Chapter 3

In the living room, seven or eight pairs of shoes were piled haphazardly.

The sofa, airlifted from Milan, was covered with cheap plushies won from a claw machine.

On the main wall, where our wedding photos should have hung, my face was covered by a dartboard.

My lips twitched uncontrollably. I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't even manage a sarcastic smirk.

So, this was the so-called "surprise."

The front door opened, and Ethan returned, helping Ashley inside.

Seeing me on the sofa, both of them froze.

Ethan quickly stepped forward to explain.

"Sam, Ashley got evicted by her landlord, so I let her stay here temporarily."

"I meant to tell you, but it happened so suddenly. Our house was empty anyway, it's good to have some life in it…"

I raised my hand, cutting him off. "Tell her to pack her things and leave now."

Ethan was visibly stunned, apparently not expecting me, who was usually so accommodating, to be so resolute.

"Are you angry? Just because I left you alone at the city hall?"

So, he knew it was wrong.

I took a deep breath, emphasizing again, "I'm selling the house. Please clear out."

Ethan's face changed instantly. "Just for a ring, you're abandoning our marital home?"

Realizing he was too agitated, he softened his tone.

"You don't like rings that others have worn? I'll buy a better one immediately. Please, don't be angry, okay?"

"Tell her to leave."

I repeated myself a third time.

"Bang!" Ethan suddenly erupted in rage, sweeping all the plushies off the sofa onto the floor.

"Ashley, I let you stay temporarily. I didn't tell you to turn this place into a complete mess."

"Now look, you've made Sam angry. Get out of here right now!"

Ashley sobbed, bending down to pick up the plushies from the floor, her voice trembling as she apologized to me.

"Sam, I was thoughtless. I caused you trouble."

I closed my eyes, no longer saying "It's okay" as I usually would.

She dragged her heavy suitcase directly over my foot, the piercing pain almost brought tears to my eyes.

I instinctively called out to Ethan, who was about to leave.

"Come back—"

"—and get me some pain relief cream" was cut short by Ethan's harsh interruption.

"Enough, Sam! Don't be so ruthless. Whatever it is, it can wait until after she's gone."

The door slammed shut with a heavy thud.

In that moment, it felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over my head, completely extinguishing the last spark of warmth in my heart.

I no longer hesitated, contacting the agent to finalize the price.

At the same time, I had my father's team quickly complete the equity valuation of the Angel Group.

Angel Group, Ethan and I had founded it together.

Over the years, I had contributed money and effort, elevating him to an unrivaled rising star in the LA business world.

Now, a complete settlement would be a messy affair.

I was working non-stop until a subordinate called to remind me.

"Miss Samantha, don't forget tonight's new product launch."

After hanging up, I realized my phone had dozens of missed calls from Ethan.

I thought about it and decided to see him one last time, just to put a definitive end to our five absurd years together.

Moreover, this new product represented all my hard work.

From market research to breakthroughs in core technology, I was personally involved in every step.

For this, I had pulled countless all-nighters, endured endless business dinners, and rejected countless design drafts.

After so many years striving outside, I had to bring a decent representative work home.

When I arrived at the venue, the launch had just begun.

Ethan spoke eloquently on stage, introducing the greatest contributor to the new product.

After a burst of stirring drumbeats, the spotlight suddenly illuminated the stage.