Chapter 2: Revelation

"Why?" I inquired, my voice quivering with intense emotion. 

He gazed at me with icy, calculating eyes and responded, "Celine, I must admit that my sole motive for marrying you was to secure my inheritance. There was nothing else beyond that."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Our marriage was only for his inheritance? How could he say that? I thought back to the day we got married. It was a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by everyone. I remember the look of love in Franco's eyes as he said his vows. Or was it all just an act?

“Franco, I don't understand. If this was all just for your inheritance, then why did you marry me if you can marry another woman?” I asked, my voice shaking with anger and hurt.

“Because my grandfather wanted me to,' he replied coldly.

“He wanted me to marry you because you're his favorite maid's daughter. But now that he's gone, I have no reason to stay in this worthless marriage.”

I couldn’t breathe to think that he never truly loved me and only married me for his own selfish reasons.

My marriage was nothing but a lie. Tears streamed down my face as I realized that I had been living a lie for the past year.

I exclaimed, my voice filled with anguish and fury, "Why would you do this to me, Franco? How could you pretend to love me and then discard me like I mean nothing?"

"Come on, Celine. I know you're only after my money too. We're just the same," he retorted.

"I married you for my money and you married me for my money," he added.

Confused, I furrowed my brow and asked, "What are you talking about?"

With a smirk, he asked, "Am I right?"

"No! I married you because I love you, not because of your money!" I insisted.

A surge of anger welled up inside me, and I stood up, facing him with determination in my eyes.

"You better sign the divorce papers, woman.  Just look at yourself, you poor loser don't deserve to be his wife!" the woman mocked me.

I couldn't control myself and rushed towards her, my fists clenched. "How dare you!" I yelled, ready to unleash my anger on her. However, Franco intervened, grabbing me from behind and holding me back.

"Celine, stop,"he said, his grip on my arm tight and filled with anger.

"It hurts. Let me go!" I protested.

He pushed me away, and I shook my head as I fought back my tears, unable to accept the fact that he had used me and now cheated on me.

"Is it because of that woman? Right?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes. Athena and I are getting married," he said, without considering how I felt.

"Why?" I asked weakly.

"How can you ask me that question when you already knew you're just our maid's daughter? You are nothing compared to a Mayor's daughter," he mocked.

He's right. How can I compare myself to the mayor's daughter? But underestimating my mother is going too far!

"Yes, I proudly say that I am the daughter of a maid. And you have no right to underestimate it!" I retorted.

Athena chuckled, "Proud loser."

Fueled by anger, pain, and resentment, I gather the courage to sign the divorce papers.

"Done," I stated firmly.

Franco was clearly taken aback by my immediate action.

"Good. Don't worry, you'll receive your share once our divorce is approved," he assured.

"No! Keep your damn money inside your mouth!" I exclaimed angrily.

"I will make sure that you regret this one day, Franco," I declared, my voice filled with bitterness and hurt, before turning my back.

"He won't regret it, loser," I overheard Athena say.

Upon entering the bedroom, I grabbed my luggage and packed all my clothes in it. I felt the urge to cry to let out the pain, but my heart remained numb.

As I descended the stairs, I caught sight of my mother-in-law seated on the couch, a smug expression on her face. "Well, well, look who's leaving,"she sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I clenched my teeth, attempting to rein in my emotions. I was aware that she had never approved of me, but I never anticipated her sinking this low.

"I hope you're happy now,"I retorted, my voice quivering with anger.

"Oh, I am. I always knew you weren't worthy of my son. He deserves to be with Athena," she spat, her eyes brimming with disdain.

A lump formed in my throat, but I refused to let her witness my tears. "I don't need your approval. I know I've been a devoted wife to Franco," I declared, striving to maintain composure in my voice.

She cackled, the noise irritating me. "A devoted wife? You're nothing but a greedy opportunist, a servant's daughter," she sneered.

I felt tears welling up, but I held them back. I didn't want her to see how deeply her words cut me.

"Go ahead, Mrs. Jackson, speak your mind," I replied.

She simply chuckled, her gaze full of spite. "It's satisfying to know you'll never be a part of the Jackson family again."

I swiftly departed from the mansion. While the taxi maneuvered through the lively streets, a twinge of jealousy washed over me as I observed blissful couples strolling hand in hand. The idea of experiencing such love and happiness seemed unimaginable in my own life.

I had always yearned for a fairy tale romance, but instead, I was left with a heartbreak and a shattered marriage. Franco had merely used me to obtain his inheritance. I was foolish to believe that he truly loved me.

Interrupting my thoughts, the taxi driver inquired, "Where to, miss?"

Providing him with the name of a nearby hotel, I nodded as he focused his attention back on the road.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I paid the fare and exited the taxi. The hotel, though small, exuded a comforting ambiance, and I was grateful for the solace it offered.

Guided by the staff, I expressed my gratitude with a simple "Thank you."

After checking into a room, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling utterly drained both physically and emotionally. It was difficult to comprehend how swiftly my life had been turned upside down.

Just a few hours prior, I had been eagerly waiting my husband's arrival, only to be blindsided by an unbearable pain.

While lying in bed, I suddenly feel the urge to vomit, so I quickly rush to the bathroom. Holding my stomach, I vomit and then glance at myself in the mirror.