Chapter 3

"Don't even think about it!" Harry bellowed, tearing the annulment agreement into shreds. "Only I get to leave you, Julia. You do not get to humiliate me like this!"

"Me? Humiliating you?" I laughed out loud. "You brought your mistress into my house to insult me. How many women have you cheated with over the years? If it's not 100, it's at least 50. Don't you want freedom? Here it is. If you don't want to lose the villa, then buy it from me. Or is the future head of the Nolan Group too broke for that?"

Harry lost his tongue, his face flushed red with shame. At the same time, Violet's smirk vanished, replaced by panic.

She grabbed his arm, urging him, "Sign it! Then we'll get married. That bracelet you gave me is a promise. You can't back out now."

Glancing at the bracelet, Emilio raised a brow and stayed silent.

But Harry shook Violet's hand off, pointing at me. "I know exactly what game you're playing. Ten days, Julia. I'll give you ten days to come crawling back. When you do, I'll still take you as my wife."

I wiped the cold tears from my cheeks. "You really think I'm still the pathetic woman who came running every time you snapped your fingers?"

There were always women circling him. Because of that, I had fought with him countless times, threatening to leave him for good.

He'd just stand there with a poker face, telling people not to stop me. "Let her go. Let's see how long she lasts without me."

And sure enough, after only a few hours, I'd crumble and go back to him, swallowing my pride.

He'd then brag to his friends, "See? Clingier than a stray dog."

But this time, I refused to be his pet again. Turning to Emilio, I asked, "This house is mine now, right?"

"Yes," he replied.

"Perfect." I clapped my hands. "Bring everything inside."

The funeral staff exchanged uncertain looks, and Emilio said quietly, "Do as she says."

I led them through every room of the house. "Put flowers in every corner and change the portrait to one of Harry and me together. Today, I am holding a funeral for this toxic, seven-year, betrayal-filled relationship. If anyone dares try to resurrect it, may they suffer for the rest of their lives."

Harry stared at me, stunned by my boldness. Beside him, Violet yelped, "Ouch! Harry, you're hurting me!"

He released her hand that was turning purple from his grip. His chest heaved with anger. "You'll regret this, Julia! One day, you'll come crawling back and beg me not to leave!"

He spun around, storming toward the door. Passing Emilio, he paused and muttered, "Find out who she slept with. I want to know what kind of man makes her act this insane."

Emilio lowered his gaze. "Alright."

...

The next few days without Harry's constant harassment felt like heaven. I slept for three straight days to make up for the nights I had spent terrified while he was missing.

But my peace was short-lived. On the fourth day, the shameless man showed up again, holding a bouquet of roses so enormous it nearly swallowed him whole, along with bags of luxury gifts.

"Honey, you've been angry long enough," he said smoothly. "You've coaxed me back hundreds of times. Let me be the one to coax you this time, okay?"