Chapter 4

After the fallout with Joshua, he got even more ridiculous. Barely showed up during the day and stayed out most nights.

Didn't bother me. Honestly, it was better when he wasn't around.

I kept busy. Filed my immigration paperwork. Packed up my stuff and shipped it in batches to Sean overseas.

One day, just as I got back from the post office, I nearly ran into Joshua at the door.

"Nadia, I've got a surprise for you," he said, holding out a box.

I glanced at it—inside was the bracelet I'd admired at last month's auction.

"Do you like it?"

I nodded, already wondering if it'd be safe to ship something that expensive.

Over dinner, he suddenly spoke up. "Nadia, next Monday's Grandma and Grandpa's fiftieth anniversary. Will you come with me?"

"Sure," I said, not even pausing to think.

He looked shocked—like he hadn't expected me to say yes. "Nadia, I knew you were the best wife in the world!" He grinned.

***

Banquet day. Not only did my family roll in, but even some of Ardenburg's business big shots showed up to kiss the ring.

Before the event kicked off, Joshua practically glued himself to my arm. When I didn't pull away, his mood did a 180, and he strutted us into the hall like he'd won something.

And there she was—Shirley.

Of course she was there, playing the part of Merck Corp's star employee and Joshua's personal secretary. Watching her bustle around, I couldn't help but sneer. "Looks like pregnancy's treating her well."

Joshua's face soured.

Dinner was the usual routine—everyone obsessing over me and Joshua.

"Nadia," his mom started, "you two have been married for five years now. Time to seriously think about kids."

His grandma jumped in. "Exactly. Joshua said you've been trying, but still no news?"

Augusto cut in, all serious. "If there's an issue, see a doctor. Gotta deal with it."

Pain knotted in my heart. Kids? Yeah, not gonna happen.

Then Shirley just had to pipe up. "Mr. Merck Sr., it's okay if Nadia can't have children—I'm pregnant. And it's twins!"

The room went dead silent. Tension? Off the charts.

Augusto's face went stormy, clearly about to lose it, but Shirley jumped in, plastering on that fake smile. "Don't get the wrong idea. I just wanted to share the good news so Nadia can catch some of my luck. Who knows—maybe you'll get to hold two great-grandchildren soon."

Joshua couldn't help but grin, eyes practically sparkling at her.

Then Shirley turned to me, raising her glass. "Nadia, a toast to you. I mean, since you two haven't had any luck conceiving in five years, maybe my pregnancy will rub off on you."

My expression went ice-cold. Not engaging with her crap, no matter how hard she pushed. But she just stood there, glass still raised, determined to milk the moment.

Joshua got all jittery and settled her back in her seat. "You're pregnant—be careful," he snapped, then shot me a glare. "Nadia, what's your problem? Shirley's just being nice. Stop acting so stuck-up."

"Joshua, you—" His mom frowned, looking annoyed, but he didn't give her a chance.

"Mom, don't defend her! She's my wife—acting rude just makes us look bad! We've been married five years and still no kid. Clearly, the problem's with her, and she's got the nerve to act all high and mighty?"

Rage burned through me, fists clenched tight. Seriously? He's the one who caused all this, and he's blaming me?

I forced a calm breath, then picked up my wine glass, giving Shirley a cold smirk. "Thanks for your blessing. If the twins you're carrying are Joshua's, then I'm especially grateful."

Everyone's faces instantly went awkward.

Did I care? Nope. I sat back down and kept eating like nothing happened.

By the end of the banquet, Joshua and Shirley had pulled a vanishing act—probably off sneaking around somewhere. Whatever. I wasn't about to stick around. I headed straight home.

Once I got there, I slapped the divorce papers on the coffee table, grabbed my suitcase, and walked out without a second glance.

Right before boarding my flight, I fired off the saved screenshots from the group chat to my parents and every Merck family member, adding a simple message:

[Joshua already has twins on the way with Shirley Hoare. There's no future for us. I'm divorcing him.]