Chapter 4

Julian and Chloe walked in together. Their figures looked blurry under the dim hallway light, and they carried a heavy stench of alcohol.

The smell was sharp and familiar, reminding me of the countless nights Julian and I had shared.

But tonight, that smell was proof of their betrayal. I was the outsider in my own home.

"I took Chloe to her celebration dinner. She had a little too much to drink, and it’s too late for a young girl to go home alone, so I brought her back."

I didn't care. I didn't even look up. What did it have to do with me?

Julian looked at my packed suitcase with drunken eyes, a dismissive smirk playing on his lips.

"Oh, come on. Are you seriously still throwing a fit? I already told you, you hate the spotlight anyway. Chloe is just helping you."

"Stop being dramatic. We're about to be filthy rich. How about I take you on a trip? You've always wanted to go to Europe, right?"

He actually thought I was just throwing a temper tantrum. He thought that if he gave me a few sweet words, I would cave like I always did.

But he was wrong. This time, I was leaving for good.

"What are you even doing? You're completely overreacting!"

Julian's tone turned arrogant and annoyed.

I gave him a cold look, silent and expressionless.

Chloe stood beside him, a triumphant smirk on her face, her eyes filled with silent mockery.

She was enjoying her victory, fully believing she had replaced me in Julian's life.

"Let's get a divorce," I said quietly, my voice steady and firm.

Saying those words felt like releasing a heavy weight I had been carrying for years.

Julian froze, then let out a harsh laugh.

"Divorce? Are you out of your mind?"

His tone was filled with disgust and anger. He thought I was just bluffing to get his attention.

"Are you serious? Over something this stupid? You are being so incredibly childish!"

I didn't argue. I simply pulled out the signed divorce papers I had prepared and slid them across the table.

Seeing the papers, Chloe's eyes instantly welled up with fake tears.

"Clara, are you really that mad at me? It's all my fault! Please don't be mad, don't leave Julian because of me!"

Julian snapped, his patience entirely gone.

"Why can't you be sweet and understanding like Chloe for once?"

I sneered. "Then sign the papers, divorce me, and go marry someone as 'understanding' as Chloe."

He glared at me, snatched the pen, and barely glanced at the document before scribbling his signature in a fit of rage.

In that moment, I knew our marriage was officially dead.

Without another look, I grabbed my suitcase, turned around, and walked out of the apartment we once shared.

Chloe had a victorious smile plastered on her face, but right then, her phone rang.

She picked it up, and in an instant, the color drained from her face. Her hands began to shake violently.

"Julian... what do we do?"

"Arthur Sterling wants to host a live painting showcase for me... I have to paint live in front of the critics! I... I don't know how!"

The real show was about to begin.