Breaking Free

Chapter 4

REBECCA'S POV

With a click, the call ended, and then my phone buzzed in my palm.

My eyes lit up with a hint of excitement when I saw the message:

"The divorce agreement is ready. You can come pick it up."

I tucked my phone inside my purse and sighed. It's about time anyway.

My eyes flickered to the card carefully tucked inside my bag. Instinctively, I squinted as I tilted it from side to side, realizing it was a business card.

It was probably dropped off by that man—the one who somehow knew my identity. One I had tried my best to keep hidden, yet he knew.

Deciding not to dwell too much on my past, I tucked the card back with the intention of checking it later.

Sliding into my car, I turned on the engine, and in what felt like the speed of lightning, I was already at Langford Courthouse.

The moment I swung the door open, Jessica jumped on me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"God, I can’t even imagine what you must have been going through," she said softly.

Her hands caressed my back as I fell into her embrace, letting myself feel everything I had been holding back.

Tears welled up, but I blinked them back.

"Where is it? I need to be free of that ungrateful bastard," I mumbled.

"Come inside," Jessica said calmly, closing the door behind us.

I let myself relax against the seat as Jessica poured me a glass of water.

"Here, take this. You look so dehydrated and pale," she mumbled.

I exhaled, rubbing the side of my head with a deep breath. She walked over to her desk and pulled out an envelope.

"I did everything you asked."

Taking the envelope, I felt a sharp pain in my heart as adrenaline rushed to my head.

"If you're having second thoughts, you really don’t have to do this," Jessica added.

I pressed my lips together and shook my head.

"The reason I married into the Sterling family was because my family was framed for tax evasion. Luckily, my father had transferred ownership of his properties to me at birth since I was his heir." The words tore through me as I clenched my palm.

Jessica gave a knowing nod. "That's right. The only way to make sure everything was secured was to marry into a powerful family. It was as if Uncle had foreseen something like this a long time ago."

Jessica’s face dropped. "If Uncle and Aunt hadn’t been framed, I’m sure the Belmont Fashion Empire would still be the biggest in Langford City."

I forced a smile as I took a sip from the glass and rolled my eyes. "Well, life is full of surprises."

My parents were good people, and no matter what others believed, I knew my father had been framed. But he made me promise not to seek revenge—to live a happy life with my husband.

But now, it seems happily ever after was never meant for me.

"Oh, by the way, my brother is back," Jessica grinned, leaning over her seat.

"Brother?" I arched a brow, unable to recall this so-called brother of hers.

I vaguely remembered a tiny boy who used to bully me. But after Jessica’s parents sent him abroad, I never heard from him again.

"Really? You’ve forgotten? I thought you two had a thing for each other back then. I remember shipping you guys a lot," she giggled with a smile.

I stood up from my seat and pinched the space between my brows. "Stop talking nonsense. I have work to do..."

Beep Beep

I dipped my hand inside my bag, and my face hardened when I saw the message from Felix.

"Get some chicken soup for Anna. She wants the one you make."

A bitter laugh erupted from my throat as I snatched the envelope from the table.

"Felix, I hope you don’t regret this later on—because I never give second chances."

*****

The moment my feet stepped into the Sterling mansion, it was as if everyone had been waiting for me. The whole place was in chaos.

"Madam, you’re back!"

Jenny’s voice trembled. "Young Master Will is terribly sick."

I should have felt panic. I should have run to his side.

But I didn’t.

Instead, a hollow laugh escaped my lips.

He replaced me. He chose her. He is no longer my son.

How ironic.

When Will was born, he was diagnosed with Cold Urticaria, so I always made sure he never swam—especially close to winter. But he never listened. 

I sacrificed everything. I stayed awake on sleepless nights, sang him lullabies, held him close when he was scared and kept him warm. 

And now? He turned to Anna for comfort. He trusted Felix’s words over mine.

I inhaled deeply, my expression calm. "Since my son has a new mother, I’m sure she can handle his needs."

Jenny’s face turned pale, her hands trembling. Pushing past her, my heels clicked against the tiled floor.

As I entered the main hall, I froze in my tracks.

Anna was lying on the sofa, and Felix was by her side, carefully massaging her feet.

"Does it hurt?" he asked softly.

I remembered the time when I was pregnant with Will. My feet had been so swollen, and the doctor had recommended massages to ease the pain.

"Why should I do something like that when you have maids tending to your needs?" Felix had scoffed when I begged him to help me.

Anna’s lips curled into a smirk as she leaned into Felix’s chest.

"Why did you marry Rebecca when the person you love is me?" she whispered.

Felix barely hesitated. He smiled, his fingers lazily brushing through her hair. "You know the answer, sweetheart. Her inheritance. Nothing more."

My chest tightened. But then—he laughed.

"Honestly? I was always counting down the days until I could get rid of her."

I clenched my fists, but I forced myself to breathe. To stay calm. I would not give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

My jaw tightened as I closed the distance between us.

SLAM.

The envelope hit the table with force, making Felix jolt in shock, slightly pulling away from Anna.

"Where have you been, Rebecca? I’ve been trying to reach you. Where is Anna’s chicken soup?"

I crossed my arms over my chest and nudged toward the table.

"Sign it," I ordered calmly.

Felix’s jaw clenched, his eyes flickering between me and the envelope. "What the fuck is this?"

I arched a brow, voice calm. "It’s a divorce agreement."

Silence.

I let out a slow breath, tucking my hair behind my ear. "I’m taking back my inheritance." I met his gaze, my next words sinking into the room like a blade.

"And I’m willing to give up custody of your son… since he already has a new mommy."

The color drained from Felix’s face.