Chapter 2
I hung up, watching the increasingly violent
shaking of the car, and walked to the river
alone.
Thinking about leaving this cage that had
tormented me for years, I felt a long–lost
sense of relief.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the river breeze.
Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind
and threw me onto the grass.
Ethan glared at me, roaring, “Lily, are you
crazy?!”
I saw a hint of nervousness and panic in his
eyes.
He was actually worried about me It was
funny.
Seeing my reaction, Ethan looked flustered.
He knelt down, grabbed my arm, and
awkwardly said,
“Even if your face is ruined, I won’t divorce
you. Don’t do anything stupid.”
He thought I was going to jump in the river.
He reached out to help me up, revealing fresh
red marks under his clothes.
The thought of what he’d just been doing
made me nauseous.
I pushed him away and stood up.
In the distance, we heard Claire cry out in
pain.
Ethan rushed over.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Let me see.”
“It’s nothing, just a twisted ankle. Go check
on Lily.”
“It’s not nothing, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Ethan picked up Claire and prepared to get in
く
the car.
“Wait, the car’s dirty. Carry me instead.”
Ethan agreed. Claire looked at me
provocatively. “Lily, you can clean the car.”
I looked inside.
It was a mess, making me want to vomit.
I called Ethan’s driver to clean it up and went
home in the driver’s car.
Ethan didn’t come home until the evening,
with more red marks and Claire in his arms.
I quickly put the divorce papers in my bag.
Ethan frowned. “Were you snooping in my
files?”
Claire chimed in, “Lily, Ethan’s company files
are very important. If you want to work for the
company, talk to him directly. Don’t sneak
around!”
Ethan’s gaze grew more hateful. “You think
you can work for my company? Get that!”
I handed him the papers.
As he reached for them, I said, “It’s just the
contract for the car my dad bought me.
Check it if you don’t believe me.”
“You’re so greedy. I don’t want to see it.
Claire twisted her ankle, she’ll be staying here
for a few days. Take good care of her.”
He threw the papers at me, carried Claire into
our room, and added,
“Sleep in the guest room.”
After the door closed, I found my old diary
and a photo inside.
Looking at the two children in the picture, I
smiled bitterly.
Ethan probably doesn’t remember what
happened eighteen years ago, and I’m ready
to end this eighteen–year ordeal.
I tore up the photo and threw it away, packed
my belongings into a suitcase.
I booked a one–way ticket.
I went to the bathroom and bumped into
Ethan, who was about to shower, still smelling
of sex.
He instinctively adjusted his clothes.
“I’ll spend a couple of days with you after
Claire recovers.”
“No need,” I flatly refused. I’ll probably be
gone by then.
His eyes turned icy. He sneered.
“Fine. I’ll transfer you two million, as payment
for taking care of Claire.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
I need money for a fresh start.
Ethan sneered, transferring the money. “I
hope you’re a good babysitter!”
