Chapter 3 - The Price of Betrayal

Elena let out a long sigh as she looked at the small apartment that would now be home to her and her three daughters. It was a far cry from the luxurious mansion she had lived in for the past ten years.

"This is our home now?" Olivia asked quietly, her eyes sweeping the modest room.

Elena smiled, trying to look strong in front of her children. "Yes, darling. Our new home."

Katty looked at her mother in confusion. "Does Daddy not want to be our Daddy anymore?" Katty's tears flowed freely, further breaking Elena's heart.

However, Elena tried to smile in front of her three daughters.

Delya, who still didn't understand what was happening, hugged her mother's legs tightly. "I want Daddy, Mommy."

Elena squatted down, gently stroking the little one's hair. "Daddy can't be with us right now, but Mommy is always here for you, okay?"

Olivia took Elena's hand, trying to encourage her mother. "It's okay, Mom. Mommy will be both mother and father to us," Olivia said.

Elena smiled, holding back her tears. Then she stroked her daughter's hair.

Shortly afterward, after the children had rested, Elena immediately rushed to the registry office.

It didn't take long before Elena was standing in front of the registry office, the envelope containing the divorce documents in her hand. This was the first step to freeing herself from the man who had betrayed her.

When it was her turn, she handed the file to the clerk.

"Miss Elena, are you sure you want to file for divorce?" asked the female officer in front of her in a cautious tone.

Elena nodded without hesitation. "Very sure."

The officer stared at her for a few seconds before finally accepting her file. "Okay, we'll process this. You just need to get your husband's signature."

Elena smiled slightly. "Okay, thank you."

After that, Elena returned to the Lancaster mansion. No longer as Damian's wife or supplicant, but as a woman demanding justice for herself.

Upon entering the house, it was quiet. One of the servants said Damian was upstairs. Elena immediately rushed there. But as she climbed the stairs to her room—or rather, the room that used to be hers—the sound of laughter and soft sighs could be heard from inside.

Elena's heart skipped a beat. Then she opened the door roughly.

The sight she saw made her anger boil over.

Damian and Isabella were on the bed, their bodies intertwined, the man's hand caressing the woman's face tenderly.

Isabella turned her head and smiled sarcastically. "Oh, Elena. You came at an inopportune time! Your presence is very disturbing!"

Elena snorted, folding her arms across her chest. "I'm sorry, Mistress Isabella, if my arrival has disturbed Madame and Sir."

Damian looked at her lazily, not at all bothered by her presence. "What are you doing here? Oh, I know; you must be begging to come back to me, right? Don't wish, Elena!"

Elena stepped closer, throwing the divorce envelope at his chest. "Don't be too confident, Mr. Damian!" Elena grinned. "Sign this."

Damian sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed casually. "Are you sure?" Damian smiled playfully at Elena.

"I have no reason to keep a jerk like you around, Mr. Damian," Elena replied quickly.

Damian took the envelope, opened it, and skimmed through it before chuckling. "You really want to end it all?"

"Isn't that what you want, Mr. Damian?"

Isabella chuckled from her bed. "You're so pathetic, Elena. To be honest, I pity you."

Elena turned to her with a sharp look. "Pity? There's no need. I just pity you for having to accept the remains of the man who was once my husband."

Isabella raised her eyebrows, as if unfazed.

Damian finally picked up the pen and signed the document. "Alright, I'll sign it!"

He then took a piece of check from the drawer and wrote a large sum of money on it. Casually, he handed the check to Elena. "Five billion. That's more than enough for you and your children, right?"

Elena stared at the check for a long time.

Then, with a quick movement, she tore the check into pieces and threw them at Damian's face.

"I don't need your money, Mr. Damian!"

Isabella laughed softly. "Oh, what an arrogant ex-wife you have, dear."

Elena looked directly at Damian. "You think the price of ten years of marriage can be paid with a piece of paper? Save your money, Mr. Damian. My three children and I don't need money from a heartless jerk like you!"

Damian squinted, his expression turning sharper. "Fine. Don't regret it, Elena."

Elena smiled coldly. "My only regret is ever loving an asshole like you."

Without waiting for a reply, Elena turned around and strode out of the room with her head held high.