2. Thirty days more...

ELOWEN

I walked through the hall of the CEO's floor, determined to walk out of this cursed place, when—

“Mrs. Hale…”

I froze; the sudden mention felt like a dagger on my chest. Swallowing hard, my eyes followed the voice's direction.

It was Daniel, Adrian’s junior assistant, who stood nervously in the hall. The guy I used to know as a brother also turned out to be a serpent. He knew everything, yet always lied with a smile that I trusted.

His eyes observed me for a moment, before he walked towards me and bowed slightly. “Mrs Hale, I was looking for you!”

I only raised a brow.

“Umm—” He looked hesitant and then, “The CEO asked me to give you this.” His voice was alert and cautious as he stretched his hand toward me.

I gazed at his hand. There lay, a blue velvet box. I raised a brow quietly, my gaze lingered with questions.

With a single blink, “well…” he muttered and then gently opened the box, unveiling a diamond bracelet that sparkled like freshly fallen snow.

I studied it in silence, my lips slowly twitched into a cold smile. “Oh, how thoughtful. He buys me gifts while he—entertains whores.” My words weren't restrained, not anymore.

Daniel swallowed. He looked terribly shocked, perhaps didn't realise I would have known the truth. Tension creased his brow. “The CEO—h-he picked it himself. Said it wa-as one-of-a-kind.” His tone shook while speaking.

“One-of-a-kind?” My lips curved into amusement as I stared at it.

But as I watched it, the flash of Lauren's face blurred my vision. I could only see Lauren wearing that bracelet around her wrist, twirling before the mirror in my bedroom and giggling.

My stomach churned, nausea hitting me, and immediately I snapped the lid shut.

My heart raced with insults. I hurriedly grabbed the box from his hand and slid it into my bag. “Yeah, taken.” And walked past him.

A nervous smile played across Daniel's face. “Thanks, Mrs. Hale!” He looked relieved as I walked away…

With a heavy and quiet heart, I departed from the company that I had once held so dear. However, neither this company nor the people there ever loved me, not even once.

Glancing back at the memory of five years, I walked past the luxurious cars parked in the garage until I reached my small Mercedes.

Having settled into my car, I brought out the bracelet from my bag. The more I looked at it, the more it made me bleed.

Slowly, I took out my phone and then took a picture of the necklace and sent it to a contact who specialises in luxury resale, a trusted contact I had earned through these five years of stabilising Adrian's company.

‘Sell this. Donate the money to the ‘carry-home’ orphanage fund.’ I texted.

After tossing the necklace again in my bag, I finally took out the signed divorce papers.

I snapped a photo of it and forwarded the picture to Cassian Corvella—My brother and one silent ally.

‘It's done.’ I typed it and sent it to his number.

I could have caused a scene the moment I caught my husband with another woman, but—he wasn't worth my time anymore, so, to ensure a silent walk out, I turned to my brother…

Soon, my phone displayed an international number, and it was Cassian. Taking a moment to compose myself, I answered the call… “Brother…”

“Hmm, I've received it.” His deep baritone rang in my ears soothingly. “Now, stay away from him until I arrive.” He spoke, cold and composed as usual, which generally sent chills down the spine.

“Understood,” I murmured.

“Good, let's talk later.” And—he hung up.

“....”

Well, I wasn't very surprised, though. Cassian is a man of few words. He preferred action over words and was also a feared man in the business world.

Indeed, Corvellas were business people in European states, and I secretly bore the title of an heiress. I came to Massachusetts to study and build a career, but instead met Adrian, and everything changed… My family never really supported our marriage, nor did I ever mention my background.

‘Hales’ are not worthy of your attention.’ My mother used to say, and now—A deep sigh left my chest… Mom's words revealed as the cruel truth.

Perhaps this was the punishment for rebellion…

My gaze flickered at the copy of the divorce papers.

Today, Adrian had signed the divorce papers without even glancing at them. Good for me, he saved me from unnecessary drama.

Cassian said he would arrive in Massachusetts after a month, and in the meantime, the divorce process will be ongoing. I couldn't wait for that!

I tossed the file to the side and turned the engine on. As the engine hummed to life, I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror. My eyes were steady and void, more than I knew I could. My lips curved in something not quite a smile, but—a mockery to my fate.

“Thirty days more,” I whispered. “And Adrian Hale will be nothing but a faded name of my past…”