Chapter 3

The next morning, I went to the network headquarters to finalize my transfer.

I also attended the hostile-environment safety training for war correspondents.

"Are you the senior reporter who broke the story on that illegal mining syndicate? I heard the boss came after you, and you still didn't back down. That's incredible!"

The interns in the training program looked at me with open admiration. I just smiled faintly.

When the session ended, I headed down to the nearby bistro for lunch. Just as I grabbed a tray, I spotted Chloe, Carter, and my in-laws sitting by the window.

"Julian? What are you doing here with a tray?"

Carter was dressed in a sharp designer suit, his hair neatly styled.

A flicker of contempt flashed in his eyes, though his tone sounded mockingly sympathetic.

"Don't tell me... because of your injuries, the network fired you? Are you bussing tables here to make ends meet?"

Before I could speak, Richard snapped in fury:

"Julian! Have you no shame? We have a reputation to protect!"

"If our friends find out my daughter’s husband is clearing tables, you’ll ruin our family name!"

Chloe frowned, scolding me with deep irritation:

"I told you not to go undercover on that dangerous assignment! You insisted on playing the hero. Now the truth is out, but look at you—what did you gain from it?"

Hearing her venom, a chill ran through me.

Once upon a time, she praised my courage. She told me I was her hero, a light shining into the darkest corners of the world.

Now, she had forgotten every sweet word she ever said.

Or perhaps... she hadn't forgotten. She just didn't love me anymore.

Martha rocked the stroller, sneering at me.

"Julian, whenever you're outside, don't you dare tell people you’re part of this family. Tell them you and Chloe are already divorced so you don't embarrass us."

"Come on, forget this loser. Let's go eat."

Carter gave a condescending smirk and chimed in, "Julian, why don't you put down the tray and join us? Don't worry, my treat."

"Let him work," Chloe dismissed coldly. "How else is he going to buy baby formula? Let's go. We can have the waiter pack the leftovers for him later."

With that, Chloe took Carter’s arm and walked away without looking back.

Richard and Martha pushed the stroller behind them, looking every bit like a proud, united family.

I set my tray down, watching their backs, and let out a dry laugh.

"Divorce? Don't worry. You'll get exactly what you asked for."

The next morning, I arrived early at the banquet hall. Not a single guest had arrived yet.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Detective Miller, the officer who had pulled me out of the cartel's basement.

He texted to say that the mining boss had confessed: it was my father-in-law, Richard, who had leaked my identity and whereabouts.

Miller asked if I was willing to sign a waiver or if I wanted to press full charges.

I stared at the screen, my blood turning to ice.

Richard sold me out?

All the beatings, the electrical shocks, the agony...

Just the memory sent phantom pains tearing across my skin.

My fingers tightened around the phone. A single question screamed inside my head: Why?!