Chapter 4

I collected my graduation certificate and received news from the resumes I had sent out. The interview offer that I was most happy with was from a large company located in the neighboring city.

I wasted no time in setting an appointment for an interview. In my previous life, getting a job was something I looked forward to the most.

I was incredibly anxious. Thankfully, the company called me before I hopped onto the train; I had passed the interview.

On the train, I excitedly searched for a suitable apartment. It exhilarated me that I would soon break away from Emil.

Just after I disembarked the train, I received a call from Emil. The moment the call connected, he barked rudely, "Where are you, Penelope?"

It felt as though a bucket of cold water had dampened my high spirits. "What's the matter?"

Emil's voice turned colder. "My parents are back. They're asking you to come home for dinner."

It was already evening by the time I reached the McLaren residence. Four people were seated at the dining table—the McLarens and Sarah—and solemn looks hung on their faces.

I could imagine what had happened during my absence and walked in without flinching.

Emil brushed his gaze over my face. Out of the blue, he slammed down his fork and went upstairs. "I'm done eating. It's making me sick."

Sarah went after him upstairs, whereas I took a seat next to Hubert and Fiona, who awkwardly came up with an excuse on Emil's behalf.

I looked at the elders, who were akin to my parents, in front of me seriously. In my previous life, they tried to save me when they learned that Emil was confining me.

However, Emil was holding the reins in the McLaren family, so there wasn't much Hubert and Fiona could do.

I didn't blame them, though. In contrast, I had only my stupidity to blame.

I began softly, "Hubert and Fiona, I've been thinking a lot recently. Emil and I are not suited for each other. He doesn't like me, and I have no feelings for him, either.

"Rather than forcing ourselves to be together in resentment, it's better that we set each other free. Let's annul the engagement."

Fiona's face froze, and tears shimmered in her eyes. "Is there no other way?"

I nodded firmly in reply. After taking care of the most important matter since I was given a second chance in life, I felt a heavy weight leave my shoulders.

Before leaving, I returned to my room to take my belongings, which I had missed the last time.

Sarah blocked my path. "Penelope, will you return Emil to me? I'm pregnant with his child, and the baby needs a father."

Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she appeared pitiful.

Frowning, I took a step back subconsciously.

An eerie smile spread across her face. Then, she grabbed my arm and shoved herself off the staircase violently.

"Penny, don't push me! My baby! It hurts!"

Sarah rolled down the staircase, and blood trickled down between her legs. Simultaneously, Emil dashed out of the study and put on a menacing expression.

He raised his hand and slapped me. "You're evil, Penelope!

"In the past, I'd always thought that people were exaggerating when they said that you are a bully. But now, I'm seeing it with my own eyes. What else have you got to say?

"If it weren't for you, I could have been together with Sarah happily. Why do you keep standing between us?"

Hubert and Fiona came out of their room, and Sarah wailed even louder while holding her belly when she saw them.

Emil spat in an angry tone, "Mom and Dad, look at this. That's the wife you guys have chosen for me!"

After the pain drifted away, dizziness washed over me, and my ears started ringing. I stared at Emil's furious face. He looked as though the entire world had betrayed him.

Without any second thoughts, I retaliated by slapping him twice. "Don't worry. I’ll never be your wife from today onward."