Julian Thorne noticed I hadn't submitted an expense request in three days.

Assuming I had finally learned how to be a proper trophy wife, he sent me a text like he was bestowing a favor:

"I've reinstated your foster mother's treatment. Behave yourself from now on, and stop lying just to get more money."

"I know it's hard for people from your background, but my money isn't that easy to swindle."

Little did he know, when I received that text, I had already finished drafting the divorce papers.

The only thing I was taking with me was the white T-shirt and jeans I wore when I first walked into this life.

No one would believe that Mrs. Thorne, always so glamorous in public, couldn't scrape together four decent outfits from her own closet after three years of marriage.

Every penny I spent privately had to be approved through the company's OA system.

All the clothes and jewelry were locked in a safe.

If I needed anything, I had to apply to Julian's secretary, Sarah Xu.

Just because he looked down on my background, convinced that a sudden rise from poverty would lead to bad spending habits.

But three days ago, my foster mother was critically ill. I applied for $30,000 for her surgery.

Sarah Xu deliberately delayed the approval process, and my foster mother died in her hospital bed.

Julian didn't know that the only reason I tolerated him for so many years was for the medical resources he controlled, the only thing that could save her.

Now that she's gone, there's no reason for me to stay.

1

I asked Julian for a divorce. He refused.

He replied with two cold words: "Stop acting."

When talking to me, Julian's eyes never left his laptop screen.

As if those dry electronic figures were more interesting than a conversation with his wife.

I lowered my eyes, my tone firm: "I am talking to you seriously. I want a divorce."

Julian took a deep breath and stood up, his expression cold: "Regarding your foster mother, I agreed to pause the treatment. It had nothing to do with Sarah; she was just following orders."

"If you hadn't come to the office making a scene, I wouldn't have taught you a lesson."

"I already had someone reinstate the treatment yesterday. My time is precious; I don't have time to watch you throw a tantrum."

Without waiting for my answer, he turned and left.

Confident that it wouldn't be long before I came crawling back.

Continuing to fawn over him shamelessly like before.

Even if he told me to my face, "Don't be so servile, it's disgusting."

I would just smile silently and continue being his hardworking nanny.

But now, whether the treatment is reinstated or not doesn't matter.

If three days ago, Julian had answered my call, maybe I would still be bowing and scraping, doing everything to please him.

But he never had the patience to answer my calls.

Back then, I begged him not to hang up, to listen to me.

But it was no match for Sarah's single sentence:

"Is Mrs. Thorne unhappy because I reminded her that things need to follow procedure?"

She acted aggrieved: "I didn't mean anything by it. I just don't want her to carry over those bad habits from her lower-class past, doing things without any plan."

"That's why I was stricter with the process, so she can learn a lesson and develop good habits."

Hearing this, Julian became even more impatient with me.

Ignoring my pleas, he coldly ordered: "Do as Sarah says."

Whenever I had anything to discuss with him in the past, it was the same.

"I'm busy. If you need something, find Secretary Xu."

"Listen to Secretary Xu."

"Do whatever Secretary Xu tells you."

I was his wife, but I had no dignity.

Forget about normal outings; even for the social engagements required of Mrs. Thorne, events I had to attend with him, I had to submit an application to his secretary.

Every time, Sarah would reject these ridiculous approvals with a smile on her face.

"Mrs. Thorne, the description is not detailed enough. Please rewrite it."

"The banquet only lasts until 10 PM. Why did you write 12 AM?"

"Mrs. Thorne, why are you always like this? Look at your application yourself. Didn't I say submit it only when there are no issues?"

She always waited until the very last minute to approve, then watched with a smile as I rushed frantically to the venue for a piece of jewelry or a dress.

Sometimes I would be late because of this.

Julian would look at me with displeasure: "Lynn, do you have no concept of time?"

"You can't even handle such a small thing. Look at yourself, in what way can you compare to Sarah?"

But I couldn't handle such small things.

I could never arrive on time.

All because of the good secretary, the capable assistant by Julian's side.

But he couldn't see it, and he didn't care.

Just like how he knew my foster mother's illness couldn't wait, couldn't stop medication.

Yet he still impatiently accused me over the phone as a matter of course: "Didn't I tell you many times? If you need money urgently, find Sarah. Would she deny you?"

Getting money from Sarah was as difficult as ever.

"What kind of emergency requires $30,000 all at once? Mrs. Thorne, you aren't making up excuses to ask for money, are you?"

"$30,000 isn't a small amount. Please attach a detailed list before I approve it. I'm rejecting it for now."

I explained to her that this was a prepayment, and the detailed list would only be available upon discharge.

Sarah smiled, the corners of her mouth curling up.

Feigning realization: "Oh, so that's how it is. My family is very healthy, so I know nothing about this."

"But expense applications are very strict. Breaking the rules like this won't do. How about you get a formal regulation from the hospital and attach it, then I'll approve it? I'll reject this one first."

Later she said: "Hospitals seem capable of forging contacts. I'm not saying you would, Mrs. Thorne, just that it's possible."

"How about you attach the industry regulations?"

Just like that, the optimal rescue time was delayed again and again by Sarah.

By the time I finally got the money, even the most outstanding medical team couldn't save her.

Endless hatred and pain pierced my heart densely.

Indescribable suffocation filled my chest.

This marriage is a cage binding me; I must escape.

After figuring out what I was going to do next, I suddenly felt light all over, as if the invisible shackles attached to me for so many years disappeared at this moment.

So when I received Sarah's provocative social media post, my heart didn't waver. I could even calmly save a screenshot and give her a like.

Whenever it involved Sarah, Julian's messages always came quickly.

"Sarah has done a good job recently. As her boss, I'm just treating her to a meal. Don't make things up and cause misunderstandings."

I don't know what Sarah told him again.

He added as a matter of course.

"You already liked it. If you unlike it now, people will misunderstand Sarah."

"Leave a comment praising Sarah's work. Consider it encouragement from us as a couple."

I originally didn't plan to respond.

But after thinking about it, I couldn't swallow the anger in my heart.

So I complied with Julian's request.

I commented to Sarah: "Secretary Xu is conscientious and dedicated, treating the boss's wife and employees equally, using a tiny OA system to exert full bureaucratic authority. I hope you can keep it up and commit more sins."

"Every penny you save for the group now is joint property for your future ascent to the throne. Thumbs up for you."

After replying, I tossed the phone aside.

I began to pack calmly.

During this time, the phone kept ringing, but I ignored it.

Packing didn't take much time. After all, every valuable item belonging to me in this house was strictly locked in the password-protected walk-in closet and the triple-security safe.

For so many years, I was like a guest staying temporarily.

Even my traces were just a shallow layer.

Now that I've seen through it, I suddenly realized the truth.

2

Julian arrived home quickly. I marveled once again.

Whenever it involved news about Sarah, he was always prompt, never delaying.

As if he didn't see the small suitcase at my feet, his brows were still knit with anger.

"Didn't you hear me calling you?"

I was indifferent: "Heard it. Didn't want to answer."

Julian looked at me as if he had heard an incredibly ridiculous joke, speaking as if he couldn't comprehend.

"Didn't I tell you? Sarah has been performing well at work recently, so I treated her to dinner."

"Do you know that many people in the company already misunderstand her? After you posted that comment, how is she supposed to conduct herself in the future?"

Hearing this, I couldn't control a sneer: "Looks like not everyone is blind. So people do know what 'good deeds' she's done."

Saying this, I looked at Julian: "Besides, I'm not her mother. Why should I care if her days at the company are easy or not?"

In an instant, Julian's face sank.

"Lynn, when did you become such a vulgar person who believes every rumor?"

"You clearly know how difficult it is for a young woman to reach a high position in the workplace. Why spread rumors and insult another excellent woman like this? If you hadn't made a scene at the company last time, would Sarah be in this position now?"

His gaze toward me was full of fatigue and accusation: "If you want to be a parasite who produces nothing, I don't blame you. I'm willing to keep you in luxury. But not all women are as shortsighted and incompetent as you."

"If you continue to be so malicious and slanderous towards Sarah, don't blame me for being impolite. Think about your foster mother."

I finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

My voice filled with sadness and pain.

In front of Julian, I opened the suitcase.

"Luxury? Look at the 'luxurious' life I live in your house."

"I'm leaving, and I can't even pack four decent outfits from the closet. Money for a haircut has to go through the OA system to be approved by your good secretary. The nanny takes home more money in a month than Mrs. Thorne!"

Saying this, I forcibly dragged Julian to the walk-in closet, pointing at the password lock on the door: "Do you know how to open this lock? First enter the password, then scan the fingerprint. Even your company's files aren't locked this tight!"

"Which 'luxurious' wife needs to live like me, like a mistress begging for a living under her husband's secretary!"

Julian's face was written with incomprehension. He asked me incredulously:

"Just because of this?"

"So you're jealous of Sarah and went to the company specifically to ruin her reputation?"

Hearing his question, my heart sank instantly.

Everything I just said was playing the lute to a cow. If Julian thought for a moment that this was wrong, it was an insult and trampling to me.

Over the years, he wouldn't have complied with Sarah's ridiculous suggestions one after another.

Putting my food, clothing, housing, and transportation all into the OA system.

I half-lowered my eyes: "Forget it. Think whatever you want."

"We are getting a divorce."

Julian finally realized I wasn't making a scene. Not only did I refuse to accept his olive branch, but I was also hell-bent on divorce.

The impatience in his heart instantly turned into anger.

"Lynn, don't forget the agreement between us. If you divorce me, you won't get a penny!"

"And your family's business, your foster mother's illness. Do you think without me, your foster father, who has a new lover, will care about her?"

Of course not.

I knew very well that if that ungrateful man hadn't ignored my foster mother, forcing me into a corner, I would never have agreed to this ridiculous arranged marriage.

Julian and I were originally two parallel lines.

Now it's just letting everything return to its proper track.

I zipped up the suitcase again and said coldly: "Whatever."

Julian froze, not understanding why the methods that worked every time in the past were useless now.

But his dignity didn't allow him to bow his head again.

So he watched wordlessly as I walked toward the door.

Until I opened the door, Julian almost couldn't control the panic in his heart to call me back.

But he remembered what Sarah had told him.

"Mrs. Thorne is too bored at home and wants to make a scene like in a soap opera."

"I've seen plenty of these little women who are used to the good life. Ignore her, leave her out to dry, and it won't be long before she comes running back with her tail between her legs, apologizing to you."

Julian thought, feeling a bit irritable.

He reached into his pocket but only found a handmade pear drop candy.

Maybe because the weather was too dry, he coughed a bit every time he smoked.

So I thought of many ways to make him feel better.

She wasn't completely useless, Julian thought. When the time comes, I must make her apologize properly, sincerely repent, and never dare to threaten divorce again.

He quickly convinced himself.

3

After leaving Julian, I hesitated for a long time before going to my mentor.

The gray-haired woman saw me dragging my meager luggage and said nothing, just stepping aside to let me in, welcoming me into her home like every visit before.

My eyes soured, and tears fell.

When I gave up my studies to go back and get married, she was the one who opposed it the most fiercely.

Even on my wedding day, she didn't give up messaging me.

"Lynn, difficulties are temporary. There is no hurdle in the world that cannot be crossed."

"You can find other ways to solve your problems. Don't be confused for a moment and sacrifice your whole life."

"The life of a wealthy wife only looks glamorous. All your sacrifices are invisible. Your degree will only be a temporary halo, but fundamentally, you are still reaching out for money. As long as you reach out to others, you can only ever bow your head."

Time proved Professor Song right.

At first, Julian was satisfied with my degree.

Later, he had Sarah by his side.

She said that before I was adopted by my foster mother, I was just a person from the bottom of society. Now, even with a degree, I couldn't change the bad habits formed since childhood.

I needed to learn the rules of their class, needed to develop good consumption habits.

I was the one reaching out to Julian for money. He could decide to give it, decide not to give it, or give it in a ridiculous way.

After I cried enough.

Professor Song said slowly: "I hope you haven't lost your professional knowledge."

"I have a job here that requires going into the mountains and water to collect data. Do you want to go?"

I was stunned for a moment. I didn't expect my teacher not to blame me, but instead offer me the job I needed most right now.

She frowned imperceptibly: "What? Have you gotten used to the good life of a wife and can't handle the hardship of us workers?"

Tears still on my face, a sincere smile appeared.

"I can handle it, Teacher. For myself, I am willing to endure any hardship."

Professor Song smiled sincerely and arranged things swiftly: "Since you agreed, contact the team quickly. Work isn't a TV drama; there's no time for you to mourn the spring and lament the autumn."

Under her arrangement, I soon embarked on the work journey.

At first, I wasn't used to it, but as time passed,

The knowledge and operational procedures carved into my soul surfaced from my mind, and I became more and more proficient.

The stern team leader gave me a thumbs up: "At first, I was worried you were too delicate. Now I see, a brilliant teacher indeed produces a brilliant student."

I smiled and said: "It's because everyone takes care of me, otherwise I wouldn't have adapted so quickly..."

Just as everyone was talking and laughing.

An untimely call sounded: "Lynn?"

Turning around, it was Sarah, dressed fashionably, clutching the latest handbag.

She glanced lightly at the others around me.

"I wondered why you suddenly clamored for a divorce from Julian. Turns out your bad nature hasn't changed, mixing with these lowlifes again."

As she spoke, she frowned, as if speaking to us was a favor.

My face went cold. We looked somewhat disheveled measuring various data like savages, but that was no reason for her to insult us.

"Sarah Xu, are you a cockroach? You're everywhere!"

Sarah's face flushed, and behind her walked a very familiar man.

4

"What's wrong?"

Hearing his inquiry, Sarah's eyes reddened, and she whispered aggrievedly: "Nothing, it's just that Mrs. Thorne ran away from home recklessly for so long. Today, seeing her mixing with this motley crew and following us here, I couldn't help but advise her..."

"Who knew she would misunderstand..."

Only then did Julian notice me standing opposite, frowning imperceptibly.

His eyes held a look of knowing: "Lynn, are you bullying Sarah again? If you're here to apologize to me, you must apologize to Sarah first!"

I rolled my eyes at him and turned to leave with the group.

The girl beside me whispered: "Lynn, who is that?"

I sneered: "My blind, brainless ex-husband."

Julian's face darkened, and he questioned: "Lynn! You followed us all the way here, how long do you plan to keep this up?"

"Running away from home for so many days without a care, ignoring your foster mother completely. Where is your conscience? Are you really trying to force me to stop your foster mother's medical expenses?"

I looked at him wearily, my tone cold: "Stop them then. Aren't you best at doing that sort of thing?"

Stung by the look full of disgust and indifference, Julian couldn't tell if he felt more anger or panic at the impending loss.

He decisively took out his phone, missing the panic on Sarah's face.

"Julian, maybe don't..."

Julian pressed down Sarah's hand on his arm and said coldly: "She must be taught a lesson, or she'll never learn how to be Mrs. Thorne!"

The assistant on the other end of the phone hesitated after receiving the order.

"Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne's foster mother passed away last month. The medical expenses were stopped before she died..."

Julian froze on the spot, murmuring incredulously: "How is that possible?"

"Why didn't I receive any news?"

The assistant was full of difficulty, as if it was hard to speak.

"I reported it to you at the time. You said..."

"'When I'm happy, don't tell me a single thing related to that woman Lynn.'"

In an instant, Julian recalled what he was doing at that time.

He had arranged for 52,000 drones to perform above the TV station.

Just to comfort Sarah, who was frightened by Lynn blocking her at the company and cursing her.

He felt a bit dizzy and had a headache.

Why did the always well-behaved Lynn suddenly make a scene at the company back then?

She seemed to say that Sarah deliberately stuck the process and wouldn't give her money...

Thinking of this, Julian looked sharply at the woman beside him, whose face was full of concern.

Sarah was startled and explained pitifully:

"Julian, I didn't mean to hide it from you. I just didn't want you to feel too guilty. With so many years of medical support, you've done right by Mrs. Thorne..."

Julian didn't want to hear a word from her at this moment. For the first time, he spoke to her coldly:

"Give me your phone. I want to see your work calendar."

Panic instantly filled Sarah's face.

She explained incoherently: "Julian, this is my privacy. Is my usual work not good enough?"

Seeing this, what was there to explain?

So everything I said back then was true. I wasn't slandering Sarah, nor was I being jealous.

Julian profoundly realized that my leaving the villa with nothing but the clothes on my back and demanding a divorce wasn't a ploy to manipulate him.

I genuinely wanted to divorce him. It was laughable that he always thought if he gave me the cold shoulder, I would go back and apologize to him.

The one in the wrong was clearly him.