Chapter 5

"Are you crazy? Murder is illegal!"

Nathan kicked me away.

My back slammed hard into the wall as he pulled Winnie into his arms.

He turned to face me, his voice full of reproach.

"Don't push it. I tolerated you bullying Winnie once, but that doesn't give you the confidence to do it a second time."

I was busy dry-swallowing the pills I'd managed to grab.

After regaining normal consciousness, I slowly stood up, supporting myself against the ground.

My eyes reddened as I caught sight of their intertwined fingers.

This man now looked at me with eyes devoid of any light—only darkness remained.

That night, to more conveniently take care of Winnie, Nathan let her move into our master bedroom and banished me to the guest room.

Through the door, I could clearly hear him going downstairs in the middle of the night to cook her a midnight snack.

I stuffed earplugs in my ears and forced myself to close my eyes and sleep.

The next morning, I opened the door and came face to face with Winnie.

She said flatly, "I couldn't get used to the pillows here last night. Luckily Nathan let me sleep on his arm. He barely got any rest all night."

She added sweetly, "He even got up early this morning to make me oatmeal."

I looked toward the kitchen at Nathan wearing an apron—a sight I'd never seen before.

Too unfamiliar.

I had never once seen him voluntarily cook during my pregnancy.

I didn't stay for the so-called breakfast.

I went straight to the office and found an intern sitting at my desk.

HR told me, "Mr. Cooper adjusted your position. He thinks your mental state isn't suitable for continued work and wants you to rest properly."

Even the project I'd worked on for a full year had been handed over to Winnie.

I left the company carrying a cardboard box, didn't linger, and went straight to print out the divorce agreement I'd prepared in advance.

I went home, walked into the study to find Nathan.

He looked up, saw the document in my hand, and didn't even open it to check the contents.

"Zoe, I'm glad you're willing to ask me for things. If your health isn't good, just rest at home."

"Leave the rest of the project to Winnie."

He thought I was asking for the house or money.

He picked up a pen, signed decisively, and handed it back to me.

His face showed relief.

"You finally understand my intentions. As long as you don't make a fuss, I'll give you whatever you want."

I didn't say another word to him.

I took the signed divorce agreement and left home alone, went to the airport, and bought a ticket to the Maldives.

Before the plane took off, Nathan's call came through.

I looked at his name flashing on the screen, didn't hesitate for a second, and threw my phone straight into the trash.

When I reached my destination, I looked out at the endless sea.

Nathan—I never wanted to hear his voice again for the rest of my life.