My husband's little sweetheart is threatening to break up with him again. He’s drowning in misery, drinking so much that he landed in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. Half dead, he mutters, "She’s the only one who dares to mess with me like this."

Then he grabs my hand and asks, "Honey, you’re a woman too. How do I get her to forgive me this time?"

It’s true. He’s cheated so many times, but this Vivian is the only one he actually cares about.

My phone buzzes—it’s a message from Vivian.

"Mrs. Carter! Please keep your husband in check! As a woman, don’t you have any pride left? Tell him to stop bothering me!"

I let out a sarcastic laugh and, just like always, ignore her.

On Eric’s fifth day in the hospital, he blew up my phone with calls. His mood was a mess as he yelled at me, "I’m in the hospital! Why haven’t you come to see me? Do you even care about your husband at all?"

I stayed calm. "I’m afraid if I show up, you’ll fall for me all over again."

........

There was a low chuckle on the other end, like he couldn’t believe I could even crack a joke for once.

I hung up.

Right then, my phone chimed—a reminder that the three-year mourning period was over.

According to the agreement between the Brooks family and the Carter family, I could finally file for divorce.

I’d just finished giving my lawyer instructions when I saw a post from Vivian show up in my feed.

It was a picture. Eric, still in his hospital gown with an IV, was kneeling on one knee as he massaged her calf. She was sitting on the bed, smiling with happiness.

The caption read: Finally experienced what it’s like to be truly loved by someone from a rich family. That’s Eric for me—someone at the top, a hopeless romantic I couldn’t shake off no matter what I did.

I didn’t even blink. I just kept scrolling.

My lawyer was surprised at how calm I was. "I’ve rarely seen a client so composed. It’s truly remarkable."

I gave a faint smile.

She didn’t know that I’d screamed, fought, sunk into depression, even tried to end my life over Eric’s affairs. I felt my heart die, and only then did I come back to life again.

Eric finally came home a month later, in the middle of the night.

He saw I was asleep and moved softly, tiptoeing like a thief.

What he didn’t know was that I’m a light sleeper. The slightest sound wakes me up.

I felt unsettled with someone suddenly beside me in bed. I couldn’t even remember how long it had been since Eric last slept here.

When I woke up the next day, I found a diamond necklace worth 30 million dollars on my nightstand.

I was used to this by now—nothing about it surprised me anymore.

And just like clockwork, another smug message popped up from Vivian: "Mrs. Carter, you got another 30-million-dollar necklace because of me. Don’t you think you owe me a thank-you?"

Every time Eric tried to please Vivian, he’d buy all sorts of expensive gifts. But Vivian never took a single one.

In Eric’s eyes, Vivian is the purest woman alive, someone who treats money like it’s nothing.

They’ve been together for three years.

Vivian hasn’t spent a penny of Eric’s.

They split everything, living as equals. Eric, who was born with a silver spoon, was happy to live like an average person when he was with her.

So, to Eric, Vivian’s love is the purest thing ever, untouched by anything else.

Only I know—Vivian’s just waiting patiently for the real prize.

Usually, I ignore her like she’s invisible and never reply to her messages. But today, I wrote back, "Thank you."

Once a woman gets her head straight, she’ll never turn down money.

Vivian was shocked. It was like the sun rose in the west. She messaged me back instantly, "Wow, so you can breathe today? And even reply?"

Her words are always laced with venom.

Eric woke up, glanced at my chat with Vivian, and a smile tugged at his lips. I could hear the fondness for Vivian in his voice, barely hidden.

"Vivian’s got a mouth on her. That’s… interesting."

Chapter 2

As Eric spoke, he reached out and patted my head like it were the most natural thing in the world.

"My Madeline is finally being sensible now—just like an elder sister."

It sounded like he was praising a pet. Disgust churned in my chest.

After he cheated, I made such a scene the whole city knew.

I’d flipped tables in public. Just smashing bottles over his head had landed him in the hospital fifteen times. The tabloids ate it up. He lost face more times than I could count.

But he never held back.

Every time, he’d just say to me,

"Go out and look around—every man in this circle has a few women! I’m just having fun. It’s not like I don’t want you!"

He’d said it so many times, "No matter how many women I have, you’re still the one in charge. You’re their sister."

It wasn’t until the day my dad died that I finally woke up.

Three years playing the fool—blind, deaf, pretending not to see or hear a thing. All that, and what did I get?

Just a line of praise. "My Madeline is finally being sensible now—just like an elder sister."

For three years, I didn’t meddle in his affairs.

Even after our son turned two, he still had no idea I’d given him a boy. I almost died in childbirth. That day, Eric was with Vivian, running a roadside stall selling sausages.

He said he was crazy about Vivian—how she wasn’t after money, and how she relied on herself and worked hard.

I gave a cold, bitter laugh and said nothing.

In my heart, he was already dead.

On my mother-in-law’s birthday, I only planned to make an appearance—to play the devoted daughter-in-law for form’s sake.

But as I stepped in with my gift, I saw Eric and Vivian flanking her, one on each side.

My mother-in-law was beaming, chatting away with her friends. "Mrs. Carter, your hair looks wonderful today! That dress really brings out your elegance."

To be fair, her hair did look better than before, pinned up and finished with a vintage, elegant hairpin.

She gave a gentle smile and patted Vivian’s hand with pride. "My daughter-in-law did my hair—she’s so talented."

So even she had accepted Vivian.

Vivian just smiled with perfect composure. "As long as you like it, Mom."

Eric added, "My mom adores you, you know. She’s told me again and again. Having you as our daughter-in-law is a blessing to the Carter family."

I could only sneer inside—I didn’t even want to stay a second longer.

Just as I was about to leave, Vivian called out behind me, "Madeline!"

She put on a show of friendliness, as if we were close for everyone to see.

I paused, turned, and gave a faint smile.

A flicker of surprise crossed Vivian’s eyes. She’d expected me to glare, maybe even have a breakdown and storm out, making a scene for my mother-in-law. She never expected that I would be unruffled and in control.

"Madeline, you look gorgeous today," she said, her voice deliberately enthusiastic.

"Thank you," I replied, my smile gentle as ever.

Vivian means nothing to me now. All her little stunts and deliberate provocations are pointless to me.

My mother-in-law instructed me without hesitation, "You two should stay by my side and help me greet the guests."

Suddenly, memories of what she used to say to me came flooding back.

"You’ll always be my daughter. I’ll love you like my own. If Eric ever cheats, I’ll be the first to break his legs for you!"

Those words still echoed as clear as yesterday.

Yet now, she was the one making me feel humiliated.

She patted the back of my hand and whispered, "Madeline, Vivian is a good girl, nothing like the others."

I gave her a small smile and agreed, "You’re right, Mom."

After all, I was leaving soon. Nothing here mattered anymore.

"I’m glad you’ve finally understood," she said with a relieved smile.

She glanced up at Eric and said, "Told you so—Madeline’s always been the sensible one."

Eric gave me a proud look, as if he’d accomplished something. "That’s all because of my training."

Like I were some kind of pet.

Back then, I would have trashed the entire birthday party without hesitation.

But now, I wouldn’t waste another drop of emotion on people who aren’t worth it.

Chapter 3

Vivian and I flanked my mother-in-law, one on each side.

Everyone’s eyes lingered on me with curiosity. I could hear whispers spreading around the room.

"Did Madeline suddenly change? This isn’t like her at all."

"She would’ve flipped the table before—why is she being so quiet today?"

While everyone was busy chattering, my mother-in-law beamed with joy and announced to the guests,

"I have good news to share! My daughter-in-law, Vivian, is already three months pregnant.

"The family doctor confirmed it’s a boy. This is truly a double celebration for the Carters!"

The guests started offering polite congratulations.

Honestly, for families in high society, news like this was nothing out of the ordinary. But to humiliate me, the legitimate wife, like this? Only the Carters would go so far.

Vivian blushed, shy but proud. Eric wrapped his arm around her, looking as happy as could be.

And me? I felt like a clown, just another sideshow at this birthday party.

At last, I said, "I’d planned to wait until after Mom’s birthday to talk about our divorce.

"But now that Vivian is pregnant, we can’t let her child grow up without a proper name or status. He can’t be a child born out of wedlock.

"So actually, it’s best to talk about divorce right here and now."

I glanced at the lawyer not far away. She immediately understood and handed the divorce papers to Eric.

Eric frowned, looking at me in disbelief. "Are you making trouble again?"

I gave a calm, even smile. "I’m serious. If you love Vivian, are you really going to make her live as a mistress for the rest of her life?"

My composure stunned him.

For a second, disbelief flooded his dark eyes. Once upon a time, he thought I’d never leave him—even if it killed me.

But now, here I was—calmly and firmly asking for a divorce.

He was completely speechless.

He loved Vivian so much, he’d never say a single word to hurt her.

The entire room went silent, all eyes fixed on Eric Carter, waiting for his reaction.

Vivian stared at him, unblinking.

He hesitated for only two seconds before Vivian broke down, putting on her best aggrieved, self-sacrificing act.

"Eric, you don’t have to force yourself," she said, feigning composure.

"I know I’m not from the same background as you. I’ll end this pregnancy. I can be the other woman if I have to.

"But honestly, I can’t stand the thought of my child being called a bastard. So, I’ll just get rid of the baby."

Eric panicked and tried to comfort her right away. "No, you can’t do that! This baby is our love, my very first child!

"No one will ever call him illegitimate—I’ll make sure he has a real name and a proper place in this family!"

I deliberately put on a satisfied expression. "Now that’s what I call a real man. Go ahead—sign the papers."

Under the pressure from both me and Vivian, Eric picked up the pen.

Without even glancing at the papers, he signed his name on the divorce agreement.

He leaned close to me, voice just for me, "Once Vivian gives birth, I’ll remarry you. Just be patient. I’m not going to leave you behind."

I stayed calm, finally letting out the breath I’d been holding, as if a huge weight had lifted off my chest.

Eric Carter, I don’t want you anymore.

Not ever again.

Chapter 4

Vivian flashed me a triumphant smile.

I smiled too, relieved.

I got back to the place Eric and I shared. The lawyer had already arranged for movers to take away my valuable personal belongings.

My two-year-old son was still asleep. I couldn’t bring myself to wake him.

The lawyer was accidentally injured when a cabinet toppled over, so I rushed her to the hospital.

Estimating when my son might wake up, I hurried back as fast as I could to pick him up.

I wasn’t even at the house yet when I saw thick black smoke rising like a cloud above the roof.

My heart clenched tight as I slammed down the gas pedal.

The closer I got, the stronger my dread grew. My hands shook on the steering wheel, and all I could do was pray silently that it wasn’t our home on fire.

But the moment I got out of the car, I saw the house being devoured by flames. In that instant, my whole world collapsed.

Vivian nestled against Eric’s chest, crying in a delicate, trembling voice.

"Eric, I’m sorry, I didn’t think setting off a few fireworks to celebrate would actually set the house on fire.

"What do we do now? Oh no…" She trembled like a frightened rabbit, eyes wide with fear.

Eric didn’t seem to care about the burning house. He just smiled and soothed her, saying, "It’s okay, don’t cry. It’s just a house. It’s not a big deal.

"I’ve got plenty of houses. This is nothing to me. Come on, don’t cry, my silly girl."

I rushed toward the fire, my legs weak, screaming desperately, "My son is inside! Somebody help! Put out the fire! Please—"

I lost control, trying to fight my way in. Eric grabbed me from behind, wrapping his arms around me.

"Madeline! Calm down! We don’t have a kid! There is no kid!

"If you’re upset about the house, I’ll give you another one!"

Vivian chimed in, her voice thick with mock concern. "Madeline, what’s this act? What kid? Don’t tell me you’re delusional."

I fought free from Eric’s grip and slapped him hard across the face, my whole body shaking with rage.

"It’s our son! He’s two years old! He’s sleeping in there!"

I was completely out of my mind as I tried to charge into the burning house again.

Flames were devouring the entire house, crackling and popping as everything was nearly burned away.

Sirens wailed in the distance. The fire truck was almost there.

Eric caught me again, shouting in anger, "Are you out of your mind? Is this your new trick to control me?

"Madeline Brooks, your life is on you! If you go in there, you’ll die. Is that what you want?"

"A son? When did you ever give birth? How would I not know? You must be crazy!"

Vivian echoed him, nodding like it made sense. "I think so too, Madeline. Love can’t be forced.Why do this to yourself?"

I lunged at Vivian, grabbing her hair and dragging her toward the flames. "Vivian, if anything happens to my son, you’ll burn with him!"

She shrieked, twisting away in pain.

Eric rushed over, blocking me from Vivian. He slapped me hard, glaring. "Madeline Brooks, are you insane?"

Then he turned and barked at the bodyguards, "Take her to the psych ward. Get her evaluated!"

Two tall bodyguards moved in right away, ready to drag me off.

In that hopeless moment, I was ready to give up everything and ready to rush into the flames to find my son.

Suddenly, a familiar, shaken voice came from behind me—

"Mommy, I’m here…"