Chapter 3

Summer Lynn POV

I lay on the cold floor for an entire night.

Until dawn broke, Ethan hadn't returned. He hadn't called even once.

I propped up my numb body and slowly climbed up from the floor.

I opened my computer, printed out a divorce agreement, and dialed a number I'd never actively called in five years.

"If you're calling to say that Ethan is with Cherry again, don't bother. I told you long ago. You're just a substitute."

"Now that Cherry is back, Ethan doesn't need a wife with no social standing like you."

Over these five years, Ethan's mother had never hidden her disgust for me.

Every time Ethan brought Cherry to public events, she either permitted it or even supported it, trying to force me to leave on my own.

My voice was calm. "I agree to the divorce, and I'll leave here forever, but I need you to help me with something."

The person on the other end was clearly stunned, then said, "As long as you're willing to leave Ethan, I'll agree to any condition you want. How much money do you want?"

"I don't want a single penny." I looked at the agreement I'd just signed beside me.

"I just need you to use the Harrington family's connections to quietly finalize the divorce within a month. And... erase all my information. Ethan can't find out."

Ethan's mother laughed. "Fine. In thirty days, I'll have someone deliver your new identity to you."

After doing all this, I found a number in my contacts.

This number belonged to a gallery director.

Five years ago, I'd had the chance to have my own art exhibition. But to take care of Ethan, I put down my paintbrush and picked up cooking instead.

"Marcus, that beach house you mentioned. Is it still available?"

"Of course! Finally ready to paint again?"

"Yes." I replied. "I want to rent that house."

I wasn't going to be Mrs. Harrington anymore.

After hanging up, I booked a one-way ticket for thirty days from now.

I was going to that island where no one knew me, to become Summer Lynn again.

That evening, Ethan came back alone.

He walked into the living room and saw me sitting quietly on the sofa reading.

I didn't rush up to him with hot milk like before. I didn't even lift my head.

Ethan asked coldly, "Did the family doctor come treat you this morning? Stop eating random things from now on."

I turned a page in my book, my tone calm. "It's fine. I won't die."

"There's a charity auction gala tomorrow. Come with me. Don't you always want me to introduce you to the public?"

My gaze moved from the book.

I was about to refuse when Ethan's phone suddenly rang.

Cherry's delicate crying voice came from the other end. "Ethan, can you take me to tomorrow's auction? I just got back to the country. I don't know anyone. I'm so scared to go alone..."

Ethan glanced at me.

I remained sitting quietly, as if I hadn't heard the phone conversation at all.

He suddenly blurted out, "Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow."

After hanging up, Ethan looked at me.

"You don't need to go to tomorrow's gala. Rest at home. I'll take you to another gala in a few days."

If this were before, I would have demanded through red eyes why he was going back on his word.

But today, I looked at him and gently closed the book in my hands.

"Okay." I nodded, no unwillingness in my tone. "I understand."

Ethan looked at me. He suddenly yanked off his tie, turned around, and strode upstairs.

What he didn't know was that the moment he turned to go upstairs, I took out my phone.

On the phone screen was a ticketing message from the airline.

"You have successfully booked a one-way ticket to Hawaii departing in thirty days."

Ethan's mother had also sent a message:

"The divorce has entered the process. It will take thirty days. In thirty days, I hope you keep your promise."

I replied, "Thank you."

Then I opened my calendar and silently began counting down.