Chapter 4

Only then did I understand what it meant to turn the blame back on the person being accused.

But Jim seemed to have more to say.

"Just because the source of that 1 million dollars is clear doesn't mean the suspicion of cheating goes away!

"How could a short-sighted woman like you make 1 million dollars from investing in funds? You must have gotten close to someone and heard some inside information.

"Otherwise, why won't you tell me which fund is making money so I can make money with you?"

I pressed my lips together, unable to hide the contempt in my eyes. I didn't want to waste any more time explaining myself.

Someone who wanted to smear another person would find a way to do it no matter what.

If I made money from a fund, he considered it proof that I cheated.

If I didn't tell him which fund was making money, he still considered it proof that I was unfaithful.

As far as Jim was concerned, there was no way someone like me could make 1 million dollars on her own in three years.

He knew perfectly well that I had studied finance and had been making regular investments in funds since my sophomore year of college.

Back then, I had told him about every fund I invested in.

But every time, all he said was, "You should lose some money. That will teach you a lesson."

He had always looked down on me and believed that I was just wasting money investing in stocks.

My silence made Jim even angrier.

"Are you happy that I'm poorer than you?" he asked. "Today, you're going to pay me according to that asset evaluation report! In this marriage, you have no business being richer than me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he called over his mother Bertha Doyle.

She brought along a whole group of their relatives.

Bertha never liked me because I hadn't gotten pregnant during our three years of marriage. She always made a few hurtful comments to me during the holidays.

She said that since I couldn't have kids, another woman should have children for Jim.

Every time, I told her that if Jim dared to cheat on me, I would divorce him.

Bertha finally had the nerve to say it herself.

"If you won't give Jim your money, then get divorced! We'll take you to court.

"No matter how much money you save, it's still marital property. Jim is entitled to half of it! We can use that money to get him a new wife and start a family.

"Also, since you cheated on Jim, you're going to leave with nothing. Every penny you have is going to him!"

I looked at his family and felt my resolve harden. "I'll file for divorce in two months."

My gaze swept over each of them without a trace of warmth.

After saying that, I picked up my bag and tried to leave, but Jim stopped me.

"You're willing to get divorced?" he asked.

"You agreed so quickly. So all you care about is money and not me! If you can be so heartless, don't blame me for doing the same. Unless you pay me for the emotional support and everything you took advantage of me for, you're not leaving this house today."

Then he sneered, "Do you really think I'm stupid enough to sit around and let you hide your assets?"

A hint of contempt flashed in my eyes, and I gave him a bitter smile.

I didn't need to hide my money. I would make sure Jim didn't get a cent!

I would even take the 300,000 dollars he had saved.

As for Queenie, I finally recognized her. She was the female employee Jim had been rumored to be involved with.

But I was only four weeks pregnant, and the pregnancy was still unstable. I didn't want an accident to cause a miscarriage and harm my health.

Also, I was done sacrificing for Jim.

"Let go."

For the first time, I spoke to him with complete detachment.

Even during our past silent treatments, I had never spoken to Jim in such a distant and final tone.

The pain in my chest had left me with no desire to love him anymore.