Chapter 3

My mind was filled with questions, and I had no appetite at all. Unfortunately, Ivan kept playing the role of the devoted husband, serving me food and handing me napkins as if nothing had happened.

If we're going to separate, then just get it over with!

I had countless things I wanted to say, but all I could do was seethe in silence.

-

Night had fallen by the time the confusing dinner finally ended. Before we reached the car, I lost patience and grabbed the sleeve of Ivan's tailored suit. "Ivan, don't you have anything to say to me?"

He was forced to stop and turned to look at me. He considered the question sincerely before finally giving me his answer. "There's nothing I want to say, but there's plenty I want to do."

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He caught my wrist and pulled me toward him. Before I could react, I was back in the car with him.

Fifteen minutes later, we were home.

Less than two minutes later, everything felt wonderful once more.

"See, Ellena? I always do what I say."

Ivan emphasized the word "do".

There was nothing else I could say.

But please.

Please stop talking.

-

I stretched and finally woke up the next afternoon.

As I lay in my whirlpool tub, which had cost me around sixty-nine thousand dollars, I reconsidered everything between Ivan and me. Through the tall windows, I could see the roses outside and the city beyond the river.

This house had once been an inn by the beach and was connected to the city by a bridge. Ivan knew I loved the quiet view, so he bought the place and converted it into a private home for me.

His company was in the city, but he crossed the bridge every day because he wanted to live here with me. Before long, his wealthy friends began buying oceanfront homes on this side of the bridge as well. Once they moved in, property values soared. More people followed, and restaurants and convenience stores opened around them.

Just like that, the city gained a new commercial district. The entire thing was ridiculous.

Only then did I finally understand how wise my mother's words had been. Ever since I was young, she had always warned me to think carefully before marrying a poor man.

"A rich ex-husband is more useful than a poor husband."

My mother had suffered for love, so she wanted me to become a logical woman who put herself first.

The winter Ivan and I got together, my mother, who had always been so strong, passed away. It was because of Ivan's financial support that she was able to live out her final days in peace and comfort.

From that perspective, Ivan treated me well. That was why Brenda's return did not bother me all that much. Still, judging by Ivan's behavior the night before, he did not seem eager for me to step aside.

With his wealth and influence, he could easily have one woman on each arm.

But… It was unfortunate. No matter how comfortable the whirlpool tub was, it could never bring back a heart that had already wandered away.

After thinking it over, I still wanted a divorce. I could not sleep beside a man whose heart belonged to someone else.

After my bath, I went through my Facebook contacts. Brenda was indeed charming. Ivan was not the only man who wanted her. I quickly found another man who was still quietly devoted to her.

From his posts, I found out exactly where Brenda was. There was also another familiar figure with her, along with the beautiful backdrop. Sure enough, that dinner had only been an excuse so that he could be with her.

I put on my sunglasses, picked a fast sports car, and left.

The restaurant was famous, and it sat just across the bridge, impossible to miss.

While I was stuck in traffic on the bridge, a sales associate called me. "Ms. Lane, your gown has arrived. Would you like it delivered, or would you prefer to pick it up?"

What perfect timing!

I cared far more about the gown I had waited almost a year to receive, compared to Ivan, whose heart I could never have. I had ordered it a year earlier, but due to the customs delays, its arrival had been pushed back by almost eight months.

I had been keeping a close eye on the updates over the past few days, waiting for this very call.