LOGINAlicia lowered her eyelids, pursing her lips tightly. She didn’t respond immediately, but when she finally spoke, her voice was firm: "Are you going to help me with one of the babies or not?"Regan’s laughter echoed from the phone’s speaker before he said, “I wonder what kind of genius your baby will be.”Alicia hung up the call, already certain she had the confirmation she needed. Instead of sitting down, she stood by her window as the sky darkened, thunder rumbled in the distance, lightning flashed, and a heavy downpour began.At dawn the next day, she got out of bed and ate quietly, without informing anyone. Then, she quietly slipped into her car and drove off alone.When the butler realized she was gone, he immediately called Andy. Miles away, Andy was in a meeting; he ignored everyone and picked up the call.“Master, your wife left the house without—”Before the butler could finish, Andy sprang to his feet, worry creasing his face. He quickly issued several commands, heading towa
Emily’s eyes went icy with resolve, and over the next few days she quietly set a plan in motion.That night, Ethan brought food for Winnie. The two of them ate in silence. Halfway through the meal, Winnie’s expression contorted—her eyes widening, bloodshot with pain. She clutched at her throat, struggling to breathe as nausea and agony surged through her.“Argh!” she cried.Ethan shot to his feet, reaching for her—then a sharp, searing pain tore through his abdomen. He staggered back and collapsed onto the couch, face twisted, staring at the food in disbelief.The bedroom door opened.Emily walked in with a gun in her hand. She took in their writhing bodies and burst into a crazed laugh.Her gaze locked on Ethan, lip curling. “Do you regret it? After everything I did for you, you threw me away like trash—and you thought you’d live happily ever after?”Ethan’s voice came out strained, raw with pain. “Did you… poison the food?”Emily didn’t bother denying it. “Yes. I poisoned it,” she s
Emily drew a deep breath, her bloodshot eyes fixed on Ethan as she forced her voice to stay calm.“We’ve caused each other so much pain. We’ve hurt each other and filled this marriage with regrets. But ending it like this isn’t right.” Her hands tightened in her lap. “I’ve decided I’ll be loyal to you—obedient and sensible. I won’t go out without your permission, and I won’t do anything without your approval. I’m not against you marrying Winnie. I just don’t want you to divorce me.”Ethan let out a sharp, arrogant laugh. He tilted his head, a grin spreading across his face. “And what makes you think I’m going to listen to you? What makes you think I’ll do any of that?”Emily sank to her knees.“I’m begging you, Ethan,” she pleaded, voice breaking. “Please—consider me. Don’t do this.”Ethan laughed again, slower this time, as if savoring it. “Emily… what happened to your arrogance? What happened to ‘we’re equal’?” His eyes narrowed. “Didn’t you swear that if I cheated, you’d do worse?
Emily’s face crumpled as she asked, bitterly, “What’s so funny?”Ethan curled his lip, disgusted. “Everything. What’s even worse is you had to beg a man. You got on your knees and pleaded, and you’re so unattractive and unworthy he still wouldn’t stay.”Emily pressed her lips into a hard line. Anger burned in her chest, but no words came—because part of her hated that he might be right.Ethan didn’t stop. He leaned in, sneering. “You know what else is funny? We’ve been married for years and you never got pregnant. And even with your gigolo, you still couldn’t. What—are you barren?”Emily’s expression darkened. She let out a cold snort. “You’re the one who couldn’t get me pregnant. That’s why—”Ethan cut her off with a sharp laugh, his eyes narrowing. “I couldn’t get you pregnant because you’re barren. But I got Winnie pregnant. She’s carrying my baby.”Emily went still.“I’m calling my lawyer,” Ethan went on, voice slick with satisfaction. “I’m divorcing your cheating ass. While we pl
Ethan shook his head and said flatly, “Stop stressing over it. If Winnie wants me, she’ll have me— a million of you couldn’t stop that. And if you’re hungry, tell the chef to cook. I’m not your chef, Emily.”Emily stood there as Ethan cooked for himself and Winnie with a care he’d never shown her. The sight was unbearable. She told the chef to prepare her dinner, then retreated to her room.Sleep wouldn’t come. Her eyes stayed wide open, her body tense with anxiety. She tossed from side to side, then sat up, restless. Finally, she got out of bed, went to the bathroom, and took a shower, hoping it would calm her. It didn’t. The thought of Ethan and Winnie together dragged her back into the hallway.When she opened her door, the butler was waiting. “Ma’am, the chef has prepared your dinner. Would you like to eat now?”Emily’s gaze flicked toward Winnie’s door. A stubborn, ugly certainty tightened in her chest—as if Ethan was inside. She looked away and went downstairs.She ate mindlessl
Emily snapped, “That isn’t the damn answer to what I asked. What are you trying to do with this whole charade? Are you wooing Winnie—for real?”Ethan chuckled, laughing like it was all a joke. When he finally quieted, he narrowed his eyes and drawled, “What—are you scared you’re going to lose me?”Emily’s expression hardened. “Stop deflecting and answer the damn question.”Ethan didn’t bother hiding it. He sneered. “Yes. I’m wooing Winnie. I want her to be my woman. Not just that—I want to divorce you and marry her. And when I do, you’ll be on your own. You won’t even have a roof over your head, because this place is ours as a couple. Once we’re not a couple, you’ve got no legal right to stay here. Got it?”That was when Emily understood his earlier threat hadn’t been casual at all. He meant it—he truly intended to put her out on the street.“She’ll never accept you,” Emily bit out through clenched teeth. “Keep plotting all you want—every plan you make will fail. You’ll never get away







