Chapter 2

The next day, Julian didn't come home alone. His hand was intertwined with Serena's.

"Eleanor, we need to talk."

I looked up at him, a flicker of unease stirring within me.

He never brought women home, and certainly never introduced them to me.

"Serena's grandfather is gravely ill, and his only wish is to see her married."

I raised an eyebrow slightly.

"So?"

Julian hesitated, then finally spoke.

"So... we need to get a divorce."

The air instantly froze.

Divorce?

I had endured for ten years, just when I was about to reap the rewards, at the eleventh hour, he wanted to kick me out?

Seeing my prolonged silence, a hint of discomfort flashed in Julian's eyes.

"Just for a month. Once her grandfather passes peacefully, we'll remarry immediately."

Serena, ever so timely, shed a tear.

"Eleanor, please."

I didn't move, my mind racing.

If I wasn't Mrs. Sterling when Julian died, how much money would I lose out on?

The thought of Serena fighting my three children for the inheritance sent a pang through my heart.

No, I couldn't let that happen.

For Eleanor, for my children, for myself, I had to keep my title as Mrs. Sterling.

I looked Julian directly in the eye.

"New Year's is almost here. The family will have a gathering. Let's not make a spectacle for everyone. Let's wait until after the holidays. Then you two can put on whatever show you like."

"No!"

Serena shrieked, tears instantly welling up.

"I'm afraid Grandpa won't make it!"

She actually knelt down, her fingers clutching at my pants, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Please, Eleanor, Grandpa is the only family I have left..."

"If Grandpa doesn't see me married, he won't rest in peace. I... I won't want to live either..."

Julian's eyes were full of anguish, and he looked at me with frustration.

"Eleanor, just do me this favor. It's not too much to ask of a young woman."

I let out a bitter laugh.

"Julian, I've been doing you favors for ten years."

"You found forty-three kept women. I never once lost my temper with you, nor did I ever badmouth you outside the house."

"This home, your parents, our three children – I've taken care of everything perfectly."

"And now, you want me to give up my position as Mrs. Sterling..."

Julian quickly interjected, a hint of desperation in his voice.

"Just for a month!"

"No!"

I stood up, my stance more assertive than ever before.

"This is what you promised me. You have to keep your word!"

Julian remembered his promise, and he looked torn.

Serena covered her face and sobbed.

"Forget it, forget it. I'll just go with Grandpa..."

She tried to get up, but then, feigning weakness, collapsed back to the floor, trembling all over.

Julian's heart ached for her. He scooped Serena into his arms.

He looked at me, his eyes turning cold.

"Eleanor, I'm not asking for your opinion."

"Before, you listened to me. It's the same now."

I scoffed, a plan already forming in my mind.

Even if he forced a divorce through court, it would take at least two months. I just wouldn't sign.

Six days later, on New Year's Eve, everything would be over.

Seeing that I was about to leave, Julian grabbed my wrist.

"Where are you going?"

I gave him a cold glance.

"I don't want to see you two. I'm leaving."

Julian sneered, giving me a knowing, condescending smirk.

"You think running away will stop the divorce? You're going to my parents to spill the beans, aren't you?"

He dragged me towards the door.

"We're going to the courthouse right now. We're getting this done today."