Chapter 3

In Jaden's heart, Emma was still the one who mattered most.

I held back the desolation inside me, grabbed the papers, and staggered out.

Just as I stepped out of his office, I collapsed from low blood sugar.

I was unconscious for a full day.

When I woke, Jaden's secretary was beside me.

She saw I was awake and immediately called Jaden to report.

Through the phone, Jaden's icy voice came through clearly.

"Since she's awake, tell her to go home, get her documents, and meet me at the courthouse. I'll wait outside in two hours. You come back to work."

The call ended. The secretary's eyes flickered, and she couldn't look at me.

I pushed myself up and gave her a weak smile, told her she'd worked hard, and sent her back to work.

After she left, I dragged my sick body up, called a ride, got my documents, and drove straight to the courthouse.

But when I rushed to the entrance, I was one minute late.

Jaden was waiting outside, brows tightly furrowed. "Why so late? Don't tell me you regret it and don't want the divorce after all?"

I didn't say anything. I just forced a smile and walked inside first.

We went through the procedures. The staff told us that after the one-month cooling-off period, we could come back and finalize the divorce.

Leaving the courthouse, Jaden said flatly, "Get your things out of the villa. Emma is moving in."

Thinking of his ill mother, Gwen, I couldn't help saying, "Your mom isn't well. We shouldn't tell her about the divorce yet. It might shock her."

Jaden hesitated, then said, "Then keep looking after her this month, so they don't kick up trouble during the cooling-off period. Everything else, we'll figure out after the month is over."

I nodded. I went back to the villa, packed my things, and went to the family estate.

When Gwen saw me carrying so many bags, she grinned.

"Sophie, are you moving into the estate to keep me company?"

"I don't need keeping company. You should spend more time with Jaden. Get closer to him."

I gave a bitter pull of my mouth.

Holding back the dense ache in my heart, I wound my arm around hers and acted cute.

"Mom, I just want to spend more time with you."

Gwen smiled helplessly, held my hand, and went on with her heartfelt advice.

"Jaden might neglect you, but deep down he's a good kid. Once he comes around, he'll treat you right. Sophie, just wait for him."

I kept my face composed, but inside I was deeply bitter.

Jaden was never going to come around.

And I wasn't going to wait for him.

The next day.

Emma somehow got word I'd moved into the estate. She asked to meet.

The moment I sat down across from her, she started in.

"Sophie, have you no shame? You're nothing to Jaden's parents, and you still push your way into the estate to look after my future mother-in-law?"

So this was what she wanted to talk about. I let out a mocking laugh.

"First of all, we're not officially divorced. Gwen is still my mother-in-law. And even if the divorce goes through, Jack and Gwen are long-time family friends. It's a bond that won't break. What gives you the right to insult me?"

Emma stared blankly for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"You just reminded me. If you keep popping up in front of them, his parents will always compare me to you. They'll never see me in a good light."

My heart suddenly tightened. A vague unease stirred inside me.

The next second, I heard Emma's sinister voice:

"Better to just erase you completely. So you never show your face again."

She picked up her glass and threw the water at me.

My eyes couldn't close in time. The water hit, stinging sharply.

Seconds later, I felt my consciousness start to blur. Slowly, I passed out.