Chapter 3

Bertha’s face instantly flushed red with embarrassment. "Mrs. Sterling... please. Look at me. How could someone like Mr. Sterling ever look at a girl like me?"

I let out a cold laugh. "My own mother hasn't even arrived yet, but you, a housekeeper, sure rushed over here fast, didn't you?"

Bertha’s eyes flickered with panic. She quickly tried to explain, "I—I was just bringing some documents Mr. Sterling left at home. I was just tagging along."

"When I heard you wanted a divorce, I just got worried. I felt bad for Mr. Sterling. Please don't overthink this."

As she spoke, she actually started crying. "I've been fat since I was a kid. No boy ever looked at me in school."

"If Mr. Sterling hadn't taken pity on me and given me this job, I wouldn't even have the money to pay for my mom's medical bills."

The onlookers outside whispered as they took in Bertha's bloated frame and acne-scarred face. They shook their heads.

"Is this wife crazy? She’s actually insecure about a housekeeper who looks like that?"

"Exactly! Look at her size. She’s literally twice the size of her husband. What could he possibly see in her?"

"If I looked like that housekeeper, I wouldn’t even dare to step out of the house, let alone try to steal someone's husband!"

Hearing the crowd take his side, Ethan’s confidence seemed to return.

He squeezed my hand tightly and whispered, "Chloe, even strangers can see how ridiculous this is. Why are you being so stubborn?"

"I hired Bertha specifically so you wouldn't have to worry about anything during your recovery."

"We've been together for years. Why can't you just trust me?"

I looked at him and sneered. "Fine. Fire her right now."

Ethan froze. A flash of hesitation crossed his eyes.

"Mrs. Sterling!" Bertha suddenly fell to her knees, tears streaming down her round cheeks.

"Mrs. Sterling, my mother is in end-stage kidney failure! She needs dialysis every week, and my salary is the only thing keeping her alive!"

"I know I'm ugly and I hurt your eyes. I promise I'll only do the cleaning and cooking when you're not around. I will never show my face to you again! Please, please don't let Mr. Sterling fire me!"

She wept hysterically, her heavy frame shaking with each sob.

Sympathetic murmurs immediately broke out from the crowd in the hallway.

"Oh my god, she’s so pitiful. Can't the wife show some mercy?"

"Exactly. The wife is just paranoid. The poor housekeeper did nothing wrong."

"I get that post-pregnancy hormones make you emotional, but this is just straight-up bullying."

The whispers grew louder. Bertha even reached out and grabbed the hem of my robe.

"Mrs. Sterling, I swear I'll stay far away from Mr. Sterling. Please, just give me and my mother a chance to survive."

Seeing my face remain completely emotionless, Ethan’s expression hardened.

"Chloe, this is too much. Why do you have to bully a poor housekeeper?"

Watching the two of them perform their little sob story, I wanted to laugh.

"Ethan, you know exactly what dirty laundry you've been hiding. Stop treating me like an idiot."

I didn't want to waste any more words. I threw the divorce papers directly at his face.

Right then, the crowd parted, and my mother rushed into the room.

Her face was pale with worry as she pushed through the onlookers to get to my bedside.

"Chloe! My sweet girl, what on earth is going on? Why are you suddenly talking about divorce?"

"Tell me, did Ethan do something to hurt you?"

"If you're hurting, tell me. I’m right here. I won't let anyone mistreat you."