Chapter 4

Just then, Ethan, who had gone out to buy some things for me, finally returned.

"What happened? Did your blood sugar drop again?"

Seeing me shake my head, he let out a sigh of relief.

He handed me the takeout from a fancy French bistro and casually mentioned:

"By the way, while you were asleep, someone called you. He sounded pretty aggressive, so I just hung up. I hope it didn't mess up anything for you?"

I knew exactly who he was talking about.

"Just a spam caller. I've already blocked him."

I didn't notice the slight curl of Ethan’s lips. After eating, I started packing.

After being kicked out of the house, I didn't bring much with me.

Ten years of marriage, and all that was left fit into a few bags of clothes and personal items.

I calmly booked a one-way ticket out of the country for three days later.

Once I left, I probably wouldn't ever come back.

But before I left, I had one last thing to settle.

The next day, I went directly to a high-end auction house.

Years ago, I helped Marcus build his empire from scratch.

When we were desperate for cash, I had to pawn the necklace my late mother left me.

By the time we had the money to buy it back, the pawnshop had gone out of business, and the necklace was lost.

Only recently did I find out it was being auctioned off.

As soon as I walked into the venue, someone called my name.

"Hazel? What are you doing here?"

It was Chloe.

Standing behind her were several of my former friends.

"Do you even need to ask? She must have stalked Marcus's schedule. Look at her... she just can't let go!"

"Yesterday she was acting so high and mighty, refusing to remarry him. Quite an actress, huh?"

"Come on, Hazel. Just go over and apologize to Chloe, and we can put this whole thing behind us."

Someone reached out to grab my hand, but I slapped it away.

"Apologize to a homewrecker?"

I sneered.

"I spent fifteen dollars of my own money on groceries. What exactly did I do wrong?"

Back then, I gave up my successful acting career to become a full-time housewife for Marcus.

I thought I would finally enjoy life once his business succeeded.

But instead, I lived a life worse than Chloe's dog.

Not only was my spending strictly limited, but I also had to report every single purchase to a secretary.

I used to endure all of this for the sake of my child.

But now, since my son doesn't even recognize me as his mother.

I don't want either of them anymore!

I ignored them and walked toward the seating area. The auction was about to begin.

I quickly found my seat.

But Chloe's eyes turned red. She looked pitifully at Marcus, who had just finished socializing and walked over.

"Marcus! Why are you just getting here? You promised you would protect me! Why do you keep letting this woman bully me?"

Chloe looked incredibly aggrieved, and Marcus’s heart melted with pity.

"I don't care! I want that emerald necklace! If you don't buy it for me, I'll never speak to you again!"

I looked up at the stage.

The item up for bid was indeed the necklace my mother left me.

I immediately raised my paddle.

"One million dollars."

This was already two hundred thousand dollars higher than the previous bid. No one would want to pay that much for an outdated necklace.

Seeing Marcus raise his paddle without hesitation, I turned around and spoke directly to him.

"Marcus, even a gentle soul has its limits. I already left with nothing. How much further do you want to push me?"

"You promised me and my mother that you would buy this necklace back! Look closely at it. This is not some cheap toy to please your mistress!"

Marcus froze.

A look of shock flashed through his eyes.

He wasn't used to me speaking to him in such a cold, detached tone.

Slowly, he lowered his hand.

The auctioneer on stage called out:

"Going once at one million dollars."

"Going twice at one million dollars."

But Chloe panicked.

"Marcus! You promised me! Who are you choosing? Her or me?"

Tears welled up in Chloe’s eyes. It looked as if she would burst into tears if Marcus dared to say no.

Marcus looked at me, then at Chloe. His gaze turned firm.

I smiled bitterly to myself.

How could an ex-wife like me ever compete with his precious mistress?

Just as I was about to walk away, I heard Marcus speak.

"Chloe, let her have it. We don't need it."

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