: a few clothes and important identification documents.

As I packed, my phone buzzed again.

It was another message from Chloe, a few photos of Rhys at her place.

[See? I knew I was more important to him. Why else would he come to be with me, even on your birthday?]

I looked at the triumphant message, my face expressionless, and picked up my phone to type a reply.

[You like picking up other people's discards? Then he's all yours.]

Chloe replied quickly.

[What do you mean?]

This time, I didn't reply.

I checked the time. It was noon.

My flight was scheduled to depart in five hours.

I knew the negotiation today would go smoothly.

Grandpa Hawthorne would definitely compromise for the sake of the Hawthornes' and Julian's reputations, granting me my freedom.

And I was right; my gamble paid off.

So last night, I had already booked a flight to the Netherlands.

I wouldn't return to the Sterlings.

Because as a daughter, I had no right to inherit the family business, yet I bore the responsibility of a strategic marriage.

Even if I divorced Rhys, it wouldn't be long before I was treated as new merchandise, married off to a new man, doomed to repeat the same life.

This was the tragedy of daughters in these elite families.

Never lacking material wealth, yet deprived of selfhood, born merely as pawns in strategic alliances.

I closed my suitcase, a determined glint in my eyes.

My life was my own to command.

I would never let anyone control me again.

I grabbed my suitcase and headed out, just as I received a call from Julian at the door.

After a moment of hesitation, I answered. "Hello, Uncle Julian."

"Why did you leave early?" His voice was still low and calm.

"Something urgent came up," I said.

"When will it be taken care of?"

"Probably tonight."

"When you're done, come to my place. Stay the night."

"..."

I bit my lip. "Okay, I'll come once I'm done."

"Good girl."

The call ended.

My hand touched my belly, my feelings a bit complicated.

I'm sorry, Uncle Julian. Our complicated relationship has to end too.

I wouldn't have anything to do with anyone from the Hawthornes or Sterlings again.

I pulled my suitcase and walked out with determination.

After taking a taxi to the airport, I sat in the departure lounge, quietly waiting for the time to pass.

After half an hour, the boarding announcement sounded.

I stood up, pulling my suitcase. After completing the procedures, I boarded the plane.

"The aircraft is about to take off. Please switch off your mobile phones. Thank you for your cooperation."

I was about to turn off my phone when a message from Rhys popped up.

[Sera, something urgent came up at the office. I have to fly to a neighboring city. I won't be home tonight. I'll make up for your birthday privately, okay?]

Another lie.

I smiled faintly, indifferently deleted the message, then turned off my phone and snapped the SIM card in half.

Then I inserted a new SIM card.

A phone number no one knew yet, except me.

The plane slowly took off, the city gradually shrinking below.

White clouds filled my vision, and a genuine smile finally blossomed in my eyes.

No matter Rhys, or Julian.

No one would stop me from leaving.