Chapter 3

On the way to the courthouse, Julian held my hand tightly, as if afraid I'd jump out of the car.

"Eleanor, just one month, I promise."

I didn't speak, simply pulling my hand gently from his grasp.

Julian forcibly took my hand again.

"Serena and I won't go public, we won't have a wedding. No one outside will know. You'll still be Mrs. Sterling."

I silently strategized how to blow this whole thing up.

If it became a huge scandal, could he still force me?

I slipped my hand into my pocket and discreetly sent a message.

In my contacts, there was a name: "Mr. Thompson, Reporter."

Three years ago, he'd exposed a scandal involving Julian and almost faced retaliation from the Sterling family, but I'd managed to smooth things over.

He harbored a lot of resentment towards Julian and owed me a favor.

Finally, we arrived at the courthouse.

Just as we were about to get out of the car, several reporters swarmed us.

"Mr. Sterling, are you here at the courthouse to file for divorce?"

"Mrs. Sterling, what do you have to say about your husband's infidelity? You've tolerated it for so long, why the sudden breakdown now?"

Julian froze, clearly not expecting to be exposed.

For a moment, he didn't know how to react.

I took his arm, offering a dignified smile.

"You've misunderstood. We're not here to get divorced."

"Today is our tenth wedding anniversary. We're just here to revisit old memories..."

Julian's arm stiffened abruptly.

After a few seconds, he finally caught on, managing a faint, composed smile.

"That's right."

The reporters were stunned but continued their questioning.

"Then Miss Serena..."

"Serena is a new artist signed to Julian's company," I said, my smile strained.

"The official announcement... is just to build buzz for her new show. Right, Julian?"

Julian gritted his teeth and nodded.

"Right."

I took the opportunity to pull him back into the car, intending to leave.

Just then, a shriek pierced the air.

"Ah! Someone's going to jump!"

Across from the courthouse, on the rooftop of an office building, stood a figure in white.

The wind was strong, making her sway precariously.

It was Serena.

My heart sank.

Damn it, this wasn't going to be easy now.

Sure enough, Julian couldn't help but shout.

"Serena, don't do anything foolish!"

Serena looked down at Julian, tears streaming down her face, her voice choked with sobs.

"Julian, I can't live without you..."

Julian frantically ran his hands through his hair.

"Get down! I'll divorce! I'll do it right now!"

Julian turned back to me, his eyes desperate.

"Eleanor, go inside. Get the divorce done!"

The reporters' cameras instantly swung over, zeroing in on my ashen face.

I clenched my fist, my fingernails digging into my palm.