Chapter 3

3

My first encounter with Kinsley Brooks was far from dignified.

She wore a pristine white dress paired with a soft baby-blue cardigan. She looked like a fragile, dewy flower, radiating a delicate vulnerability that instantly stirred a man's protective instincts.

Meanwhile, my makeup was ruined from crying, and my heavy diamond jewelry felt like an iron shackle, making me look rigid and exhausted.

One was a picture of youthful grace; the other was a worn-out, bitter wife.

Kinsley noticed Logan holding my hand. A fleeting trace of envy and sorrow flashed in her eyes before she gently nudged the little boy hiding behind her skirts.

Her timid demeanor made Logan's heart melt. He immediately dropped my hand and walked over to pull both mother and son into his arms.

The three of them formed a picturesque family portrait. If the man standing there weren't my lawful husband, I might have admired their domestic bliss.

A fresh wave of moisture burned behind my eyes. I turned away, using cold fingers to wipe my tears.

Kinsley rested her head against Logan's broad shoulder like a helpless bird, offering me a shy, submissive smile.

"Leo," she cooed softly. "Go on, sweetie. Say hello to Mrs. Prescott."

Hearing the name Leo Prescott made my stomach turn. If Logan had cared for me even a fraction, he wouldn't have chosen a name so closely linked to the promises he once made to me.

The impeccably dressed boy gave me a polite bow. As he bent forward, something slipped out from beneath his collar.

I motioned for him to step closer and gently lifted the pendant. It was a roughly carved wooden charm.

My eyes snapped toward Logan. He instantly looked away in guilt.

"Logan, you told me you lost this wooden charm years ago," I said, my voice shaking with fury. "Why is it around his neck?"

"Did you forget that we carved this talisman together for our future child? Is the great heir to Prescott Enterprises so broke that he had to recycle my baby's keepsake for his mistress's son?"

"You truly know how to tear my heart out, don't you?"

Logan stood speechless, but Kinsley reacted instantly, bursting into theatrical sobs.

"Logan… I know I have no right to speak, but our child is innocent! He is not a substitute for anyone. He has been our son from the day he was born!"

"Mrs. Prescott despised me, so I lived in a cramped rental apartment for six years without ever disturbing your peace. When you told us we could move in today, I thought Elena was finally opening her heart so Leo could see his father. Let Leo and me go back to our apartment. I can take the humiliation, but my baby cannot grow up like this!"

She wept uncontrollably against his chest, sending Logan into a frantic panic.

"Kinsley, Leo is not a replacement for anyone," Logan reassured her desperately. "I promised you both a peaceful, happy life!"

"You don't need to care what Elena thinks. This estate belongs to me, Logan Prescott! I decide who stays and who leaves. Anyone who disrespects you will be fired on the spot!"

"Please stop crying. Think of the baby in your belly."

Logan comforted them right in front of me, utterly disregarding my presence. Every word felt like a blade scraping against my ribs.

He was right. After seven years, this house was still his property. What was a legal wife worth in the face of his desires?

I called out to Logan just as he prepared to show Kinsley and her son to their new suite. He glanced back with clear annoyance.

I walked over and handed him the finalized divorce papers from the table.

"Sign them, Logan."