Chapter 6

Sheena arrived at the Muller residence. The large modern-style house stood grandly in an elite area at the center of the city.

The door opened as soon as she reached the front. Julio appeared, wearing a casual white shirt. A faint smile curved on his firm face. “Welcome, Sheena.”

Alea ran out cheerfully. “Auntie Sheenaaa!” She immediately jumped and hugged Sheena tightly. “You finally came. Alea is so happy!”

Sheena chuckled softly, hugging the child back. “Alea, you’re really so adorable.”

Julio took the suitcase from Sheena’s hand. “Let me carry this. Come in, make yourself at home.”

Sheena stepped inside. A spacious living room with gray sofas and tall bookshelves greeted her. The scent of cinnamon from a diffuser made the atmosphere feel cozy.

“Auntie, let’s go to your room!” Alea tugged at Sheena’s hand. “Your room is right next to mine, so we can talk often.”

Sheena smiled with relief. “Really? Wow, I’m so happy, Alea.”

They went upstairs to the second floor. Alea opened the door to the room that had been prepared. The walls were painted a soft beige, and the bed was neatly made with white sheets.

Sheena paused for a moment. “This is too nice for me.”

Julio placed the suitcase beside the wardrobe. “Nothing is too nice. You deserve it. Alea chose this room for you herself.”

“That’s right!” Alea raised her hand proudly. “I picked it so Auntie would feel at home.”

Sheena smiled warmly. The pain in her heart slowly faded. At least, she was no longer alone.

As she sat on the edge of the bed, Sheena reached into her bag to take out her phone. By accident, the brown envelope containing the divorce papers fell to the floor.

Julio picked it up before Sheena could. He quickly read the writing on the cover, then looked at Sheena with raised brows. “So you’re Gevan Daxon’s wife?”

Sheena stayed silent for a moment, then shook her head slowly. “No, more precisely, Gevan Daxon’s ex-wife.”

Julio stared at her in surprise. “But didn’t Gevan introduce Claudia as his wife at the school earlier?”

Sheena smiled bitterly. “That’s the problem. At that time, I was still his wife. But to him, I wasn’t worthy. All because of my appearance… I was considered ugly, unattractive, and unkempt.”

Julio lowered his gaze briefly, realizing he had touched on something sensitive. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up something painful.”

Sheena shook her head. “It’s all right. I’m used to it. Besides, it’s all over now.”

On the bed, Alea was busy playing with her doll, not paying much attention to their conversation.

Julio looked at Sheena again. His gaze traveled up and down, as if carefully assessing. Sheena’s body was full, around ninety kilograms, her face pale from lack of care, her long hair tied up carelessly, and thick glasses covered her tired eyes.

There was a concern he could hardly hide. “Sheena,” he said softly, “may I be honest?”

Sheena looked at him hesitantly. “About what?”

“Your appearance.” Julio didn’t beat around the bush. “I think you can change. If you’re willing, I can help. At least, to lose some weight and take care of yourself.”

Sheena was shocked. Her eyes widened, her cheeks flushed. “Huh? Change my appearance?”

Julio nodded. “Yes. I have some contacts—nutritionists, personal trainers, and beauty consultants. They can help you. Not because I look down on you, but because I know you can be better. Wouldn’t it be fair if your ex-husband saw that the one he insulted all this time turned out to be far more attractive than the one he chose?”

Sheena bit her lower lip, uncertain. “I don’t know if I can…”

Julio gave a small smile. “I believe you can. Just look at Alea. She likes you as you are. That’s proof you’re already valuable, even without change. But if you want more confidence, there’s no harm in trying.”

Alea suddenly turned while hugging her doll. “Auntie Sheena can do it! Alea is sure.”

Sheena looked at the little girl, then back at Julio. “You’re right, maybe it’s time I prove I’m not as bad as they think. I agree.”

Julio nodded firmly. “Good. Starting tomorrow, I’ll arrange meetings with people who can help you.”

Sheena drew a long breath. “Thank you, Julio. I don’t know what to say.”

Julio looked at her for a moment, a strange feeling stirring in his chest. It was as if he had seen Sheena somewhere before. Something about her felt familiar. But he chose to keep it to himself.

“Whatever happens, remember one thing,” Julio said steadily. “You are valuable. Don’t let anyone belittle you again.”

Sheena smiled faintly, for the first time with a touch of confidence. “All right. I’ll remember that.”

Alea immediately hugged Sheena again. “Yay! Alea is happy Auntie is here.”

Sheena hugged her back tightly. “Yes, Auntie is happy to be Alea’s friend too.”

***

The next morning, after taking Alea to school, Sheena walked with determination toward the civil registry office. The cool morning air made her breathing feel lighter, as if it encouraged her steps—this time without hesitation.

When she arrived, she saw Gevan already standing at the entrance with Claudia. The two of them looked harmonious—Gevan in a navy blue suit, Claudia in a simple yet elegant dress.

Sheena only glanced briefly, her eyes cold and expressionless. She didn’t want to argue or cause trouble. When the clerk called their names, the three of them entered the room.

The divorce process was brief because Sheena had already prepared all the documents, including the divorce papers she had handed to Gevan the night before. The officer formally explained that their marriage certificate would be revoked, and both parties were now legally no longer bound as husband and wife.

“Starting today, the two of you are officially divorced,” the officer said, handing the documents to Sheena and Gevan.

Sheena received the documents with both hands. Relief washed over her chest. Seven years of sacrifice ended today, sealed with a single sheet of paper.

But the calm moment was immediately shattered by Gevan’s voice. He chuckled while glancing at Sheena from head to toe. “Sheena, I’m sure within three days—no, maybe just twenty-four hours—you’ll come crawling back to me. I know you have no one else. Without me, your life is nothing.”

Claudia nudged Gevan’s arm, pretending to be shy, though her eyes clearly carried ridicule.

Sheena looked straight at Gevan, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You’re wrong, Gevan. I will never return. Maybe my life was a mess because I stayed with you too long. Now… I will build my own path. Without you.”

Gevan’s face changed instantly, unable to accept Sheena’s firmness. “You think you can survive? Don’t dream. This world is harsh, Sheena. You won’t last.”

Sheena only sighed, unwilling to continue the conversation. She gathered the documents in her hands, then walked out of the room without looking back.

Outside, she immediately waved down a passing taxi. The driver opened the back door, and Sheena got in calmly.

As the taxi started moving, she glanced once at the civil registry building. A sense of relief, mixed with bitterness, welled inside her. “Finally, I’m divorced from that bastard. Now I’m free,” she thought.