Chapter 3 Tears and Lies

Grayson's gaze dimmed, and a rare flicker of guilt flashed across his eyes. But I knew it was only temporary. Every time Scarlette stirred up trouble, he would always take her side.

I looked him straight in the eye, my voice calm yet firm as I spoke each word clearly. "Since you think I'm petty and unreasonable, and you're afraid I'll bully her—let's get a divorce."

Grayson froze, utterly stunned. He hadn't expected me to bring up divorce on our wedding day, and for a moment, he couldn't even react.

It was Scarlette whose expression shifted first, tears welling up in her eyes before she burst into sobs. "Kayla, please don't be mad. It's all my fault."

Watching her tears fall one by one, I felt nothing. If anything, her act struck me as fake. I gave a soft, self-mocking laugh. "I wouldn't dare be mad at you."

She choked out a sob, her voice trembling as she launched into another pitiful monologue. "No, you are angry—otherwise you wouldn't be talking about divorce. Don't blame Grayson—he's only worried about me. It's just…

"I've had such a hard life. My husband died not long after we got married, and I've had no one to depend on all these years. Grayson is only looking out for me because of the promise he made to his brother. Please don't misunderstand him. It's all my fault for drinking and saying stupid things. I never meant to hurt you—if I did, I'm sorry."

Her words didn't move me. I only watched her coldly as she performed her scene. I'd seen this act too many times before. Every time she started trouble, she'd drag out her dead husband's memory to win sympathy.

Yes, she was pitiful—but she could have remarried long ago. Why cling to Grayson and tear apart my marriage instead?

After all these years, I'd seen enough to know the truth. She had feelings for him. I used to turn a blind eye, convincing myself he only had eyes for me.

When I stayed silent, Scarlette suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me with a loud thud that made everyone around gasp. "I'm sorry—it's all my fault! Please forgive me!"

Grayson's expression changed instantly. He rushed forward to pull her up just as people from downstairs came running up, their voices buzzing with judgment.

"That's too much—forcing someone to kneel like that."

"Didn't think she'd be that petty. Can't even stand her own sister-in-law."

"Looks like she's got quite the cold heart."

I stiffened slightly, but my tone turned icy. "This is my family's business. You don't know what's really going on, so keep your comments to yourselves."

The crowd fell silent, cowed by the edge in my voice. Grayson, however, glared at me, his tone colder than ever. "That's enough, Kayla. If you keep this up, I won't hold back."

Scarlette shoved him aside and knelt again. "It's all my fault—I've ruined your marriage."

Then, she looked up at Grayson through her tears, her expression heartbreakingly delicate. "Grayson, I know you care about me, but I don't want to make things harder for you. I'll move out."

She paused, then added in a trembling voice, "If Kayla really can't stand me, I'll even remarry."

Her words sounded humble, but they twisted the blame back onto me. I saw the disappointment in Grayson's eyes, the kind that cut deeper than anger. He looked at me as if I'd let him down completely.

I arched a brow, a faint, mocking smile tugging at my lips. "I only demanded divorce, yet she turned it into a full-blown tragedy. Tell me, Grayson—who's really being malicious here, her or me?"

But he didn't want to listen. His voice grew sharp. "Enough. I'm done arguing with you. Since you insist on being difficult, I'll just lock you up for a few days. Maybe that'll teach you a lesson."

Then, he turned to the servants and gave his order without hesitation. "Confine Kayla to her room for three days. She's not to leave."