Chapter 4

Looking into my mother’s worried eyes, my throat tightened.

My mom had always spoiled me. Ever since I got pregnant, she had protected me like I was made of glass.

She and my dad had a perfect marriage, and she had always assumed Ethan and I were just as happy. Hearing about the divorce was a complete shock to her.

I opened my mouth, but the words felt heavy.

Seeing my hesitation, Ethan quickly stepped forward. He looked incredibly polite and humble.

"Mom, thank god you're here. Please help me talk to Chloe."

"I think I've just been too busy with work lately and haven't spent enough time with her. She's upset, and now she’s taking it out on our marriage."

His words immediately painted him as the victim to the crowd outside.

"See? What a great guy. He’s taking all the blame."

"Honestly, postpartum depression is real, but threatening divorce every second is just toxic."

"He literally sends flowers and gifts every day. Sure, he’s busy, but his heart is in the right place. What else does she want?"

My mother listened to the murmurs, then looked at Ethan’s seemingly sincere face. Her brow furrowed slightly.

But she still turned to me gently. "Chloe, I know you wouldn't make a scene for no reason. What is it really?"

As she spoke, her eyes drifted to Bertha, who was trying to shrink her massive body into the corner of the room.

Seeing Bertha’s plain, overweight appearance, a flash of confusion crossed my mother’s eyes.

"Ethan replaced your old maid with someone... so plain, just to make sure you felt secure," my mother said carefully, choosing her words.

"If he went to those lengths... Chloe, are you sure you aren't just feeling lonely because he's been working so much?"

"No, Mom," I said, lifting my head. My voice was quiet but steady. "It’s not because he's busy. I am divorcing him. And nothing will change my mind."

"Babe!" Ethan’s eyes welled with tears. "What did I do wrong? Just tell me and I'll fix it! I swear I'll fix it!"

"I can put the company on hold. I’ll stay here with you and the baby every day, okay?"

"Our daughter is so small. She needs a father. Please don't talk about divorce anymore."

Hearing him mention our daughter, my eyes involuntarily drifted to the bassinet where my baby girl was sleeping peacefully.

Bertha chimed in again, "Mrs. Sterling, this is all my fault! If you really can't stand the sight of me, I'll leave!"

"I’ll sell my own blood to pay for my mom’s dialysis! I can't let you and Mr. Sterling divorce because of me!"

That comment was the final straw for the crowd outside.

"Are you kidding me? She’s literally forcing this poor girl to sell her blood!"

"She is heartless! That poor housekeeper!"

People in the hallway started openly criticizing me, their voices rising.

The whole scene was so absurd it was almost comical. Any remaining doubt in my heart vanished completely.

I pushed the divorce papers closer to Ethan.

"Ethan, if you want to play the saint and charity case for her and her sick mother, go ahead. It has nothing to do with me."

"Sign the papers, and you can play hero all you want. I won't care."

"But I’ve changed my mind. I’m not just taking our daughter. I’m stripping you of every single asset. You are leaving with nothing."