Chapter 4

On the way back to the villa, the cold wind blew my hair messy, but it also completely woke me up.

I gently touched the tiny footprint plaque in my bag and dialed a number I hadn't called in seven years.

When Adrian first started his business and had nothing, I secretly funneled my family’s funds and tech teams to help him get through the hardest starting phase.

But Adrian hated being called a gold-digger.

So, I hid everything from him.

I even broke off ties with my parents just to marry him.

Before the company went public, he knelt on one knee, kissing the back of my hand, and swore:

"Elena, transferring most of the shares to my name is just a formality. Once the company is stable, everything I have will be yours, including my life."

I had believed every word.

On the other end of the line, a middle-aged man’s voice trembled, pulling me back to reality.

"Sweetheart? You’re finally calling your dad..."

"Why does your voice sound wrong? Did someone hurt you?!"

Hearing my father’s long-lost, protective voice, I looked up, forcing my tears back.

"Dad, I regret it. I... want to come home."

After hanging up, I arrived at the villa.

At the entrance sat the men's slippers Adrian chose himself.

In the living room hung our sweet, smiling wedding portrait.

Once, I thought this was my safe haven, the home I would protect with my life.

Now, it just looked like a giant joke.

Adrian didn't come home that night.

No need to guess—he was staying by Chloe’s bedside.

The next morning, my phone buzzed.

Adrian’s voice was as cold and indifferent as ever.

"Elena, are you done throwing your tantrum?"

"Chloe was terrified yesterday and is in a terrible state. I’ll give you a way out. Bring some supplements to the hospital to visit her. I’ll pretend that slap yesterday was just you losing control over losing the baby, and I won't hold it against you."

"As for the divorce, stop while you're ahead. Don't use my patience as your bargaining chip."

I looked down, my voice quiet but firm.

"Adrian, I am serious about the divorce."

After a two-second silence, Adrian let out a cold snort and sent a location.

"Fine, Elena. I’ll give you what you want."

Half an hour later, Adrian was already sitting by the window in a cafe.

Even though he hadn't slept all night, he was still dressed immaculately, radiating the cold arrogance of a rising billionaire.

As I sat down, he casually slid a pre-drafted divorce agreement toward me.

"For the sake of our past, this villa goes to you. Plus, a handsome monthly allowance will be transferred to your account."

"When you finally snap out of it, you can come beg me to remarry you at any time."

I glanced down at the paper. There was not a single word about the company's shares.

I didn't even bother to read the details. I just picked up the pen and signed my name.

Adrian frowned, his eyes locked on my face as he shifted his posture.

"Elena, over the years, you’ve done nothing but stay at home. You made zero contribution to the company."

"The only reason I’m giving you this much compensation is because Chloe was kind enough to persuade me not to be too harsh on you last night."

"From now on, take care of yourself."

Listening to his words, my heart was completely numb.

The deeper the love once was, the heavier the disgust was now.

"Adrian, now that the papers are signed, please keep your distance and stay out of my life."

I stood up, giving him a cold smile that didn't reach my eyes.

"I have no interest in this house."

"As for whether I contributed anything... you will find out very soon."

Adrian curled his lips into a mock smile, looking away. "I’ll be waiting. I just hope you don't end up unable to pay your credit card bills next month."

Just then, his phone rang. His expression softened instantly as he looked at me and started walking out.

"Be good, Chloe. Stay in bed, I’m coming back to keep you company right now."

A moment later, I walked out of the cafe.

A light drizzle began to fall.

I looked at the Maybach that had been waiting by the curb for a long time.

The car door shut, completely locking out the world that disgusted me.