Chapter 3 Let's Get a Divorce

• Suddenly, I found the Eckman Family to be just that—ridiculous.
• "Madam Hill, let it go. This isn't Mrs. Eckman's fault; it's Marcus and I who failed to consider everything thoroughly." The atmosphere suddenly grew exceptionally tense and awkward, at which point Taylor's words broke the stalemate.
• Alice had always wanted Taylor to marry into their family and had an obvious fondness for her.
• She completely altered her sharp reprimand toward me and smiled warmly at Taylor, saying, "Taylor, please don't worry about it. Our family is your family, too; don't be so polite."
• "Stop pretending to be a good person; I don't need your help to defend me. You clearly didn't think this through because you shouldn't be in someone else's home on New Year's Eve!" I retorted harshly.
• All the tension stemmed from Taylor, yet here she was, pretending to be gracious.
• "Charlotte, are you rebelling?" Marcus stood up, his tall and imposing figure exuding an overwhelming pressure. But I straightened my back and met his gaze.
• I had had enough.
• "Actually, I shouldn't be here on New Year's Eve…" Taylor's once-beautiful face flushed a delicate shade of crimson, which felt discordant with her words.
• That expression made me anxious; a bad premonition began to creep into my heart.
• "I'm pregnant—two months along with Marcus' child," Taylor said, gently caressing her belly as she leaned into Marcus, addressing us with a sense of pride.
• Boom!
• It felt as if my mind exploded; I was rendered speechless, and the air suddenly felt unbearably thin.
• So that was why Alice had me prepare those extra dishes today—they were intended for Taylor, as all those light meals were suitable for pregnant women!
• Alice had already known about her pregnancy!
• Only I, like a fool, was claiming my territory while others regarded me as a joke.
• At that moment, Taylor must have felt triumphant, having a trump card to freely humiliate me.
• For a family like the Eckmans, the significance of a child was self-evident.
• I had once hoped to give Marcus a child, but…
• Taylor had become the focal point of the New Year's dinner, and the earlier incident was swiftly forgotten.
• Everyone understood how this conflict would unfold—who would emerge victorious and who would be defeated.
• Taylor was surrounded by Alice and the others, her face radiating happiness and satisfaction, while Marcus appeared like a devoted husband, attentive and considerate.
• When I turned my gaze to Marcus, I noticed that his formerly cold expression had softened unexpectedly.
• On this New Year's Eve, a day meant for reunion and celebration, my husband gave me an unforgettable experience.
• And this feast was one I had personally prepared.
• I mechanically moved my feet, leaving the dining room alone; even in my bedroom, I could still hear the sounds of laughter and joy from downstairs.
• I covered my eyes, trying desperately to keep the tears at bay, but they flowed down my cheeks nonetheless.
• As the rightful wife, I could only curl up in my room and cry.
• Meanwhile, the mistress gleefully occupied my husband and claimed my place.
• Oh, Charlotte, you truly are a mess.
• I lay drowsily on the large bed in the room that was meant to be mine and Marcus', yet for seven years, he had never once spent the night here.
• Even when he came home, he always chose to sleep in the study, just a wall away.
• Seven years... Maybe it's time for me to wake up.
• "Charlotte, let's get a divorce." As I drifted into my thoughts, Marcus pushed the door open and spoke with an authoritative tone.
• Boom…
• Marcus' words left me stiff, and I widened my eyes, unable to utter a single word.
• Marcus pinched a cigarette between his fingers and slowly exhaled the smoke, which obscured his sharp, cold features, making him appear like a bloodthirsty demon of the night.
• "Tell me. What are your terms?" He released a puff of smoke, his voice deep and grave.
• "Grandpa won't agree." After a long pause, I finally found my voice.
• Kelvin held great influence in the Eckman Family; he had promised my dad to take care of me, which allowed me to marry Marcus. He would certainly not approve of a divorce.
• Marcus scoffed, "Do you think you can use Grandpa against me? Don't assume I'm afraid!"
• "That's not…" A fresh wave of pain surged through me. To be honest, I was exhausted. Living in a marriage that felt like widowhood had made it clear how reality truly was. However, love had blinded me.
• I mentioned Kelvin solely to convey that he was in poor health and that bringing up a divorce might greatly impact him. However, Marcus misunderstood; perhaps he saw me as a despicable person.
• "As long as it's not, that's fine. Grandpa's birthday is coming up; just find a moment after that to explain things to him." Marcus shot me a glance, his expression cold and detached.
• "I understand." I suppressed the anguish within and nodded lightly.