Chapter 5

Seeing that Emma had recovered well, I took her back to the villa.

That was the home we'd lived in for six years.

As soon as I walked in, I saw the entryway piled with packing boxes.

Several movers were carrying things out, and Mia stood in the center of the living room directing them.

"Don't want that sofa, it's too old."

"Take down the curtains too. Replace them with blackout ones."

She had completely taken on the role of mistress of the house.

Seeing me, she raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, I thought this old furniture was an eyesore, so I had people deal with it first."

I ignored her and walked straight to the children's room.

The room was empty. Emma's little bed, bookshelf, and toys were all gone.

Even the drawings Emma had made on the walls had been painted over with stark white paint.

Emma stood frozen in the doorway, her little hand clutching my clothes tightly.

"Mommy, where are my drawings?"

Mia walked over and leaned against the doorframe.

"Those messy scribbles were too dirty, so I had them painted over."

"This will be the nursery from now on. Of course it needs to be clean."

I turned around and looked at her.

"Does Ethan know you're doing this?"

Mia laughed lightly.

"Mr. Carter said from now on, I'm in charge of this house."

"Besides, they're just some broken drawings. What's the big deal?"

Before she finished speaking, the sound of brakes came from the doorway.

Ethan strode in, his expression dark.

Seeing the chaos inside, he frowned.

"What's going on?"

Mia put on a wronged expression and approached him.

"Ethan, I wanted to make the house warm and welcoming for our baby. Ms. Hayes doesn't seem too happy..."

Ethan's eyes showed impatience.

"Sophia, since you're leaving anyway, don't make a fuss over such small things."

"I'll have someone buy Emma a new set of art supplies later."

I looked at these two people, suddenly feeling that even the air in this villa had become foul.

"No need."

I crouched down and picked up Emma.

"We don't need charity."

"As for this house, keep it."

I turned with Emma and walked away.

Passing through the entryway, I saw a photo album on top of one of the packing boxes.

It was Emma's growth record from the past five years. I'd taken every single photo myself.

Now it had been thrown there.

I reached out and took the album, dusting it off.

Ethan called out behind me.

"Next Monday morning, courthouse to get the certificate. Don't be late."

I didn't turn around or stop.

I carried my child out through the villa's front door.

Behind me came Mia's saccharine voice. "Ethan, what color should we get for that sofa?"

Sitting in the taxi, Emma buried her head in my arms, sobbing quietly.

"Mommy, does Daddy not want us anymore?"

I stroked her hair, watching the scenery fly past outside the window.

My phone vibrated.

It was a message from Adrian.

"Sophie, Carter Enterprises has a new system launch next week, at the hotel across from the courthouse."

"I heard Ethan invited all the investors. Planning a big celebration."

I replied with one word.

"Okay."

What a coincidence, everything was happening next week.

My and Emma's new life would also begin next week.