Chapters seven

Janet’s POV

My grip tightening on my bag as I stared at the woman in front of me. Mrs. Caroline. Her blonde hair was styled in an impeccable bob , with her subtle layers that framed her heart shaped face.

I had no patience left, nor energy for her cruel words.

Mrs. Caroline’s nostrils flared. “How dare you, Janet?” she snarled. “How dare you talk back to me like that?” Her eyes searched mine, like she was trying to figure out where I found the audacity to stand up to her.

“Maybe you should mind your own business,” I said, turning to leave.

The slap landed before I even saw it coming.

A sharp sting burned across my cheek. My head snapped to the side.

“I can’t wait for Rowan to throw you out,” she spat, her voice dripping with hatred. “I wonder what Grandma saw in you that made her force my son into this marriage. You are nothing, Janet. Just a poor girl from the streets. You never belonged here.”

She spat again . " Always know your place , just because you are married into our family doesn't make you talk back to me " .

I should have been angry. I should have screamed. But instead, I laughed. A bitter, hollow laugh.

“My marriage with Rowan ends today,” I said, rubbing my sore cheek. “And the divorce papers are right there on the table for him to sign. I’m done playing with your little pet.” I met her gaze, my voice sharp. “I’d rather be a poor girl than stay in this family.”

Her eyes flicked to the table. She walked over and snatched up the divorce papers, her fingers flipping through them quickly. Her expression changed, anger twisting her face.

“You can’t be serious,” she hissed. “After three years of marriage, you want half of his property?”

Half? I had never planned to take a penny from him…

I see. This must have been Jasper’s doing. He didn’t even know Rowan, but he wanted to protect me — to make sure I wasn’t left with nothing. My heart twisted painfully.

Seeing my silence, Caroline pressed harder. “Are you really this greedy? Do you actually believe my son will agree to this?” She turned back to me, her voice rising. “You are so heartless, Janet!”

“I’m not interested in your family’s money,” I said sharply. “If Rowan doesn’t like it, he can draft another divorce agreement. I’m getting a divorce either way.”

Caroline scoffed, disgust flashing across her face.

“Okay, okay, I'm a woman too, and I see exactly what you are doing. Playing hard to get, ey? Trying to manipulate Rowan into chasing you? Come on, save it! You really think you deserve a share of his wealth?”

Her voice turned sharp. “If you had given my son an heir, maybe you would have deserved something. But you didn’t!”

My breath caught in my throat. An heir.

My hand instinctively moved to my belly, my fingers pressing lightly against my stomach. I thought back to the dinner. Rowan saying he wanted children with someone he loved. How foolish I was to think for a minute that that one was me.

The way Caroline looked at me now, like I was disposable.It was clear now. I was going to be replaced.

They had already planned it. The moment I was gone, Rowan would have a new wife. A woman they approved of. A woman who could give them the perfect heir.Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I swear Rowan will never know the baby growing inside my belly.

‘Don't worry, love, mummy will take care of you.’

I muttered to the life growing inside me. I wouldn’t let anyone take this child from me. I would raise this baby alone.

“You remind me,” I said coldly, eyes snapping back to Caroline, “that the law stipulates half of the property is mine. Why shouldn’t I want it?”

Her eyes widened in shock. “How dare you—”

“You tell your son to come back and sign,” I said evenly, turning toward the door. “I’m leaving now.”

Caroline stepped into my path.

“You can’t just walk out like that!” she said sharply. “Not without a proper search.”

I frowned. “What are you implying?”

Her lips curled. “I won’t let you leave with anything that belongs to my family.”

My mouth fell open in disbelief. “Wait… are you accusing me of stealing?”

“Yes,” she said simply. “And you’re not walking out of here until I check your bags.”

It seems like the whole world is turning against me , why on earth will she think I will steal anything from them? Before I could stop her, she grabbed my bag and yanked it open. My clothes spilled onto the floor as she tossed things aside, searching for something that wasn’t there.

“Caroline, stop!” I said, reaching for my things, but she shoved me back. Not too long The front door swung open.

A familiar cold voice filled the room.

“What the hell is going on here?”

I turned slowly, my heart hammering.

Rowan stood at the doorway, his piercing eyes locked onto the mess in front of him. His gaze moved from my scattered clothes to his mother, who was still digging through my things.