Chapter 3

Laughter rippled around me. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, watching me like a clown.

They, like Julian, thought I was just playing games with the divorce.

I took a deep breath, and amidst their mocking expressions, pulled the divorce papers from my bag and handed them to Julian.

"Here are the divorce papers. I've already signed them."

Instantly, the room fell silent.

Everyone looked at Julian. He casually took the papers, flipped through them a few times, and sneered,

"Audrey, you've really gone to a lot of trouble to put on this act. You even brought props."

He lit a cigarette, letting the ash fall onto the divorce papers. His eyes half-closed, he continued coldly,

"But what makes you think these manipulative tactics would work on me? Are you overestimating yourself?"

The paper was burned with several holes from the ash. My emotions burned away with it, leaving only disappointment.

The bond we once promised to cherish forever had finally withered, leaving only torment.

The Julian who swore he'd be good to me for life had died a long time ago.

I closed my eyes, weary. Just as I was about to explain, Chloe spoke up.

"Audrey, as a woman, I understand your jealousy of not being loved. But isn't threatening divorce a bit too extreme? You're just making Julian uncomfortable."

Julian chuckled softly at her words, pulling Chloe tightly into his embrace.

His tone, when he spoke to her, was starkly gentle, a complete contrast to how he spoke to me. "What do you think Audrey is? She's not even worth my attention. But if she wants to play, I'll play along one more time."

Julian's tone shifted. He tossed the divorce papers into the trash, his eyes on me cold and dismissive.

"You want a divorce? Fine. But you'll leave with nothing."

He leaned back casually on the sofa, his eyes filled with certainty.

Certain that a money-loving woman like me would, as always, humble myself, apologize, and cry, begging him not to divorce me.

But the next second, I agreed without hesitation.

Julian froze slightly, narrowing his eyes, scrutinizing me.

He seemed to be trying to see how long I could keep up the act.

But I was tired of fighting him. I simply said, "Draft up new divorce papers and send them to me," and turned to leave.

However, Julian gave a signal, and two or three men blocked the exit.

He said in a low voice,

"Who said you could leave? If you're going to act so high and mighty, then don't drag it out. Everything you're wearing, I bought. If you have so much integrity, then take it all off. Once you're naked, you can go."

I froze, staring at Julian in disbelief.

He watched me mockingly, playing with his lighter.

"What? Regretting it now?"

"Fine. Just get down on your knees and beg my sweet little darling for forgiveness. Once she's happy, I might be merciful and let bygones be bygones."

He leaned over and kissed Chloe's lips, a doting, gentle coaxing.

My nails dug into my palms. I stood there, eyes downcast, biting my lower lip until I tasted blood.

Seeing my hesitation, the men around Julian started nudging each other, yelling at me.

"Don't you want a divorce? Then stop playing coy, just strip! We've already seen everything anyway."

"She'd never actually do it! She's just being stubborn, trying to force Julian to break up with Chloe. But she clearly overestimated herself and screwed up. Now, she's got no choice but to beg."

"Serves her right! Audrey, if you can't let go of Julian's money, just apologize already. You're wasting our time."

A metallic taste filled my mouth. I clenched my fists, looked up at Julian, and said each word distinctly,

"Fine. I'll strip."