Chapter 4

That was Julian’s calculating move. Seeing Scarlett approach, he deliberately set me up.

This way, the usually assertive Scarlett would get angry.

And he, in turn, could seize the opportunity to console Scarlett.

I had no energy to explain, but Chloe had kindly helped me. My silence would only drag her down with me.

“I’m not feeling well. She was helping me find my medicine,” I said, standing up, trying to explain.

Kevin, seeing his chance, eagerly spun a false narrative. “CEO Scarlett, don’t let Liam trick you. I just walked by, and he was harassing a female colleague!”

Scarlett’s face instantly darkened. She gave me a cold glare, then turned to Chloe for confirmation. “Is that true?”

Chloe looked flustered. Kevin stood nearby, threatening her with his eyes.

She gritted her teeth, clearly torn, and then gave me an apologetic glance.

“Yes…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I sighed, understanding her difficult position.

“Liam, how could you do this?” Scarlett’s tone was filled with disappointment. “Even if you’re a key technical expert, you can’t just harass my female employees!”

Julian feigned a sigh beside her. “I heard you’re married. Imagine how heartbroken your wife would be if she found out.”

I had just taken the medicine, feeling a slight relief, but this argument made me feel unwell again.

“I’m really not well. I need to go to the hospital immediately.” I struggled to take a step.

But Kevin reached out to block me. “You can’t leave. Who said you could just walk out?”

“Let go of me!” I forcefully struggled out of his grip, accidentally falling to the ground.

I noticed Julian’s foot subtly pulled back, and it clicked instantly.

Chapter Four

“Liam, you’re such a faker. You always play the tough guy, but now you’re suddenly so fragile?” Kevin sneered.

Julian, meanwhile, feigned concern. “Don’t just stand there, someone help Liam up.”

But Scarlett coldly ordered, “No one move! If he likes pretending to be sick, let him pretend!”

I gasped, the searing pain in my head making it almost impossible to breathe.

I could only weakly whisper, “Please… call an ambulance…”

Scarlett paused. “What’s he saying?”

Kevin immediately twisted the facts. “CEO Scarlett, he’s actually cursing you out…”

“Enough!” Scarlett snapped, cutting Kevin off.

Just then, Chloe bravely stepped forward to clarify. “CEO Scarlett, he’s saying to call an ambulance! Liam suffers from severe headaches; everyone in our department knows.”

Scarlett finally realized. She quickly ordered, “Get him to the hospital! Now!”

Kevin still tried to stir trouble. “CEO Scarlett, don’t worry, he’s definitely faking it.”

“You shut up!” Scarlett glared at Kevin.

The pungent smell of hospital disinfectant was the first thing that brought me back.

By my bedside, Scarlett and Julian were practically glued together, heads bent in conversation, their faces alight with an inappropriate intimacy.

I silently shifted. Julian was the first to notice I was awake.

He suddenly put on a pained expression, his body gently twitching.

“Julian, what’s wrong?” Scarlett asked, clutching him anxiously.

“Sister Scarlett, my chest feels so tight, like I can’t breathe.” Julian said weakly.

“I’ll get the doctor!” Scarlett hastily stood up, her gaze sweeping over me for only a brief moment before she hurried away.

The doctor soon arrived. Seeing that I was also awake, he started to ask about my condition, but Scarlett cut him off. “Doctor, don’t mind him. Please check on my brother first, he’s in worse shape!”

I smiled bitterly. This was the woman who swore to spend her life with me.

The nurses wheeled Julian away, Scarlett following closely, never once looking back at me.

I shook my head, my resolve for divorce strengthening further.

I forced myself to sit up and left the hospital alone, returning home.

I grabbed a bite to eat, then started packing my belongings.

A little later, Scarlett also returned home. She rushed into the bedroom. Seeing me still there, her expression softened slightly.

“Honey, are you feeling better? Is your head still hurting?” she asked gently.

I truly wanted to laugh. She had abandoned me to take care of her "dear brother," and now she asked this question? Didn't she find herself ridiculous?

Such an act!

I gave her a cold glance, continuing to pack my clothes.

“Scarlett, at the hospital, your choice said it all. Stop pretending.”

“Liam, don’t say that. I really was worried about you,” Scarlett’s voice held a hint of panic.

“Scarlett, from the moment we met until now, I’ve never asked you for anything. But now, I’m begging you, release me. Let’s get a divorce.”

“No! I only ever loved you!” Scarlett hugged me from behind, her face pressed against my back.

“In your heart, Julian is more important than I am. Even strangers could see there was something going on between you two.” I pried her hands away and turned to face her. “Let’s get a divorce. That way, you two can be together without any qualms.”

Just then, the doorbell rang. Julian, dressed in a hospital gown, appeared at the door, looking extremely fragile.

“Sister Scarlett, I was scared being alone at the hospital. Can I stay here tonight?” he asked cautiously.

Scarlett looked at him, surprised and full of sympathy, then turned to me. “Liam, Julian is scared. Let him stay for one night.”

I laughed. “So he gets to pretend to be sick and needs comfort, but I, who am actually dealing with a medical condition, am just supposed to fend for myself? Is that it?”

“Whatever. We’re getting divorced anyway.” I picked up my suitcase, ready to leave.

Scarlett grabbed me, pleading, “Liam, don’t be like this. Julian is just sick and wants to feel safe. Do you really have to get a divorce over this?”

“Scarlett, whether he came tonight or not, divorce is inevitable. Besides, he’s not an orphan, does he not have his own home? Why does he have to come here?” I said coldly.

Chapter Five

“Sister Scarlett, Liam, please don’t fight. I’ll just go.” Julian feigned an attempt to leave.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Scarlett stopped him sternly, then glared at me. “Liam, I’m letting Julian stay here. Do you have a problem with that?”

“I have no problem, because we’ve already decided to divorce,” I said calmly, unwilling to argue further.

Scarlett stomped her foot in anger. “Why are you so stubborn? I love you, Liam! Julian is just my brother!”

I let out a soft laugh. “Scarlett, I’ll give you a choice. Send him away and promise to cut off all contact, and I won’t bring up divorce again. Otherwise, agree to the divorce.”

Scarlett was torn. Julian couldn’t help but complain, “Bro, why are you so petty? You’re seriously jealous of me?”

“Don’t mind him!” Scarlett said softly to Julian, then glared at me. “Liam, don’t be so unreasonable!”

I shook my head and turned to leave, my heart feeling nothing.

At this time of day, the sounds of families having dinner echoed from every household in the neighborhood.

Watching the warm lights and hearing the sounds, I thought back to all my moments with Scarlett, all the love and promises we once shared, now all empty.

Ever since Julian came back, everything had changed. She was no longer my Scarlett.

The moment I saw her in a wedding gown, intimately intertwined with Julian, I completely gave up on her.