Chapter 2 The Woman William Loved

• Lisette signed the divorce papers, and the following morning, a lawyer arrived carrying a substantial folder. "This is Mr. Preston's alimony package for you," he said, handing her the document. "It contains real estate, funds, stocks, and luxury cars. Please review it."
• Lisette stared at the folder for a long moment before pushing it back to him. "No, thank you."
• She had never played a role in his success before their marriage, nor had she contributed afterward.
• She didn't feel she deserved these assets.
• The lawyer responded, "Madam, this is Mr. Preston's explicit instruction."
• Lisette hesitated before asking, "Where is he?"
• "Mr. Preston is currently on a business trip and won't be back for a week.
• "Mr. Preston asked to transfer these assets within the week and for you to return to City Hall after his return."
• Lisette nodded and took another look at the folder. After a brief pause, she accepted it and began flipping through the pages.
• The lawyer began explaining the contents. "There's a villa in the northern suburbs registered in your name, valued at 14 million dollars. You also have an apartment in Lincolnville's luxury district, worth 7 million dollars. Additionally, you own three commercial properties each on East Street, West Street, South Street, and North Street, valued at 85 million dollars, and—"
• "Mr. Bush," Lisette interrupted.
• Stanley Bush looked at her. "Yes, Mrs. Preston?"
• "I don't want any of this. I only want the villa where I currently live. Is that possible?"
• That villa held their shared memories; it was the only place she truly wanted.
• Stanley called William, who was currently two thousand feet in the air, seated beside Mabel Burrows on their overseas trip.
• Upon receiving Stanley's message, William looked up. His dark eyes were deep and unreadable. He spoke coldly into the phone and said, "Let her have it."
• "Understood, Mr. Preston."
• When Mabel saw William hang up, she gave a slight smile and linked her arm with his. "I hope I'm not causing you any trouble."
• "No trouble," William replied, setting his phone aside and returning to his magazine.
• Mabel, noticing his lack of enthusiasm, could tell he wasn't in the best mood. She took the magazine from him and asserted herself. "William, look at me."
• William turned his gaze toward her, his eyes dark，unyielding and intimidating.
• But Mabel was not intimidated. After being with him for five years, she understood him well.
• If it weren't for her mistake, he wouldn't be marrying someone else!
• "I'm back now. If you don't appreciate that, then no matter what you do, I won't be coming back. Understand?"
• Her tone was as assertive and commanding as ever—this was Mabel, the woman William loved.
• William lifted her chin, his fingers gently brushing her face. His eyes, dark and calm, conveyed a subtle message. "Mabel, this is your only chance."
• The paperwork was processed quickly. Stanley left, but Lisette called out, "Mr. Bush."
• Stanley turned around. "Yes, Mrs. Preston?"
• Lisette instinctively clutched the villa contract in her hand, her eyes reflecting a mix of caution and hope. "Will he be there with me when we go to the courthouse?"
• She wanted to see him one last time, to have a clear memory of him forever.
• "Yes," Stanley confirmed.
• That afternoon, Lisette rented an apartment in the city center and began searching for a job online.
• She had been a stay-at-home wife for the past year. Now, it was time to re-enter the workforce.
• She didn't have a degree and had only attended night school, so she wasn't qualified for many creditable jobs. Nevertheless, she knew she had to start somewhere, and she didn't expect too much.
• She found a position as a sales representative at a cosmetics company. She submitted her resume and was invited for an interview the next day.
• A smile spread across Lisette's face, her eyes softening. She knew she would live just fine on her own.
• She had to keep moving forward; she couldn't afford to dwell on past sorrows.