Chapter 3

3

After returning from my mother's place, I took a look around the house we had decorated together and packed my few belongings.

I didn't have many things. Simon wouldn't buy me anything on his own, nor did he care if I dressed well.

His mother didn't like me. Only his father gave me a few sets of jewelry when we got married, but I didn't plan to keep them.

I simply sorted out some things and put them up on a second-hand platform.

Rather than keeping them, it was better to sell them and donate the money to those in need.

"What are you doing?"

As I was wondering how to restore the house to its original state, a tall figure in high heels walked in.

She put on a stern face. "Are you trying to steal Simon's things and sell them while he's not here? I told them you were up to no good, just after his money."

This was Hannah Stone, my sister-in-law.

After six years of marriage, even walking around my own home was labeled as stealing. Yet this was clearly my home too.

I didn't even bat an eyelid, pretending she wasn't there.

This hit a nerve with Hannah. She stomped her high heels hard and grabbed me.

"Didn't you hear me talking to you? Do you have any manners? You really are just trash from the slums with no class at all."

Towards me, Hannah always carried an arrogant attitude.

After all, since I married into the family, I had constantly tried to please everyone. Even unreasonable requests were never refused by me.

Now, who was I putting on this act of ignoring her for?

"Hannah, are you a mad dog? Biting whoever you see?"

I jerked my arm back fiercely, thick disgust in my eyes.

She was a loyal fan of Natalie. In her eyes, only Natalie deserved to be her sister-in-law.

So she had always deeply despised me.

But since we were getting a divorce anyway, why should I tolerate her anymore?

Hannah exploded with anger. Her cheeks puffed up before she let out a sneer.

"You're provoking me so I'll hit you, and then my brother will feel sorry for you. Tara, I won't fall for your tricks."

"No matter what schemes you pull, Natalie is going to move into this house this time."

After speaking, she looked at me with an amused expression, waiting for me to break down.

But she was doomed to be disappointed. I curled my lips into a smile, ignoring the discomfort in my heart.

"Hannah."

A woman in a white dress walked in from the door. She had waist-length hair and a delicate face with beautiful, innocent eyes.

She was indeed very beautiful. That was the evaluation I gave the first time I saw Natalie.

I heard she got divorced and hadn't lived well these past few years.

But six years of a failed marriage left no trace on her. Time seemed especially kind, making her look even more gentle and refined.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, she pressed down the corners of her mouth.

"Hannah, don't fight because of me. I'm intruding. This must be Simon's wife. Hello, I'm Natalie."

She acted very natural. Hannah pulled her back in displeasure.

"She's not his wife. Don't you know how my brother treats her? How does this woman count as his wife?"

"Let me tell you, Natalie, this woman is no good. Stay away from her so you don't get bullied."

After saying that, Hannah impatiently issued an order.

"Didn't you see Natalie is here? Why don't you get upstairs, pack your bags, and make room? Tara, can you have some self-awareness?"

"There's no need. Simon suggested it, but I don't plan to move in."

The two of them echoed each other. I didn't even look at them and walked back to my room.

Hannah couldn't stand seeing me like this. Just as she was about to step forward to pick a fight, Simon walked in.

He looked at me and spoke like it was an order.

"Natalie just got back. It's better if she stays here so we can look after her."

"If you have time, clear a room for her!"

He didn't care at all whether I would be sad. I didn't respond, and the air went quiet for a moment.

"Are you deaf―"

"It's fine, Simon. I'll just find a hotel outside. You and Tara are a married couple. It's not convenient for me to be here, and I don't want to make you unhappy."

Hannah's accusations mixed with Natalie's weak voice.

Simon unwillingly continued, "Just stay here. She is good at taking care of people. You just got back and your health isn't good, so I'll feel at ease if you stay."

Everyone turned to look at me. I curled my lips.

"If you want to stay, just stay. I'm totally fine with it."

This would be her home from now on anyway. What was inconvenient about it?

Unexpectedly, Natalie still went to a hotel in the end.