One

"Sign it, Lilian, we are getting a divorce." Marcus's voice cut through the air like a glacial wind, its icy tone sending shivers down her spine.

Lilian's brow furrowed as she heard the words, fear creeping into her heart like a chill.

"Remember the. birthday party we need to attend? It's almost time for it. We are supposed to leave now." Lilian forced a smile, trying to act like nothing happened but her eyes betrayed her with a hint of imperceptible hurt and tears.

"It is not necessary. Just sign the paper. This is best for both of us." he frowned, his voice was cold and cruel before he turned on his heel and strode out of the house.

Lilian's knees trembled, her weight sinking into them as if the floor had given way beneath her. Her hands fluttered to the ground, bracing herself against the impact, as a sob escaped her lips.

How could he just drop that and leave without any explanation?

Lilian's thoughts raced back to the countless moments she'd sacrificed for Marcus— the late nights she'd waited for him, the early mornings she'd prepared his breakfast.

Tears streamed down her face, carving paths of despair through her makeup, and her body slumped forward as if the weight of her grief was too much to bear.

But that was not the only thing she needed to deal with.

Lilian looked at the phone and saw that there was a missed call from her mother-in-law.

With a heavy sigh, Lilian cleared her throat, masking the tremble that threatened to betray her tears. She paused, collecting herself until her voice steadied, before dialing the number with deliberate calmness.

The phone rang for some time before it was finally answered. "Hello, mother, I saw your missed call,” Lilian said respectfully.

“Where is Marcus? Why are you guys not here yet? You are supposed to be here by now!” Her mother-in-law said it harshly on the phone.

Lilian sighed. A throbbing headache threatened to overwhelm her, a physical manifestation of her emotional turmoil. "I'm really sorry, but-"

"You are coming, now," her mother-in-law said undeniably and hung up.

Lilian didn't have the chance to finish and she could hear her mother-in-law's domineering tone on the phone.

It left Lilian no choice but to take a deep breath and rearrange her emotions She sat before a mirror, gazing at the stain on her face, and sighed softly again.

"You look so pathetic."

She wiped the tears staining her face and put some makeup on, trying to cover up the fact that she just cried. Once she was sure her face looked more normal, she stood up, took a deep breath, and prepared herself for the evening ahead.

…

As Lilian stepped into the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers cast a kaleidoscope of light, while fresh flowers perfumed the air with their sweet scent. The soft glow of candles created a warm ambiance, enveloping her in its warmth.

It was one of Marcus' business partners' birthday today. They are very close with Thompson, and she had to come because she was Marcus' wife but was she still his wife? After all, he just asked for a divorce. Lilian laughed at herself.

As Lilian's gaze fell upon her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, she walked towards them with a gentle, gracious smile spreading across her face, a subtle blend of warmth and caution etched on her features.

"Hello, mother," Lilian said, bowing her head a little. Mrs. Thompson barely acknowledged her greeting, her face contorted in a disgusted expression.

Mrs. Thompson's face twisted in disgust, her lips pursing as she growled, 'Where is Marcus?'

Lilian's gaze locked onto her mother-in-law's. Her shoulders subtly slumped and her eyes cast downward, a silent testament to her weariness.

“Marcus is occupied with some work at the company; he won’t be able to show up,” Lilian explained to her.

The older woman's frown deepened, her displeasure evident.

As the waiter gracefully swooped by, his silver tray gleaming with an array of crystal flutes, he extended an inviting offer of champagne to Lilian, who graciously declined with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of politeness.

"Thank you, I don’t need any.”

The waiter nodded and walked away, leaving Lilian feeling a bit relieved but her respite was short-lived.

Aria's smile twisted upward, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she spoke., "Is this how you think socializing is? How will you be able to help my brother this way?"

Lilian looked at her, confused about what she had done again. She was sure she did not do anything to irritate them.

"You don't know how to be his wife. All you do is stay at home and spend his money. You don't even give him a child." Mrs. Thompson said, pressing her fingers into her temples.

"My son deserves someone better," Mrs. Thompson added, her voice sounding a bit mean and judgemental. She just jumped to the conclusion with her condescending attitude.

"Right, mom. And everyone knows what my brother really needs," Aria said with a meaningful smile on her face and there was a glint of mischievousness in her eyes as she looked past Lilian.

Lilian's gaze jerked toward the entrance, her pulse stuttering as Marcus walked in, his hand clasped around a woman's. The room seemed to narrow, her focus fixed on the pair as if the air had thickened.

A woman with a slender figure stood beside him, their hands locked together like lovers.

He was not alone.