Chapter 4

The law firm I’d opened before, due to my sudden imprisonment, now only had one partner left. It was almost laughable. A lawyer, sent to prison by her own husband. Perhaps the greatest joke in the world.

When my friend, Sarah, heard me say I was getting a divorce, she burst into a relieved laugh.

"You finally came to your senses! Don’t worry, this time I swear I’ll help you get everything back."

"Including your reputation."

Two years ago, if I hadn’t voluntarily given up my chance to defend myself, perhaps I wouldn’t have ended up in such a desolate state.

But that truth only dawned on me two years after love had stripped me bare.

Thanks to Alfred’s card, I rented a small one-bedroom apartment outside.

When Daniel realized I wasn't just putting on an act, a rare flicker of panic appeared on his face.

"What do you mean?! You’re not coming home, you’re just going to run off and let everyone know I can’t tolerate you?"

I folded the dishcloth with a wry smile, then finally turned to face him.

"Don’t you think it’s bad luck to have a convict living in your house?"

"Don’t worry, your friends will understand. They all dislike me just as much as you do."

In his friends’ eyes, I was always the villain who stole him from Chloe.

Chloe hurried to hug and comfort him.

"Daniel, don’t be angry with Alice."

"Perhaps she’s realized her past mistakes and is afraid to stay by your side anymore."

"If that’s the case, why don’t you just let Alice go, Daniel? Then we can both enjoy our lives together."

Chloe whispered softly into Daniel's ear, one suggestion after another, as if trying to brainwash him.

Convinced by his loved one, Daniel was swayed.

He brushed off his unwarranted feelings of dejection and reverted to his usual disdainful demeanor towards me.

"Chloe’s right, Alice, I agree to the divorce."

"Give me the papers. Sign them today, and we can go our separate ways amicably. It’ll save me from having to look at you and feel sick."

Still as arrogant as ever, he believed I would comply with his every command, just as I always had.

I turned around expressionlessly.

In front of them, I fed the divorce papers into the shredder.

"Too late."

"I’m not planning on a peaceful divorce anymore."