3

Dominic was a fun and engaging person. He knew how to balance out my shy nature.

The audition went smoothly, Dominic seemed even more pleased when he discovered I could write my own songs.

"That was truly impressive, Isla. I’m certain you’re going to be a famous singer!" Dominic praised as we wrapped up the audition.

"Thank you, Boss."

"You can officially join the agency starting tomorrow. Aria will handle the registration process. You just need to focus on practicing and building your confidence—Aria will guide you through the rest!"

"Understood, Boss Dominic."

"Alright, you two can head home now. I need to get to the office myself," Dominic said. Before we left, Dominic spoke with Aria.

I could faintly hear him mentioning that I still needed some grooming treatments, after all, being a singer required looking flawless on camera.

That’s why, after leaving Dominic’s house, I didn't question it when Aria took me to a beauty salon.

I underwent a head-to-toe makeover.

"Aria, isn't my debut still a long way off?" I asked, puzzled.

"Boss Dominic says your voice is already polished, so you don't need to go through the usual training process like other rookies. You just need a little fine-tuning. He wants you to be the best version of *yourself*. Usually, an artist's image is manufactured by the agency, you know?" Aria explained. "Trust me, Isla. I’m going to make you a famous singer, okay?"

I immediately hugged Aria. I was truly grateful to have a best friend like her. After the treatments, Aria took me shopping. She bought me plenty of clothes, makeup, and a high-quality guitar.

"Aria, you're going to break the bank if this keeps up. I don't have the money to pay for all this, you know," I warned, feeling a bit panicked.

"You don't need to worry, the agency is covering all of this. Think of it as an advance—you pay it back once you're successful. Now that you've decided to become a singer, you need to start paying attention to your appearance whenever you leave the house," Aria answered reassuringly.

I nodded. For a woman, wandering around a massive mall to shop isn't tiring at all. Besides, I hadn't been able to go out and enjoy myself this freely since I got married.

While we stopped for dinner at a restaurant, we ran into Serra and Leonard. A tightness gripped my chest again, I had never once been taken out for a meal like that.

"Shall we go somewhere else? I’ve lost my appetite here," Aria interjected, sensing my thoughts.

"Okay," I replied obediently.

For a few seconds, Leonard and I locked eyes. He looked startled, but this time, I was the one who looked away first, acting as if I didn't know him.

"Isla, how are you feeling today?" Aria asked after we finished dinner.

"Amazing. I’ve never felt this happy or free," I answered honestly.

"Once you debut, we can go on adventures together performing big concerts. You know, Isla? Back when I saw you singing at school, I always felt you’d become a famous singer. I’ve always looked forward to moments like this—where we’re together, chasing our dreams!" Aria said.

"I thought you wanted to be a prosecutor back when we were in school," I replied with an amused chuckle.

"Yeah, that used to be my dream. But I wasn't smart enough to get into law school. Now I'm more interested in being an artist manager, though so far, I haven't found any natural talent quite like you, Isla. When you sing, it’s like you’re telling the story of my life. Take that impromptu song you just made up—I could really feel the struggle of a woman trying to rediscover a long-lost sense of self," Aria said at length.

"I don't know what to say, Aria. Thank you so much," I said, my eyes welling up.

"Oh, and why don't you just keep the guitar? I want to keep my plans to become a singer a secret for now."

"Alright." I didn't get home until nine o'clock that night. I was a bit apprehensive, knowing my mother-in-law would likely start nagging.

But the living room lights were off, meaning everyone had already gone to their respective rooms. I walked slowly toward my own room.

Leonard was there, sitting on the bed and typing on his laptop. I didn't greet him, I acted as if he weren't there—exactly the way he had treated me all this time. But to my surprise, he was the one who spoke first.

"Where have you been, coming home at this hour?"

Leonard demanded in a low, cold voice. "You saw for yourself that I was out with Aria," I answered casually.

"I don't like you hanging out with Aria!" Leonard stated firmly.

I wasn't going to let it bother me. This was my life. I wouldn't let anyone dictate what I did anymore—not even my own husband.

After putting my shopping away in the wardrobe, I went into the bathroom.

But to my surprise, Leonard followed me inside. "What are you doing here? I'm trying to take a bath!" I snapped.

"You've recovered, haven't you? So, fulfill your duties as a wife!" Leonard snapped, his gaze demanding.

"On what grounds do you demand I fulfill my duties as a wife? You, as a husband, have never once fulfilled yours!" I retorted

. "Are you starting to defy me, Isla?" Leonard asked, astonished.

"I’m just sick of you! I’m exhausted. If you’re just looking for someone to satisfy your lust, there are plenty of hostesses at nightclubs!" I shouted, unable to control my emotions any longer. Five years.

For five years, I had bottled up this burden in my heart, and finally, it was all spilling out.

"Watch your tongue, Isla! It is not appropriate for you to speak to me like that!" Leonard snapped, his temper rising.

"Then what am I to you? Just a tool for your lust, right? You don't care about anything else. Whether I’m being mistreated by your mother and sister-in-law, or even when I got into an accident—you didn't care. Marrying you was the worst thing that ever happened to me, Leonard!" I replied, glaring at him with pure hatred.

Leonard was left speechless, so I quickly pushed him out and locked the bathroom door from the inside. I came out after my shower. Leonard still wasn't asleep.

Suddenly, he pulled out a black card.

"This is for you. You can buy whatever you want. Starting tomorrow, you don't need to work," Leonard commanded.

"Thank you, but I’m sorry—I can't accept it. I want to earn my own money," I refused. I felt his gesture was far too little, far too late.

Leonard’s eyes widened in anger. "What do you want? You work because you want money, right? What I’m giving you is more than you’d earn in years of working!" Leonard shouted, losing his temper.

"It’s not just about money, Leonard. It’s about self-respect. I won't let myself be trampled on anymore!" I replied, struggling to keep my composure.

"Are you angry because I was with Serra? She’s just a childhood friend!" Leonard growled.

"Do you think I have the right to be angry? I’m nothing but a wife on paper," I retorted cynically.

Leonard’s patience had run out. He immediately pulled me onto the bed.

"To hell with whatever you have to say. The point is, you can't refuse me!" Leonard replied, beginning to lose control.