Chapter 3

“Sign here.” Yvonne flipped the papers to the last page, hiding the content on the first few pages as she handed them to Justin. Her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.

Justin glanced at it, assuming it was just another request for jewelry or property. He wanted to end the farce as quickly as possible, so he signed without a second thought.

Once it was done, he looked up. “Sophia’s not in good health, and no one is at her place to take care of her. She’ll need to stay here for a few days.”

Yvonne nodded numbly. “As you wish.”

She took the papers and left without looking back.

…

At the law firm, the lawyer carefully checked the divorce agreement and nodded. “The signature is valid, Ms. Johansson. After about a month, your marriage with Mr. Quinn will be legally dissolved.”

Yvonne gripped the papers so tightly her fingertips turned white.

Finally… it was about to end.

…

That evening, when Yvonne returned to the villa, the living room was filled with laughter.

Sophia sat on the couch with Milton and Travis on either side, leaning against her as she told them a story.

“And in the end, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after.” Sophia gently stroked the two children’s heads.

Milton looked up. “Ms. Shaw, you’re so much gentler than our mom.”

Travis nodded. “I wish you could be our mom…”

Yvonne stood frozen at the doorway. Her chest felt as though it had been stabbed. She kept her face blank and headed upstairs to take a shower in the guest bathroom. The warm water washed over her body but could not chase away the chill in her heart.

She closed her eyes and told herself that she did not have to worry. That wish of theirs would soon come true.

She had barely settled into bed when the mattress dipped on the other side. Justin had finished his shower and climbed in beside her.

Yvonne faced away from him, completely still.

Suddenly, he leaned over, wrapping an arm around her waist. His lips brushed the back of her neck. She froze for a moment, then shoved him away sharply!

Justin frowned.“You’ve gotten your compensation. Your brother didn’t suffer any serious harm. How long are you planning to make a scene?”

When Yvonne was about to speak, there was a knock on the door. Milton’s little head peeked in. “Dad! The weather forecast said there’s going to be a thunderstorm tonight! Didn’t you say Ms. Shaw is scared of thunder?”

Travis squeezed in behind him. “Dad, come keep Ms. Shaw company! She’s scared!”

Justin glanced at the darkening sky outside and got up without hesitation. Before he left, he tossed a single sentence over his shoulder, “You’ll be sleeping alone tonight.”

The door was not fully closed, and from the next room came the faint sound of laughter.

“Justin, you’re here?” Sophia’s voice was gentle.

“Dad! The story Ms. Shaw told us was so good!” Milton exclaimed.

Travis whined, “Dad, can Ms. Shaw stay here forever?”

Justin gave a soft laugh. “Alright.”

Yvonne lay in bed, listening to their laughter. She slowly closed her eyes.

…

The next morning, when Yvonne went downstairs, the kitchen was filled with cheerful chatter.

Justin stood at the counter with an apron on, his long fingers gripping a spatula. Sophia was beside him, leaning in to catch the aroma from time to time. Her eyes curved into crescents.

Milton and Travis gathered around their legs, looking up and chattering nonstop.

“Justin, I didn’t expect you to still remember the food I like after all these years.” Sophia’s voice was gentle, carrying a hint of emotion in her voice.

Justin glanced at her. He had never shown Yvonne such gentleness. “Not a single moment forgotten.”

He plated the sunny-side-up eggs and pushed them toward her. “Try it. See if it tastes different.”

Sophia took a bite. Her brows and eyes relaxed. “Even better than before.”

Milton immediately raised his hand. “Ms. Shaw, I’ll cook for you when Dad’s busy!”

Travis bounced along, “Me too! I’ll make it even better than Dad!”

Sophia laughed and ruffled the boys’ hair. Even Justin’s normally stern features softened with a smile as he watched them.

Yvonne stood at the top of the stairs. She gave a wry, self-mocking smile. Justin was born with a silver spoon and had been living in luxury, while their two sons were pampered and fussy. All these years, they had kept her diligently running the household.

Yet…

Even someone like Justin, whose hands had never touched kitchen equipment before, could cook for the one he loved. Even children as spoiled and demanding as Milton and Travis could behave with such consideration.

Yvonne had always been humble and servile in front of them, while they willingly bent for Sophia. The one who loved more was always left utterly defeated.