Chapter 2

Serena's POV

When I woke up again, I was in the hospital.

The young associate lawyer stood helplessly by the bed.

"Serena, this case has already been settled. You need to look on the bright side; your health is the most important."

I snapped out of it amidst the lingering pain in my heart, ignoring the IV needle in my hand, and sat up to quickly rummage through my bag.

"Could you please check if this agreement is valid?"

My voice trembling, I handed over the document I had dug out.

The other party quickly gave an affirmative answer.

"Serena, your husband has already signed this divorce agreement. You only need to sign and submit it, and you can get your divorce decree in a month."

This morning, I had kneeled in front of Julian with this document.

Perhaps he was in too much of a rush to leave, or maybe he didn't believe I would actually divorce him.

He assumed the agreement was fake and actually signed it without even looking.

But he would never guess that everything I said was true.

I didn't want to wait another moment. I pulled out the IV needle and rushed to submit the paperwork.

After completing the procedures, I made one last trip to the cemetery.

In the cool, drizzling rain, I knelt straight in the muddy ground, scooping up the ashes mixed with dirt bit by bit.

"Leo, I will avenge you."

I don't know how long I knelt there before I wiped away my tears and made a phone call.

"Hello, I'd like to schedule a faked-death rescue."

"In one month, the cause of death will be 'accidental fall into the sea.' I will arrange the location, and you only need to prepare a brand new identity for me, rescue me, and send me abroad."

Yes, I wasn't just going to get a divorce.

In a month, I would also personally claim my justice and leave Julian an unforgettable surprise.

By the time I finished all this and returned to the villa, it was already dark.

The lights were on in the living room. Julian was holding a bowl, feeding Chloe spoonful by spoonful.

"Julian, I posted that apology letter online."

Chloe said, tilting her head to lean on the man's shoulder.

"Serena's fans have been cursing me all this time. Now that the truth is out, she deserves a lesson. You're not allowed to interfere."

Julian's Adam's apple bobbed, but he still agreed.

"Alright, she made a mistake and should be punished."

I suddenly recalled the curses online; they said my brother deserved to die, called me a bitch who climbed up through capital, and said I wasn't even fit to compare to a single hair on Miss Chloe's head...

A sharp pain hit my heart as I walked into the living room.

"Where did you go?"

Seeing me, Julian paused, his tone inexplicably softening.

"The wound on your forehead... how did that happen?"

I ignored him.

It was Chloe who squeezed her throat and changed the subject.

"You're back, Serena. Perfect timing. I'm about to debut as a singer soon, and Julian said I should stay here first so it's convenient to discuss music. Come look at my schedule with me."

Julian cleared his throat lightly, looking a bit hesitant.

"Serena, Chloe hasn't fully recovered yet, so she'll be staying here for a while. You need to put more effort in normally; her throat is delicate and she can't drink cold water. You'll guide her daily vocal practice, and also... pick out a few of your stage outfits that fit her and alter them for her."

Every word was like a knife stabbing into my heart.

I was so incredulous that I let out a cold laugh.

"What, you want me to be her assistant and vocal coach?"

"Be good, Serena. The past is in the past, let's not pursue it anymore. You're the main vocalist of the group; I feel at ease leaving it to you..."

He consciously stopped the rest of his words.

On one side of the dining table, Chloe's debut proposal was densely written, while on the floor lay some of my most cherished stage outfits, thrown about crookedly and cut into a complete mess.

It turned out the so-called guidance was just trampling on everything I worked for.

Many years ago, an investor merely called me a "singing girl," and Julian flew into a rage, pulling all their investments that very night.

"Serena is my wife. Whoever dares to belittle or bully her is slapping my face!"

But now, he was going back on his word, making me an exclusive assistant for my enemy.

What deep love, what vows. They were just that fragile. I would never believe them again.

I forced back the wetness in my eyes. For the last thirty days, I had to endure everything...

But who would have thought that on the very night she moved in, Chloe would throw a fit about having a nightmare.

When she rushed barefoot into the master bedroom, Julian had just finished showering.

"Julian, I can't sleep alone."

She looked fragile and spoiled, getting directly into bed and burying herself into Julian's bare-chested embrace.

"The mattress in the guest room is so hard. I'm scared; I want you to sleep with me."

Hearing this, Julian's handsome brows slightly furrowed.

I knew his heart ached for her.

It ached so much that, ignoring my presence, he wrapped his arms around Chloe in a soothing embrace.

His gaze looked toward the left side of the double bed.

"Serena, Chloe has been through trauma. You see... could you go stay in another room for now."

At that moment, I saw a fleeting provocation on Chloe's face.

I grabbed my pillow and got out of bed.

"Since Miss Chloe likes it, I'll give this bed to you."

Yes, not just this master bedroom, this bed, but also this man. I didn't want any of them anymore.