Chapter 4

Lizzie nodded calmly.

What mattered to her wasn't how much of Cedric's wealth she could claim, but whether he would cut ties cleanly and grant her a swift divorce.

Cedric's family and Lizzie's family had too many entangled companies, too many shared interests. Even with a new favorite in his arms, he might not so easily let Lizzie go. Untangling the mess required a lawyer.

"Jean," she said evenly, "as long as my family's interests remain intact, please draft a reasonable division of property as quickly as possible. The sooner, the better."

Jean heard the urgency in her tone. Divorce cases like this were common in high society—never difficult, but time-consuming.

"Alright."

Eva, however, bristled with anger. "You're far too generous. He betrayed the marriage—he should pay for it. Maybe not lose everything, but at least feel the sting of sacrifice. Your tolerance will only pave the way for him and that mistress to live happily ever after."

Lizzie understood the logic.

But in front of a guy who no longer loved her, no amount of tears, pleading, or submission would win back her dignity.

In her past life, she had done all of that—again and again. And still, Cedric had loved Susan with a devotion so deep he would have given his very life.

Compared to that suffocating past, all she wanted now was escape.

"I just want the divorce finalized quickly."

Eva couldn't understand what had changed in Lizzie; she only looked at her with pained confusion. After a long silence, she turned to Jean. "Do as she asks. Sooner or later, scum like him will get what he deserves."

When they left the law office, Eva suggested a drink.

Lizzie refused. She had something more important to do.

"Another day, Eva."

Eva didn't press, only patted her arm. "However dark the night, morning light will always shine. It'll work out."

Lizzie nodded. She knew.

She went straight to the hospital and registered at the gynecology department.

The first step was to ensure the tragedy of her past life would not repeat itself—she had to know if she was pregnant.

"When was your last period?" the doctor asked.

"On the 18th of last month."

"Last intercourse?"

"Two days ago."

"Do a blood test first." The doctor handed her a slip.

The result came quickly: negative. Relief washed over her. "Not pregnant."

But the doctor took the slip back, reminding her, "A negative test doesn't rule it out. Two days ago wasn't within your safe period, and safe periods aren't reliable to begin with. If you don't want children, take an emergency contraceptive within seventy-two hours."

"Then please prescribe me the medicine."

…

As Lizzie was leaving the hospital, her phone rang.

It was Cedric.

"Hello?"

"Lizzie, there's something I want to discuss with you."

She immediately guessed it was about Susan. Otherwise, he would never humble himself with the word 'discuss'.

"What is it?"

"Susan's birthday is the day after tomorrow. I want to host a huge party for her. What do you think?"

His voice carried an undercurrent of excitement.

Lizzie said nothing.

Perhaps sensing her silence, he added quickly, "She has no family now. In truth, she doesn't like celebrating her birthday, but I insisted. I just want to lift her spirits, help ease her condition. It's an act of kindness, a gesture of humanity. Don't you think so?"

Her chest tightened. Humanity?

Before she could reply, Susan's delicate voice drifted through the receiver. "Cedric, I really don't need a birthday party. Don't trouble Lizzie."

It was tender and coquettish, as if whispered while she clung to his neck.

Lizzie closed her eyes. "All right."

"Good. I'll bring Susan to you later. Talk it over with her. Try to arrange it to her liking, make it perfect, something she can cherish. Consider it a merit on our part."

"Fine."

…

Cedric sent Susan to Lizzie's studio.

Susan wore a white lace dress, its hem studded with pearls and rhinestones—meticulously crafted, lavishly expensive. Lizzie recognized it from a magazine spread. A gift from Cedric, no doubt.

"Lizzie." Susan lifted her head shyly, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed the bliss of being adored. "Honestly, just a simple birthday would be enough. I don't want extravagance. You and Cedric have already done so much for me."

Lizzie studied her flushed face—whether from nerves or guilt, she couldn't tell. Her own expression remained calm.

In her past life, her impression of Susan had been the same. Susan rarely spoke, but no matter what was said, she always looked back with those puppy-dog eyes. That pitiful fragility had sparked countless quarrels between her and Cedric.

She had raged hysterically at Susan, begged and debased herself before Cedric—forgetting that she was no longer the woman he cherished, forgetting that he was no longer the man who went the extra mile to take care of her.

"If you really have no requests," Lizzie said coolly, "then I'll plan your birthday as if it were my own."

"That sounds good, Lizzie."

Cedric gently patted Susan's back. "Go wait in the car. I need a word with Lizzie."

"Okay."

When Susan left, his expression darkened.

"Susan is young, timid, and suffers from anxiety. When you speak to her, try to soften your tone."

He was chastising her—for nothing.

Lizzie's heart chilled.

Perhaps realizing his words were too harsh, he moderated his voice. "I'm not blaming you. She's a patient. We should show more tolerance. Don't take it to heart."

"Cedric," Lizzie asked evenly, "you've fallen in love with her, haven't you?"

She hadn't planned to expose him so soon. In truth, even after her rebirth, she hadn't meant to.

But he was so eager, so impatient, he had forgotten entirely that she was still his wife.

"If you love someone else," she said, "we can divorce."

His pupils tightened, startled by how calmly she spoke.

"Bringing up divorce again?" He pinched his brows, irritation flaring. "Lizzie, can't we just live properly? Always bringing this up—don't you see how it hurts our marriage? No one will indulge you forever."

In her past life, divorce had been her constant refrain during arguments. Every time, his kneeling and apologies had won her back.

But when had it changed?

The moment he fell for Susan, her threats no longer mattered. He no longer cared if she left.

"Enough. Stop with the nonsense." He forced patience into his tone. "Just focus on preparing Susan's birthday party. I'll head back now."