Chapter 2

Sarah listened to the conversation outside the study, her eyes downcast.

During her years as James’s wife, she had given everything to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law Lucy. When Lucy had her car accident, Sarah had stayed at the hospital for days. She'd always shown nothing but respect and care for Mrs. Chancer. Yet it seemed no amount of devotion could change how the Chancer family saw her.

Shortly after, Scarlett Larson called, her voice tired, "Sasa, are you sure you won't come? You used to love hunting outdoors, and you'd get to race cars too."

Sarah froze. Memories she'd buried deep came flooding back. Before marrying James, she'd loved hunting, racing cars, and good wine. Then she met James at the Larson estate and fell head over heels. After falling for him, she learned through others that James preferred gentle, trad wife. So she'd gradually given up everything she loved.

Three years had passed, and she'd almost forgotten who she used to be.

On the other end of the line, Scarlett continued rambling, "Sasa, if you don't want James to know, you can keep it from him. There's no need to give up everything for a man. Besides, James..."

"We're getting divorced," Sarah cut her off quietly.

Scarlett seemed stunned, then took a deep breath, "Did you finally come to your senses, or did James lose his mind?"

Sarah gave a small laugh, "He asked for it. I agreed."

Scarlett was speechless, thinking James must be blind. The Chancers should have counted their lucky stars to have someone like Sarah, and now they were divorcing?

"Congratulations, babe!" Scarlett's voice turned excited. "I'll pick you up soon. We should celebrate you finally seeing clearly."

Sarah hung up with a bitter smile. She looked around the master bedroom, which showed no signs of being shared by a couple. After three years of marriage, it might as well have belonged to a single person.

It really was time to end this.

Sarah went to the guest room to pack her things. She didn't have many clothes - after marriage, she'd stopped caring about her appearance - so packing didn't take long.

She removed her wedding ring and placed it on the bedside table, her eyes reflecting a mixture of regret and relief.

As she pulled her suitcase toward the door, she passed through the living room. She thought she should at least say goodbye to her former mother-in-law, but Lucy's bitter voice cut in first.

"Someone is finally leaving. Know your place - hanging around our family all these years just for money. You're nothing but a sparrow trying to fly with the eagles…”

Sarah stopped in her tracks and without hesitation, grabbed the glass of water from the table and threw it in Lucy's face.

Drenched from head to toe, Lucy exploded, "Sarah, have you lost your mind? How dare you..."

Sarah calmly wiped the water droplets from her fingers and replied coolly, "I dare plenty. I might be a sparrow, but I still have claws.”

Lucy stood there speechless, clearly shocked that this was the same Sarah everyone had pushed around.

Sarah found Lucy's surprise amusing. For three years, no matter how harsh Lucy and Mrs. Chancer had been, she'd done everything perfectly to please them without complaint. She'd always been gentle and patient, quietly enduring their bitter words and anger.

They'd forgotten that before all this, Sarah had been wild and free - drinking, fighting, and living life on her own terms.

She'd put up with enough. No more.

Sarah let out a soft chuckle.