Chapter 3

As soon as I stepped in, I noticed Wilson's and Jessica's matching shoes by the entryway. The black leather shoes and white stilettos went together surprisingly well. A long time ago, I'd asked Wilson if we could have stuff that matched as well, like shirts or little accessories, just like other couples. He'd brushed me off, saying we were too old for such childish things, and told me to focus on work instead of wasting time on silly stuff. But now? He clearly seemed to enjoy it. In the end, it wasn't the matching stuff Wilson had a problem with. It was just me. In the living room, our wedding photos had been deliberately defaced. Someone had blacked out my eyes with a pen and drawn a big X across my face. Before I could even react, I heard giggling from the kitchen. "Easy there, you little glutton. Just stand to the side and be good. This mushroom soup will definitely suit your taste." "Really? Then, I'll look forward to it!" In the kitchen, Wilson allowed Jessica to get close and tie an apron around him. He also didn't forget to scoop out a bit of the soup for Jessica to try halfway through cooking. They teased and bantered back and forth without a care for anyone else, the mood warm and intimate. Meanwhile, I felt completely out of place. Right then, Jessica noticed me. "Claire, you're back? Perfect timing! Wilson just made mushroom soup. It's really good. Do you want a bowl?" She was already heading to the cabinet to grab a bowl, acting every bit like the lady of the house. But Wilson stopped her with a hand before he shot me a cold glance. "Jessie, the soup was made just for you. A certain someone doesn't get any. "Speaking of which, Claire, it's still work hours. Why are you back? This is considered skipping work. 200 dollars will be deducted from your pay. Don't forget to report it to HR later." So much time had passed. Was Wilson still unaware that I'd already resigned? Regardless, I couldn't be bothered to explain. He had already approved it, anyway, so it was only a matter of time before he would find out. Besides, I had more important business to take care of. "I came to get your signature." With that, I handed two copies of the divorce agreement to Wilson. Upon seeing me hand papers to him, Jessica casually yet pointedly said, "Wilson, Claire's definitely here to make up for that phone call earlier. She even got you a gift! I wonder if it's a car or a house this time?" At that, Wilson's expression softened. Convinced that I got him something to make amends, he signed the documents without even checking. Of course he would, since this was how I used to appease him. Whenever Wilson got moody, I would secretly buy him little things, or even a car, just to cheer him up. Only this time, he was about to be disappointed. "You misunderstood. These are div—" Before I could finish, Wilson cut in, cold as ever, "Claire, just because I accepted your gift doesn't mean I've forgiven you. If you want me to forgive you, you need to apologize to Jessie first. "Also, since you sold the apartment and Jessie has nowhere to go, she'll be living with us for now. You'll need to give her the master bedroom—" "Fine by me." Seeing me so compliant, Wilson looked pleased. "You should've been this sensible from the start—" I interrupted coldly, "Not just the room. She can have you, too." Upon saying this, I turned to leave. Jessica's eyes went red, and she stammered, "Claire must be mad at me. Wilson, I think I'd better go… I wouldn't want to be a bother to you two. And don't argue because of me. I'll be fine even if I have to sleep under a bridge…" Every time Jessica played the victim, Wilson's heart would break for her. He immediately shot me a glare, yelling, "Claire, it's just a room! If you don't want to let her have it, then just say so. Do you have to be so passive-aggressive? Besides, Jessie's already in a tough spot. Do you really want her sleeping under a bridge? Keep this up, and I swear I'll divorce you!" Jessica pretended to smooth things over, but was secretly stoking the fire. "Claire, you should just apologize to Wilson, or you will get divorced. If that happens, what will happen to your job? "Jobs are scarce these days, and you're not that young anymore. Without Wilson, what are you even going to do?" Wilson snorted and used my job as a threat as well. "Apologize to Jessie now, Claire. Or I'll divorce you and leave you with nothing!" As Wilson pressured me into giving in, it was obvious that he was certain I wouldn't leave him. I merely smiled and held up a copy of the divorce agreement, practically shoving it in his face. "You don't need to go through the trouble of doing that. After all, as of just now, we're already divorced."