Chapter 3

Day three.

Ethan didn't bring a doctor.

He held a document in his hand.

Throwing it directly at my face.

The paper's edge cut my cheek.

Fine beads of blood seeped out.

"Sign it."

Ethan's voice was ice cold.

I struggled to open my eyes.

Making out the large characters on the document.

Divorce Agreement.

"You want me... to leave with nothing?"

I looked at the terms listed.

Not only would I get no money.

I also had to transfer the property I'd purchased before marriage to Lily as mental compensation.

"You still have the nerve to ask for money?"

Ethan acted as if he'd heard the biggest joke.

"You harmed Lily like this, and I'm being merciful by not demanding your life!"

"Sign it and get out of the house."

"Then go to the police station and turn yourself in."

I gripped the agreement tightly.

My knuckles white from the pressure.

"I won't sign."

I raised my head, looking directly into his eyes.

"I didn't start the fire."

"I'm not guilty. Why should I turn myself in?"

"Slap!"

Ethan backhanded me with a resounding slap.

Sending me flying.

The corner of my mouth split instantly.

I spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with a tooth.

"Clara, you really won't cry until you see your coffin."

Ethan pulled out his phone.

Opening a video.

On the screen was my grandmother, whom I depended on.

She lay in a hospital bed.

Wearing an oxygen mask.

Her face deathly pale.

"What did you do?!"

I lunged forward like a madwoman.

Trying to snatch the phone.

Ethan stepped on the back of my hand.

Grinding down hard.

"I didn't do anything."

"I just sent someone to the hospital to show the old lady this surveillance video."

"And told her that her precious granddaughter is a murderer with a heart like a snake."

"The old lady got so worked up, her heart condition flared up."

Ethan's smile was incredibly cruel.

"The doctor said if we can't raise the five hundred thousand for surgery by tonight."

"We can start preparing for her funeral."

I was struck as if by lightning.

Frozen in place.

All the blood in my body seemed to flow backward in that moment.

"Ethan... you're an animal!"

I roared hysterically.

Tears bursting forth like a dam breaking.

"Grandma is innocent! You know she has a heart condition!"

"How could you do this to her!"

Ethan remained unmoved.

"That depends on you."

He kicked the pen on the floor with his toe.

"Sign it and admit everything was your doing."

"I'll have someone transfer the surgery fee immediately."

"Otherwise, just wait to collect that old hag's corpse."

My whole body trembled.

Looking at Ethan's familiar face.

It felt unbearably strange and terrifying.

Three years.

I cooked and kept house for him.

I concealed my identity for him, restrained my brilliance.

And this is what I got — him threatening me with my loved one's life.

"Fine..."

"I'll sign."

I picked up the pen with shaking hands.

Signing my name on the agreement.

Each stroke felt like carving out my heart.

Ethan collected the agreement with satisfaction.

"That's better from the start."

He turned to leave.

At the doorway, he suddenly stopped.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you."

"Even though you signed, I never intended to give the money."

"That old hag died half an hour ago."

What?!

I jerked my head up.

My mind went completely blank.

Only a sharp ringing remained in my ears.

"You... what did you say?"

Ethan didn't even bother looking at me.

"I said your grandmother is dead."

"Your murderer granddaughter scared her to death."

The iron door slammed shut heavily.

I sat on the ground in a daze.

Unable even to cry.

Grandma was dead.

My only family in this world was dead.

A tearing pain came from my chest.

I suddenly spat out a large mouthful of blood.

My vision plunged completely into darkness.

"Ethan, I'll make you pay in blood."