Chapter 3

I followed them quietly until they were at the door of Ariel’s bedroom.

Back on her own territory, Ariel grew bold. She wrapped her arms around Leo’s neck, her freshly painted red lips brushing against him on purpose, teasing him.

“I saw that diamond necklace,” she said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind design, exclusive worldwide. I’m so jealous of her!”

Leo gently pushed her away, his voice strained as he fought back desire. “Don’t do this. You’re still in your first trimester. You can’t… do that right now.”

Ariel’s lips curled into a smile, and she leaned in even closer, fanning the flames instead. “I don’t care. I want a diamond necklace too—one bigger and more expensive than hers.”

Leo let out a quiet sigh. His tone softened into a level of indulgence I had never heard before.

“Your child will be the successor to the Carter family. All the power and status will be yours. Don’t fixate on those worthless little things.”

Every word was a stab to my heart. He gave Ariel everything that truly mattered—power, status, and a future, while he gave me nothing more than trinkets he bought on a whim.

In that moment, something inside me finally died. I stumbled back to my room, my legs barely able to support me, and called Mr. Harmon again.

“Prepare the divorce papers between Leo and me,” I said quietly. “Handle everything here as well. Book me a flight. I’m not coming back.”

By the time I was done packing, dawn had broken without me realizing it. I checked my phone. There was not a single message. Leo had forgotten his promise to return right away, spending the entire night in Ariel’s room. My heart still ached dully, but I no longer felt disappointed.

During breakfast in the living room, Leo rushed downstairs, his hair a mess. When he saw me sitting at the dining table, he let out a long breath of relief.

“I didn’t see you in the bedroom,” he said, still shaken. “You scared me to death. I thought you’d gone somewhere.”

He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, his voice trembling with fear.

“I was really scared when I couldn’t find you. From now on, wherever you go, you have to tell me first, okay?”

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. If he were truly afraid of losing me, he wouldn’t have done the things that hurt me so deeply.

After hesitating for a moment, I took out the divorce papers that Mr. Harmon had prepared. However, before I could speak, Ariel came rushing downstairs in tears.

Leo’s mother chased after her anxiously, shouting, “Don’t run! My precious one, be careful of the baby!”

Ariel ignored her. She held up a cruise ticket and demanded angrily, “You’re going on a world tour with her? What about me? Are you just going to leave me here?”

Leo shoved me aside without hesitation and turned to Ariel, panic flashing across his face.

“Don’t get worked up! Be careful of the baby. If you want to go, I’ll buy you a ticket right now!”

He pulled out his phone and walked away. The moment his back was turned, Ariel looked at me and flashed a vicious smile. Then, in one swift motion, she yanked open her clothes, pinched her own arm hard, and collapsed against the wall with her hair in disarray.

“Fawn, I won’t go on the trip anymore,” she cried out. “Please don’t hit me!”

Leo spun around just in time to see Ariel slowly fall to the floor. His expression darkened instantly.

He rushed forward, scooped her up, and looked at me with unmistakable disappointment.

“She’s carrying the Carters’ baby,” he said coldly. “How could you lay a hand on her?”

I waved my hands frantically. “I didn’t touch her–”

However, Leo’s mother pointed straight at me and shouted, “She pushed her. I saw it with my own eyes.”