Chapter 3

The next morning, I opened the door to find a crowd gathered outside.

"Claire, I knew it — you still love Ethan the most. Couldn't give up that house, could you?"

"Told you. Tough on the outside, soft on the inside. We all saw right through her."

The door next to mine opened too.

Ethan walked out, straightening his tie.

"Keep it down. Ivy's still sleeping."

The laughter died instantly.

He pulled out a stack of cash and held it toward Noah.

Noah didn't take it.

"Ms. Bennett already paid."

Ethan's hand hung in the air.

The casual composure on his face shattered in an instant.

"Claire Bennett!"

My name came out bitten off, syllable by syllable.

"You didn't actually—"

He couldn't finish the sentence.

But his bloodshot eyes locked onto mine, searching for confirmation.

Ivy shuffled out, rubbing her eyes. The collar of her nightgown had slipped to one side, revealing a trail of red marks.

She spotted me and blinked, then curved her eyes into a smile.

"Oh, Claire, you're still here?"

"Ethan was so worried about me last night. I said I was thirsty, and he ran out to get me water — kept fussing until really late."

"I told him he didn't have to, but he insisted. You don't mind, do you?"

She leaned into Ethan as she spoke.

He wrapped an arm around her waist without thinking.

But his eyes were on my face.

He was waiting.

Waiting for me to lose it. Waiting for me to go hysterical over him.

But I didn't.

I just pulled the corner of my lips up slightly.

"Not at all. Carry on."

I slipped past the two of them, didn't look back, and said to Noah:

"Give them the bag."

Everyone looked confused, staring at the takeout bag in Noah's hand.

It was stuffed to the brim with condoms. Every brand imaginable.

The air froze for one perfect beat.

Ethan's frigid voice slammed into my back.

"Claire! Don't you dare walk away from me!"

I didn't turn around.

So that was how it worked. When it came to the silent treatment, even Ethan Hale could lose his cool.

Then what exactly had I been enduring for three years?

I pressed the elevator's down button.

For the first time in our marriage, Ethan chased after me.

"Claire, when did you get so bold? Tell me exactly what happened last night."

I looked up at him and smiled.

"What if I told you nothing happened? Would you believe me?"

The relief on Ethan's face was obvious.

"The divorce papers are ready to sign today. Everything I promised — you'll get all of it."

"What Ivy said just now — don't take it to heart. She's young. She speaks without thinking."

I nodded, took the divorce agreement from his hand, and signed my name.

Ethan watched how quickly I signed. Something complicated moved across his face.

"You don't have to take this so seriously, you know. The agreement is just for Ivy's sake. To put her mind at ease."

"In a year, we'll remarry anyway."

I smiled and said nothing.

I didn't tell him I had no intention of ever remarrying him.

Done was done.

We spoke almost at the same time.

"Thirty days. See you in court."