Chapter 2

At the architecture firm, the director, Harvey Dale, asked, "Why are you resigning?" "For personal reasons," Cora answered. Harvey scratched at his thinning hair and looked almost regretful to hear that. "When you came back, the board had planned to make you the deputy director." Three years ago, Cora had volunteered for the most dangerous assignments in Auchendale, amid war, disease outbreaks, and unstable militias. She'd worked harder than most of her colleagues, driven by a single hope to finish early and return to her family, even if it was just a little sooner. Noticing her unwavering stance, Harvey sighed. "Fine." With her resignation form in hand, Cora thought of all those days and nights of hard work. She couldn't deny the sting of leaving, but now, there seemed to be no reason to stay. Her best friend, Ella Welsh, on the other hand, was overjoyed. At 7:00 pm sharp, she showed up outside the firm in a skimpy designer dress, leaning against a flashy red Ferrari and waving dramatically. Cora flushed with embarrassment. "Aren't you supposed to be on vacation in Errington?" "I rushed back as soon as I received this massive piece of great news." "Is there a flight that can get you back this fast?" "I took a private jet, obviously." Ella widened her eyes in shock. "Seriously, Cora, have you gotten so used to living poor? Why else would you ask such odd questions?" Cora forced a weak smile, while Ella immediately said, "But it's a good thing you've finally come to your senses. "Come on. Tonight's on me. We're celebrating your escape from misery and your glorious return to the world of champagne and caviar." After scrolling through the reviews online, Ella complained that the small Stawford City had nothing decent to eat and promised to make it up to Cora once they were back in Molina. At last, she finally settled on a local restaurant with an average of a thousand-dollar spend per head. On the way, Ella chattered endlessly, complaining about her dad's latest batch of illegitimate half-siblings over the years before updating Cora on how her mom had ruthlessly handled all the mistresses and illegitimate children scattered across countries. Even her wealthy, womanizer dad had been lying low lately. "At this rate, my family could start its own Global Accord," Ella said with a sigh. "To be honest, your dad is considered one of the responsible ones in the elite circle, not to mention that he couldn't have more kids after that car accident. "Even if he married the housekeeper, so what? You're still the only one he can rely on, and if your mom hadn't…" She trailed off, then added, "If I were you, knowing I had such a huge business empire waiting for me, I'd be grinning every night in my sleep." Noticing Cora's silence, Ella pressed her lips into a thin line before continuing, "Stop being naive, Cora. Marrying a man with nothing doesn't guarantee happiness. You tried that, and look where it got you." "Look where it got you…" Cora pondered those words the entire ride. "Come on. Stop zoning out." After Ella parked the car, she tugged the dazed Cora along. When she noticed the latter staring fixedly at a car, she curiously asked, "What's so special about that car? When you come home, I'll buy you one just like mine. It'll turn heads everywhere." She had no idea that was Axel's car. That afternoon, Axel had texted Cora, telling her that the company had hit a snag on a project, and he had to work late. Yet, Cora spotted him and Nolan by the restaurant's window. Wearing a birthday hat, Louise sat across from them, and the three of them laughed as they shared a cake. Louise handed her phone to an attendant, and the trio posed together, flashing peace signs at the camera. "How old are you, little one?" "Five!" Nolan announced. The attendant returned Louise's phone with a grin. "You're all grown up, kid, but your mommy and daddy are still lovey-dovey." Louise's ears turned bright red as she frantically explained, "Oh, I'm not…" Axel cut her off with a smile and slid a piece of cake in front of her. "Daddy, why can't we celebrate Lulu's birthday at home like we did before?" Nolan asked. Before Axel could answer, Nolan scowled. "I get it! It must be Mommy being petty again!" "Don't say that," Louise gently chided, though her eyes carried quiet disappointment. "Now that your mommy's back, my job here is done." "No way! You're the one who's always put me to bed and fed me. Why should you have to leave just because she came back?" The words pierced Cora like needles. If Axel hadn't begged her, crying about his bankruptcy and overwhelming debts back then, she'd never have left the two-year-old Nolan behind for Auchendale. "But…" "You don't have to quit," Axel firmly stated. "While she's still here, I'll put you on paid leave, and it'll give you time to heal that burn on your wrist." "Oh? Is Ms. Spade going on another business trip?" Louise asked in surprise. "Hooray!" Nolan cheered. "So, when is Mommy leaving?" "Soon," Axel said as a faint, cold smile touched his lips. Yes, he meant it when he said soon. It was a month at most. Not far away, Cora heard every word and could feel a chill seeping into her bones, making her shiver uncontrollably. Familiar with such scenes, Ella asked lightly, "Do you need a lawyer?" "No," Cora said, forcing a smile. She'd long drafted the divorce papers herself. She wanted nothing from Axel other than her freedom.