Chapter Two

Vivian's Pov

I didn’t take a single penny from the divorce settlement. Syrus scoffed as I walked away, probably thinking I was foolish for leaving behind the wealth and status his name came with. What he never understood was that I had never touched the money he gave me. I had supported myself all these years, refusing to depend on him for anything.

When I returned to the mansion to collect the last of my things, I heard laughter from the living room. I paused, recognizing the voices of my mother-in-law, Nancy and Georgia.

“She said she’s divorcing my son! As if that greedy woman would ever walk away from this family’s wealth,” my mother-in-law cackled.

“It’s a shame,” Georgia added, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. “If things had been different, I might have been your daughter-in-law instead.”

“Oh, don’t say that, dear. Vivian and Syrus were never a good match. You two would have been perfect together.”

I pushed open the front door, and the two women on the couch went silent. A bitter laugh escaped me as I walked into the grand mansion. I had spent three years working hard for this house, but now it would be enjoyed by people who never cared about me.

"So, you’re back," Nancy snapped. "Where have you been? I told you to be here by 8 AM to help with preparations. Or did you think you could go find someone better after divorcing my son? Don’t kid yourself. A social climber like you will always be beneath us. Now get to the kitchen and start cooking. If you embarrass me today, I’ll make sure you regret it."

I looked around the house, taking in the familiar scene. Every time there was an event, I was expected to cook for all the guests. No servants were allowed to help. It was her way of reminding me I was never truly part of this family.

Before I could respond, Georgia spoke up, flashing a saccharine smile. "Auntie, isn’t that too much work for Vivian to handle alone? Let me help. I wouldn’t want your guests thinking I’m useless in the kitchen!"

Nancy immediately grabbed Georgia’s arm and pulled her back onto the couch. "You? Help her? Don’t be ridiculous. She was born for these tasks. But you, Georgia—you’re a star! You deserve to relax and be treated like the treasure you are."

"But Auntie, I feel bad sitting here while she works," Georgia said with fake modesty.

"Don’t worry," my mother-in-law said, grinning. "Soon, she’ll be out of our lives for good, and you’ll take her place. Then she won’t even be a guest here, just a stranger on the street."

I clenched my fists, the thinly veiled insults and false concern grating on my nerves. I had tolerated their behavior for too long, and now I was done.

"Are you two finished with your little performance?" I asked, my voice calm but firm.

My mother-in-law’s eyes narrowed. "How dare you interrupt! Get to the kitchen, now!"

I crossed my arms. "In case you forgot, your son and I are already divorced. You can stop pretending I’m still part of this family. If you want someone to cook for your guests, maybe your future daughter-in-law should start showing off her skills."

Georgia’s smile faltered, but my mother-in-law just sneered. "You think you can just walk away? My son will never let you leave without paying the price."

I ignored her, turning toward the hallway to gather my belongings. I had no reason to stay in this house a moment longer. As I reached the bedroom, my mother-in-law blocked my path.

"So, you really think you can end this marriage so easily?"

I glanced at her. "It’s already done. What more do you want?"

I stepped past her and opened the door, only to find Syrus standing in the hallway. He looked furious, his eyes immediately going to Georgia.

"Are you alright?" he asked Georgia, completely ignoring me.

I didn’t even have time to move before Syrus shoved me out of the way. I stumbled, slamming into the corner of a cabinet. The pain shot through me, but it was nothing compared to the sting of watching Syrus fuss over Georgia while I stood there, bruised and forgotten.

"What’s your problem now?" Syrus demanded, turning his anger on me. "What did you do this time?"

My blood boiled. "Me? You pushed me! And now you’re acting like I’m the problem? Your precious Georgia is fine. If you’re going to accuse someone, at least open your eyes first!"

Syrus shoved his phone in my face. "Explain this!" On the screen was an article with photos of Georgia’s past scandals. "Did you leak these? You’re trying to ruin her, even after the divorce?"

I stared at the screen, surprised. The article was harsh, but the details rang true. I hadn’t leaked anything, but seeing Georgia’s panicked expression gave me a small sense of satisfaction.

"Every word in that article is true, isn’t it?" I said, my eyes locking onto Georgia. "If there’s even one lie, I’ll walk out of here and get hit by a car. But if it’s all true, then maybe it’s your turn to face some consequences."

Georgia paled, looking to Syrus for help. He wrapped an arm around her, glaring at me.

"You’ve always been spiteful," he spat. "If you want to ruin yourself, go ahead. But don’t drag an innocent woman into your mess!"

I let out a harsh laugh. "Innocent? Georgia? You really are blind, aren’t you? You deserve each other."

Syrus stepped forward, his face twisted with rage. "Get out of here. If you want to die so badly, go do it somewhere else."

I shook my head, finally seeing how foolish I had been to love someone like him. "You really are a fool. But I’m done with this. I've put up with your crap for four years now... No more. You can keep your lies, your games, and your perfect little life."