Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I don't even remember how I walked out of that building.

My only relief was that none of the staff noticed my presence, sparing my fragile pride.

The image of Garrett and Gemma holding each other refused to leave my mind.

Garrett and I had grown up together as childhood friends. Gemma was the sudden protagonist in his love story.

She was our high school classmate. When I went abroad for college, they attended the same university.

Everyone on campus envied their picture-perfect romance.

They were considered the very definition of true love.

People even placed bets on whether they would get married after graduation, with ninety percent betting yes.

However, when talks of marriage began, Gemma's humble background became an insurmountable barrier.

She came from a working-class family, while the Uptons were prominent elites. His parents refused to accept a girl with no pedigree.

Gemma chose to walk away.

Under our families' arrangements, Garrett and I tied the knot.

Now, Gemma had returned as a successful business owner. The wall that once tore them apart had collapsed.

Despair weighed heavily on my chest, bringing a dull, throbbing ache.

Our marriage was truly over.

I drove aimlessly around the city for hours before heading home with a heavy heart.

As soon as I reached the front door, sounds of laughter drifted from inside.

I pushed the door open. Maisie was cuddled in Gemma's lap giggling, while Garrett stood nearby wearing an apron and smiling fondly.

What a picture-perfect family.

The sight hit me like a bomb, shattering my world into pieces.

Blinding rage took over. This was my home, my husband, and my daughter.

What right did Gemma have to step foot in my territory?

Losing all rational thought, I kicked the door shut. Amidst my daughter's screams and tears, Gemma and I ended up in a violent brawl.

It ended with Garrett pulling Gemma and Maisie out of the house.

Before leaving, Garrett glared at me with cold fury.

"You better pray Gemma is okay, Chloe, or I will make you pay."

In that moment, every last shred of hope I had for him died.

I sank into the scattered mess on the floor and broke down crying.

Over twenty years of companionship could never compare to the four years he spent with Gemma.

Two weeks had passed since that chaotic afternoon.

Tonight's reunion was the first time we met again.

Back in the dim private room, Garrett sat across from me.

He stared at me with pure disgust.

I smiled faintly. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

When I stepped out of the bathroom, Garrett and Gemma were waiting in the hallway. Seeing me, Garrett frowned and stepped forward.

"Chloe, it was just a joke between Gemma and me. Why are you acting so petty? Do you have to make such a scene?"

Garrett looked furious, as if I had committed some unforgivable crime.

I said nothing.

I was giving him exactly what he wanted, so why was he throwing a fit?

"I am setting you free. Otherwise, calling it an affair sounds so tacky, and I have no interest in being cheated on."

"Besides, the divorce agreement is already drafted. I get custody of Maisie, and you are free to pursue your true love."

"This way, you won't have to vent your frustrations on online forums anymore."

Garrett stood stunned.

Perhaps he had never seen me look so calm and resolute.

Or perhaps he was shocked that I knew about his forum post.

"I will have the divorce papers sent to you. We can finalize the details at the registry office."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away.

Realizing I was serious, Gemma put on a generous act to comfort Garrett.

"Garrett, maybe you should apologize to Chloe. She seems dead serious, and you two have a daughter after all."

Garrett snapped back defensively.

"If it weren't for Maisie, I would have divorced her long ago! If she wants out, good riddance!"

Even though I had made up my mind to leave, his merciless words still stung.

My chest tightened with familiar agony.

You cannot wake someone who is pretending to be asleep.

I dug my nails into my palms, leaving deep red crescents. Over seven years, I had completely lost myself trying to cater to Garrett.

Starting today, I will live for myself.