Chapter 5

"I can't just sit and watch Vania remain barren! The Montgomery family needs an heir so that the inheritance goes to Devandra!"

Mrs. Rika’s voice exploded inside the luxurious car speeding toward her son’s residence. Beside her sat a beautiful woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a maroon dress that hugged her slender figure. Lyra. Devandra’s first love.

Mrs. Rika glanced at Lyra and said, “You are this family’s only hope. I want Vania to realize her place and give it up for you.”

Lyra smiled faintly. “If she doesn’t want to step aside, I’ll be the one to ask for Devandra’s hand… officially, Madam.”

When they arrived at the house, Vania opened the door after hearing the bell ring. Her brows furrowed the moment she saw who was standing there.

“Mrs. Rika? And… Lyra?”

Vania stood tall in the doorway. Her face was calm, though her heart knew—nothing good could come from these two women arriving together.

“We need to talk,” said Mrs. Rika bluntly, stepping inside without permission. Lyra followed her in, confidently walking into the living room.

Vania held herself back, then shut the door and followed them.

“I’ve been patient enough with your infertility, Vania!” Mrs. Rika snapped without preamble. “I want you to let your husband marry Lyra. For this family. For the future of the Montgomery name.”

Vania let out a bitter smile. “You don’t have to worry about your infertile daughter-in-law, Mrs. Rika. You can simply ask your precious son, Devandra, to divorce his wife.”

Lyra leaned back on the sofa, crossing her legs with a wide smile. “I’m only here to help, Van. Being a widow isn't easy. You can stay as Devandra’s wife—if you’re willing to share him with me.”

“I don’t want a life like that,” Vania said sharply. “Rather than stay married to a man who doesn’t love me, I’d rather be a divorcee and fight for my own happiness.”

Mrs. Rika slammed the teacup the maid had just served onto the table. “You’re just a barren woman who can’t bear children! Why be selfish and ask for a divorce from Devandra? You should be grateful a man is even willing to accept your flaws!”

Vania looked her mother-in-law straight in the eyes, not with submission or fear this time—but with courage born from pain.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Rika. But I’d rather live as a divorcee… than live in hell with this family.”

Lyra narrowed her eyes at Vania, as if evaluating her.

“You’ve got guts to talk like that,” she murmured.

Vania rose from her seat, standing tall. “I’ve stayed silent for too long. If I keep holding on to this marriage, I’ll only destroy myself.”

Mrs. Rika let out a loud sigh. “Good. At least you know your place! Don’t regret what you just said!”

“I’ll never regret the decision I’ve made.”

Suddenly, Lyra stood and faced Vania with a smug smile. “Are you really sure you want to divorce Devan?”

“Absolutely,” Vania replied firmly. “As long as you two truly help me end this marriage.”

Lyra chuckled lightly. “Oh, helping you divorce Devan? That’s easy.” She walked toward the front door and turned back with a sly grin. “By tonight, he’ll be serving you the papers.”

After they left, Vania sank into the sofa. Her eyes welled up—not with fear or doubt, but with resolve. Her tears were a symbol of strength—finally, she had chosen herself.

At 8 PM, the front door opened.

Devandra walked in, looking exhausted. He loosened his tie and removed his suit jacket. But he froze when he saw Vania sitting silently in the living room, staring at him with deep emotion.

“We need to talk,” Vania said first, her tone sharp but steady.

Devandra approached slowly. “I know… My mother came here, didn’t she?”

“Not just your mother. Lyra too.”

Devandra closed his eyes for a moment and exhaled. “I didn’t know they were coming.”

“Really? Or were you secretly planning this with them?” Vania asked, holding back the pain in her heart. “They asked me to share you. To stay as the first wife and let you marry Lyra. Is that what you want?”

“Of course not!” Devandra reached for her hand, but Vania pulled away.

“Then tell me, Devan,” Vania said sharply. “Are you going to divorce me tonight just like Lyra promised you would?”