Chapter 2The Third Strike of Divorce

Those words struck a nerve.

It was true. Once upon a time, I used to fantasize that Arthur and I would have an arranged-marriage-turns-to-true-love kind of romance, that feelings would grow over time.

But in the end, Arthur loved his first love more.

When the car stopped, Chloe ignored me and practically carried Arthur into the house herself.

I didn't try to stop her. I just sat in the car, looking at the photo I had just taken.

The next day, when Arthur sobered up, I showed him the photo. It was a picture of him sleeping deeply on Chloe's lap, while Chloe gazed down at him with deep affection.

Arthur stared at it in a daze, and then a look of joy washed over his face.

I bet he was secretly thrilled that Chloe's eyes looked so full of love for him.

So, I intentionally threw a massive fit, demanding an explanation. "What exactly is going on between you and that homewrecker, Chloe?!"

Arthur immediately frowned. "Evelyn, stop using such ugly words. Have some class, will you?"

I yelled angrily, "Even if I don't have class, I'm still your wife! I have the right to keep you in line, and I have the right to curse out that homewrecker you're messing around with!"

My words were harsh, and Arthur's face darkened just as expected. He glared at me coldly.

"What? Am I not your wife? Do I not have that right?!"

"Then let's get a divorce," Arthur said, his expression filled with revulsion. "Evelyn, let's get a divorce."

I shouted excitedly, "I refuse! Arthur, I will not agree to a divorce!"

Arthur gave me a "just as I expected" look, as if he knew all along I wouldn't agree. Utterly sick of me, he slammed the door and left.

Once he was gone, I dropped the angry facade and calmly pulled out a chair to sit down.

I finally got him to bring up divorce on his own.

Six years ago, the system pulled me into this world and assigned me the mission of making Arthur fall in love with me. For six years, I worked diligently, playing the role of the deeply devoted lover, sacrificing everything to marry him.

At one point, I even developed genuine feelings for him.

But Arthur still didn't love me. My mission was a failure.

Now, as long as Arthur brought up divorce three times, the system would force the mission to end, and I could return to my original world.

Now, there were only two times left.

When Arthur came back, I was in the study organizing my illustration drafts.

After marrying Arthur, I became both a full-time housewife and a full-time illustrator, gaining a small following online.

Right now, I was organizing the manuscript for my very first graphic novel. I had spent over two years preparing it. I originally planned to publish it in this world, but since I was leaving soon, I decided to take the work back to my original world with me.

Hearing the sound of Arthur opening the door, I closed my manuscript folder, looked back at him, pretended nothing had happened, and said gently, "You're back?"

Arthur's expression was stiff and awkward, like he wanted to say something but was holding back.

I stood up and walked toward him. Even though I knew he had something to say, I played dumb. "I made your favorite soup. I'll go get you a bowl."

As soon as I walked out of the study, I immediately understood why Arthur had that expression. Chloe was there, and she had her luggage with her.

"Evelyn," Chloe smiled warmly at me, adding a touch of apology to her tone. "I've been getting harassed by some crazy fans lately, and it's not safe at my place. Could I crash here for a few days until things blow over?"

I looked at her expressionlessly and didn't say a word.

Arthur, looking guilty, spoke softly to explain. "It's true. Some fans found out Chloe's address. They knock on her door every night and even follow her."

Seeing that I remained silent, Arthur started to get impatient, his brow furrowing.

"There really is nothing going on between Chloe and me. We're just friends who have known each other for years. She's in trouble right now, I can't just ignore her."

"Evelyn, there has to be a limit to your unreasonable behavior. Stop testing my patience. We've been married for years, can't you show a little maturity? Stop acting like a spoiled child."

"Fine." I looked away and said to Arthur, "I agree to let her stay."