Chapter 5

When Waverly saw Damian's reaction, she put on her usual pitiful expression and rushed back into her apartment. Moments later, she returned holding a thick envelope.

She shoved it toward me and said, "This is twenty thousand dollars. It's everything I have. Take it all. As for the remaining five thousand dollars... Well, you decide if my life is worth that much."

Damian's face went pale. He immediately softened, his voice trembling as he said, "Waverly, what are you doing? You don't have to hand it over all at once… Take your time. We'll figure it out."

I shot him a glance and snatched the envelope from Waverly's hand. Right there in front of her, I counted the bills out loud.

"One, two, three... Exactly two hundred bills. Well, Waverly, you can consider the remaining five thousand dollars Damian's gift to you—money he's been saving for your future wedding."

Damian's head jerked toward me, eyes wide with panic. "Maisie, don't spout nonsense like that. The entire neighborhood just heard you! They all know you're my wife!"

I let out a cold laugh. "Everyone knows you spend every other day at Waverly's place. Your heart's with her, Damian, not me."

Waverly's eyes lit up for a moment, though she quickly lowered her head to hide her satisfaction.

Damian's voice grew louder and firmer, "Maisie, I'll never divorce you. Never."

Waverly's hopeful expression instantly collapsed.

I did not respond. Instead, I turned around, walked into the apartment, and shut the door behind me.

Damian followed me, practically stepping on my heels like he was afraid I would disappear if he gave me a second's head start.

I sat down at the table, opened the envelope, and set aside 10,000 dollars. My first instinct was to leave it for Damian since, technically, he was the one who had earned it in the first place.

Suddenly, I heard Waverly shriek from the hallway. Damian's entire posture shifted. His eyes darted toward the door, and he bolted like a man responding to a fire alarm.

Halfway out the door, he suddenly hesitated and looked back at me, uncertain. His body was practically vibrating with indecision.

I gave him a dismissive wave. "Go ahead. She's your neighbor, after all. Helping each other out is just good manners."

Damian exhaled in relief and ran out the door.

Minutes later, Clara knocked softly and let herself in. "Maisie, I just saw Waverly twist her ankle. Damian carried her off to the hospital. I can't tell if she's really hurt or just putting on another show."

She shook her head and sighed. "You're still here, and they're already acting like this. I can't even imagine how shameless they'll be once you leave the country."

I smiled and shrugged. "Clara, I've made up my mind, and I'm leaving. Let them do whatever they want—it won't matter to me anymore."

I pulled out the wad of cash I set aside earlier. "Oh, by the way, here's ten thousand dollars. Give it to Damian for me. I finished all my paperwork, and I'm leaving tomorrow morning."

Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "Tomorrow? Isn't that too soon? I thought you still had a few more days."

I zipped up my suitcase and kept my tone casual. "I'm worried Damian might try to stop me if I wait until the official departure date. Leaving early makes it easier."

Seeing my determination, Clara simply shook her head and sighed. She did not say much after that.

The next morning, just as dawn painted the sky in pale gold, I rolled my suitcase out of the apartment. The only thing I left behind for Damian was a signed divorce agreement.

Sitting on the plane, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. In my past life, I had devoted myself entirely to my family. I did not even get the chance to step outside my home state, let alone leave the country.

However, what did all that sacrifice get me?

Even after my death, I ended up as a spiteful soul who lingered, watching Damian and Waverly parade around like a blissfully married couple. The anger burned inside me, but I could do nothing but stand there and watch their happiness unfold.

I watched them live their lives, carefree and affectionate, until I was finally reborn.

Nonetheless, I had everything figured out. There was nothing more important than investing in myself and contributing to my country.