Chapter 2

Sebastian's pupils contracted sharply.

Evelyn let out a soft gasp and leaned into Sebastian's side, her voice trembling. "Ellie, please don't be upset — this is my fault. I never should have accepted it. Don't say things like that. You're not serious..."

Sebastian grabbed Evelyn to steady her, his expression darkening instantly.

"Elodie, what the hell is wrong with you?"

"Making a scene over something this small — where are your manners? Without me, who would ever want a useless woman like you?"

His words cut like poison-tipped blades.

But his inner voice was trembling wildly.

[Why does she want a divorce? Is she jealous?]

[I already told her this is just a toy! How could she just walk away from me in front of all these people!]

[Baby, please — don't say things you don't mean. It's killing me.]

I looked at him calmly, without softening the way I used to whenever I heard his thoughts.

"Sebastian, I know exactly what I'm doing."

"I'll have my lawyer send the papers to your office tomorrow."

With that, I turned and walked out of the venue.

I didn't look back at Sebastian's ashen face or the curious stares from the crowd.

I returned to the empty villa and dragged out my suitcase, starting to pack.

I didn't have much. Three years of marriage, and I'd lived like a guest who was only passing through.

Half the closet was filled with Sebastian's tailored suits. The other half held a few simple outfits of mine.

I didn't take a single thing that was his — just a few of my own old clothes.

Finally, I walked to the study, opened the safe, and took out a worn, yellowed sketchbook.

It was the only thing my mother had left me — filled with unfinished jewelry designs she'd drawn before she passed.

I had just placed the sketchbook into the suitcase when the front door was kicked open with a violent bang.

Sebastian stormed in, cold fury radiating off him, with Evelyn trailing close behind.

His eyes landed on the suitcase sitting on the floor. A flash of panic crossed his face — but it was quickly buried under rage.

"Elodie, look at you. You actually packed your bags?"

His inner voice was deafening.

[She's really leaving? She already packed everything?]

[No. I won't allow it. What am I supposed to do if she's gone?]

[Baby, don't go. I got the necklace back — just look at it, please.]

He glared at me, but what came out of his mouth was: "You think I'd care if you left? You were nothing but a prop I used to keep my father off my back."

I zipped up the suitcase, my voice completely flat.

"If I'm just a prop, then you should be glad the prop is resigning."

I pulled my luggage and walked out.

Sebastian snatched my wrist, gripping it so hard I thought he might snap the bone.

"I didn't say you could leave. Try walking out that door and see what happens."

Evelyn stepped in, her voice soft and coaxing. "Ellie, don't be like this. Come on, Seb — didn't you mention before that you'd let me borrow that sketchbook your mother-in-law left behind? I'm working on a new collection and I'm completely stuck for inspiration…"

I spun around and stared at Sebastian, unable to believe what I was hearing.

Sebastian hesitated, clearly caught off guard that Evelyn had brought it up now.

But with me glaring at him like I wanted to tear him apart, he was too proud to back down. He forced a cold smirk.

"So what? Everything you have was provided by the Cross family. If Evie wants to look at it, you hand it over."

My whole body was shaking. I had never been this furious in my life.

"Sebastian, you bastard!"

I wrenched my wrist free and clutched the suitcase tight.

"That belonged to my mother. What gives you the right to hand it to her?"

Sebastian's expression twisted.

[I was just saying it — I didn't actually mean it!]

[Don't look at me like that, baby. It scares me.]

[But you're cursing me out over a stupid notebook. You don't love me anymore, do you?]

Shame curdled into rage. He lunged for the suitcase.

"There's nothing I want that I can't take. Give it to me."

"No."

We struggled violently at the top of the staircase.

Evelyn rushed over to help. "Ellie, stop it — I just wanted to borrow it for a few days…"

"Get away from me!" I shoved her hard.

Evelyn let out a cry and stumbled back two steps, landing on the floor. The palm of her hand scraped against the ground.

"Evie!" Sebastian's face went white.

He spun toward me and shoved me — hard.

"Elodie, you vicious bitch!"

I had no time to react. My balance vanished, and I fell — straight down the staircase.