CH004: No Longer That Timid Wife

~LORETTA~

“A divorce agreement?” Lucas’s frown deepens, as if I had just spoken in a foreign language. “What do you need that for?”

The moment the words leave his mouth, regret hits me like a tornado. Instant shame washes over me, and I mentally slap myself for being so careless.

Stupid. Stupid, Lori.

I had let my emotions take over and blurted out something so personal to someone I barely knew — brother or not.

Why couldn’t I just keep my mouth shut? Now I’ve exposed my broken marriage to him.

Lucas’s eyes soften with understanding. He gently places both hands on my shoulders and holds my gaze steadily, as though trying to anchor me.

“It’s okay, Lori,” he says calmly, as if he could read every chaotic thought in my head. “I’m not going to pressure you to tell me everything right now. I’ll wait until you’re ready. Take all the time you need.”

His thumb moves to my cheek, gently wiping away a tear I didn’t even realize had fallen. The simple touch feels somewhat comforting.

“But I want you to know one thing,” he continues, his voice warm and reassuring. “You can always lean on me. I know I’m still a stranger to you right now, but that will change with time. What matters most is that you’re no longer alone. You have a family now, princess. You have us.”

His words wrap around my broken heart like a soft blanket. For the first time in what feels like forever, some of the heavy pressure in my chest eases, even if only a little.

I press my lips together and give him a small, grateful smile.

Lucas pulls back slightly and takes out his phone.

“Hold on. Let me call one of our brothers. He’s a top lawyer. He’ll prepare the divorce papers quickly.”

He dials the number and speaks briefly. “Hey, Max. I need you to prepare divorce papers right away… Yes, it’s urgent. Send them through dispatch immediately.”

After getting confirmation, he ends the call and turns back to me.

“Thank you.” I whisper sincerely.

“Come on,” he says gently, taking my hand and wrapping his fingers around mine. “Let’s get you discharged first.”

>>>>>

The rest of the day passes in a blur.

After Lucas signs the discharge papers, I get cleaned up and finally leave the hospital. Outside the building, we meet the dispatch rider who hands over the divorce documents.

Then, Lucas drives me back to the villa, waiting behind while I go grab my things.

The moment I step back inside the house, a heavy wave of emotions hits me the moment I step inside.

This house that was supposed to be my home for five years has never truly felt like one. Everywhere I look, memories stare back at me coldly.

I head straight to my room and start packing my things without wasting any time. My movements are mechanical, but my heart feels like it’s being torn apart with every item I fold.

As I move around the room, my eyes catch the elegant reading chair by the window: the one I personally picked and had delivered because Nate once mentioned he liked reading in silence.

I had spent hours arranging the perfect lighting and cushions, hoping he would spend more time at home.

But he never sat on it once.

My gaze drifts to my king-sized bed. Our matrimonial bed that we never shared except for once.

And then, there’s the small calendar hanging on the wall beside the bed. Fresh hollow ache forms in my chest.

The calendar is still marked with my handwriting, showing dates I had circled and highlighted for the past five years.

They’re important dates I saved like Nate’s business trips, important meetings, our wedding anniversary, and his parents’ birthdays.

Even the days he casually mentioned he liked a particular meal. I had made sure to note down every vital information and date.

I was meticulous to the slightest detail.

In fact, everyday, I cross-checked his wardrobe to be sure his suits were perfectly pressed. In the kitchen, I worked tirelessly, ensuring his favorite meals were ready, and the house was always spotless whenever he returned. Even though I never got an ounce of appreciation for my efforts.

I did it all hoping that one day he would look at me and see a wife, and not just a burden or a gold-digger. Or the “pathetic maid’s daughter” who forced her way into his life.

But he never did. Instead, he took everything for granted.

Whenever he looked at me, his eyes held the same cold disgust, and he’d always throw the same accusations at me.

“You and your mother planned this from the beginning. Forcing her to sell her kidney just so you could trap me into this marriage.”

Those words had cut deeper than any physical pain ever had.

A bitter smile touches my lips as fresh tears sting my eyes. What a pathetic joke my life has been.

If I could go back in time, I’d have done my best to stop my adoptive mother from donating her kidney to Chairwoman Nessa.

Even though I was only nineteen at the time, I would have worked much harder. Five jobs instead of three. I would have done whatever it took to change her mind.

Maybe then, my fate would’ve turned out differently, sparing me from this humiliating excuse of a marriage.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

The sudden cold voice behind me almost makes me jump out of my skin. My heart slams violently against my ribs as I spin around.

Nate.

He’s standing in the middle of the room, his sharp eyes scanning my half-packed suitcases with clear displeasure. A deep scowl settles on his face before he looks back at me.

“Why haven’t you prepared the soup I asked you to make?” He snaps.

Irritation flares hot in my chest, but I control it. I fold my arms across my chest and look him straight in the eyes.

“Because I don’t want to.”

Nate visibly freezes.

Clearly, he wasn’t expecting me to talk back. He’s used to me being obedient. A pushover. His quiet, submissive little wife.

After a few tense seconds, he recovers and lets out a cold, mocking laugh. Disgust fills his eyes.

“Wow. You were supposedly in a serious car accident earlier, and now you suddenly have so much energy to talk back? I knew it. You really are a born liar, aren’t you? A fucking con artist.”

I scoff at his foolishness, rage burning deep inside me.

A part of me wants to roll up my sleeves and pull down my pants to show him all the bandages. To prove I was really hurt. But I stop myself.

What’s the point? There’s nothing left to defend anymore.

“Go ahead and think whatever you want.” I say calmly, turning my back to him as I continue packing.

Nate scoffs loudly behind me.

“You never stop amazing me with these new tricks of yours. So what is this one supposed to be? Talking back and playing the rebel? How pathetic.”

I stay silent, even though my blood is boiling.

“And what’s even more pathetic,” he continues, voice dripping with contempt, “is how boring and obvious your tricks are. At least if you want to play games, try to be a little more creative—”

That did it.

Spinning around sharply, I cut him off.

“I want a divorce.”