Chapter 3

After being discharged, I went to the company with the resignation letter and divorce papers I'd prepared long ago.

But as soon as I entered, I noticed everyone's strange looks.

I'd just reached the entrance to the office area when I heard deliberately lowered but clearly audible teasing voices.

Following the sound, my blood instantly ran cold.

Lucas was leaning against his desk with Miranda nestled in his arms, her hands hooked around his neck as she tilted her head up and kissed his lips, drawing laughter from those around them.

"Is it really true, Mr. Ashford? Did Natalie White actually give up her parents for you?"

"God, if I gave birth to something so heartless, I'd rather have strangled her at birth."

Lucas didn't push Miranda away. Instead, he pulled her waist closer, his face showing satisfaction: "It's not that big a deal."

His tone was frivolous, deliberately loud enough to ensure everyone present could hear: "Back then she cried and begged to come with me. When her family disagreed, she threatened to die. To be honest, being with her has been pretty stifling. If it weren't for her 'deep devotion' back then, I wouldn't have wasted all these years on her."

Miranda laughed coquettishly and snuggled deeper into his embrace: "So that's how it was. She threw herself at you desperately but acts like she did you some huge favor."

People around them chimed in: "Exactly. I always thought she didn't match Mr. Ashford. She's always got that cold face—nothing like Miranda's warmth."

The cruel words drilled into my ears one by one. Standing there, I felt cold all over.

So the entire company knew they'd been entangled for ages, even making me the subject of their gossip.

Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, I walked in as expressionlessly as possible.

Since I was here, I had to finish what I came to do.

Seeing me, everyone's faces stiffened. One by one they dispersed awkwardly, heads down pretending to be busy, yet unable to resist stealing glances at us from the corners of their eyes.

Miranda quickly withdrew from Lucas's embrace, looking innocent and pitiful: "Natalie, why are you here? Your body just recovered—why didn't you rest a few more days?"

Her tone was full of concern, but her eyes held provocation: "Don't misunderstand. Lucas and I were just discussing next quarter's project proposal. Don't take it to heart."

Lucas pulled her closer: "Enough. What's there to explain?"

I didn't want to argue with them anymore. I just looked at Lucas calmly and handed him the documents directly: "Project agreement. Just sign it."

Hearing this, Lucas indeed didn't look carefully and signed his name in a few strokes.

I breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he signed, the rest would be easy.

Six years of marriage finally came to a complete end.

I turned, preparing to leave and draw a clear line with this man forever.

Lucas frowned and grabbed my wrist: "Where are you going? What are you upset about now?"

I said flatly: "Home."

Before leaving, I naturally had to go home and take what belonged to me.

Lucas relaxed at those words, understanding in his eyes.

In his mind, I'd long since severed ties with my family. No matter how excessive he was, I could only obediently go home and wait for him.

Understanding this, he smiled: "Good. I'll come home to keep you company after I finish up here."