Chapter 3The Third Strike of Divorce

Why wouldn't I let her stay?

Only if she moved in would the conflicts between Arthur and me escalate faster, which meant I could hear him bring up divorce for the second time much sooner.

The sooner I could leave this world, the better.

Arthur looked at me in total surprise. The look in his eyes was strange, as if he was still dissatisfied.

"What, I agreed and you're still not happy?"

Arthur frowned and warned me, "Don't try any funny business. If I find out you're bullying Chloe behind my back, I won't let it slide easily."

I wanted to laugh.

He was supposed to be my husband, but right now his loyalty was entirely with an outsider.

I really wanted to ask, Arthur, in all the years we've been together, have you never felt even a shred of genuine affection for me?

Arthur ignored me and quickly went downstairs to help Chloe with her luggage and prepare the guest room. While he was at it, he enthusiastically offered, "Evelyn made some restorative soup in the kitchen. Once we're done unpacking, I'll bring you a bowl."

"Evelyn might not be great at much else, but her cooking is top-notch. You haven't been feeling well, let her cook for you and help you get your strength back these next few days."

I let out a dry, speechless laugh.

Arthur, did you really think that just because we got married, I became your servant?

That no matter how you treated me, I would never leave you?

I really want to know how you're going to react when I'm gone.

I walked downstairs, went into the kitchen, drank a bowl of soup myself, and then poured the rest of it straight down the drain.

I spent all day making that soup. I'd rather pour it out than let you two toxic pieces of trash drink it.

I went back to the study and continued organizing my comic.

It didn't take long for Arthur to storm into the study, demanding, "Where's the soup you made?"

I kept my eyes downcast and said coldly, "Poured it out."

"What?!" Arthur sounded like a completely different person, his tone explosive. "Evelyn, what is the meaning of this? If you didn't want Chloe to stay, you could have just said no! Instead, you play nice to my face and then pull this petty, passive-aggressive bullshit behind my back!"

I countered coldly, "If I had said no, would you not have gotten angry?"

Arthur stared at me, speechless.

I stared back at him, waiting to see if he would bring up divorce for the second time.

But I was disappointed. He didn't.

Arthur slammed the door and stormed off again.

Late that night, after washing up and getting into bed, I could hear Arthur and Chloe drinking and chatting in the living room. The atmosphere sounded incredibly cheerful; even from upstairs, I could hear their laughter.

I don't know how much time had passed, but while I was deep in sleep, I felt someone hug me from behind.

It was Arthur. His breath was scorching hot and reeked of alcohol as he affectionately kissed the back of my neck.

I felt utterly disgusted and shoved him away forcefully. "What are you doing?"

Arthur sobered up a bit, complaining, "You're my wife, what do you think I'm doing?"

Seeing my entire body radiating rejection, his face gradually darkened. "This is your duty as a wife, Evelyn. If you're going to keep acting like this and refusing to let me touch you, then get the hell out of my house."

Ever since I discovered Arthur was cheating, I had refused to let him touch me. It had been almost three months now.

"Your house?" I asked.

Arthur looked smug, as if he was absolutely certain I would submit.

"You married me with absolutely nothing to your name. I owned this house before we met, so of course it's my house. Evelyn, did you forget? You were the one who begged me to marry you."

"Now, if you won't let me touch you, get out!"