The moment the Gates Matriarch entered and saw the chaos, her gaze swept around the wrecked mansion before finally landing on Lillian, who was still panicking.

"You wretched woman, you are not satisfied with killing my son, and now you are teaching my granddaughter to be just like you." Since you clearly don't know how to teach your child, then I will have to discipline you.

"What? Y-you want to punish me?" Lillian asked, her mouth shaking.

"Are you questioning my authority as the Matriarch of the Gates family!"

Lillian quickly went on her knees. "No-no, that's not what I meant. I dare not question you."

"Go outside and kneel for two hours."

"Grandmother, it's cold outside, please can you spare her this once?" I begged on her behalf.

"No, Fiona, no need to plead on her behalf. She needs to learn her lessons," the Matriarch said.

I kept quiet immediately. The maid was massaging my leg, and Ayesha had run to hide inside her room. Despite her reluctance, Lillian knelt down in the sun.

"Good for her," I said to myself, smiling. This is just the beginning of her torment. I didn't spare her another glance.

"What about the antiques?" the maid whispered to me.

"They are already broken and of no use to us now, just sweep them off the floor."

Of course, the broken antiques were the fake ones. I had already hidden the original ones as part of my divorce compensation. I purposely told Ayesha that those antiques were my favorites; I knew Ayesha would definitely break them.

The Matriarch left after she made sure that Lillian had completed her punishment. The maid helped me to my feet as I headed upstairs to my room.

"Bad woman!" Ayesha screamed just as I was about to open the door to my room. "I called Uncle Richard; he will throw you out of the house, then you will be homeless."

How can the heart of a five-year-old child be filled with so much hate? "Then I will be waiting," I said, smiling at her.

"He will surely divorce you and marry my mom; he only loves me and my mom," Ayesha continued shouting.

I chuckled. "Alright, tell him to hurry up and divorce me. I don't even want to stay here another minute."

I know Richard and Lillian still needed me to cover their affairs. A divorced man living with his late brother's wife under the same roof will definitely raise questions among high society, and Lillian's reputation will be ruined, and I know that Richard will never allow it.

Richard returned to the house about an hour later. I was busy scrolling through my phone when I heard the sound of his car.

I was curious to know what was happening downstairs, so I stepped out of my room, pretending I wanted to get something from the kitchen.

Richard was crouched down in front of Lillian; he was applying ointment to her knees. Her face was red from sunburn. I stood at the staircase so I could get a better view of the romantic drama.

"You fool, why did you kneel? You should have refused," Richard said, wiping tears from the corner of Lillian's cheek.

"Matriarch gave the order; what other choice do I have? And you know they are still angry with me," Lillian said in a trembling voice. "Please can you hurry up with the divorce? I can't stand her anymore, and besides, it's not like we still need her around."

Richard frowned, confused. "You mean Fiona?"

"Yes," Lillian said, biting her lips. "She's wicked; she told Ayesha she could play with the antiques, then turned around and called the Matriarch."

"Uncle Richard, Mummy is right." Ayesha ran to him, hugging his legs. "Aunty Fiona is a bad woman."

"That's impossible," Richard said, cleaning the tears from Ayesha's face. "Maybe you misheard your aunt. She's the sweetest and kindest person in our family. And I know she will never tell you to break things around the house. And you know, she's everyone's favorite, especially the Matriarch."

I knew the last remark was aimed squarely at Lillian; he wanted her to know that she was asking for the impossible.

Lillian looked at him, surprised. "Are you implying that Ayesha and I made up stories to frame her? Since when have you started doubting me? Richard! You have changed; you never doubted me before, and now just for Fiona, you have started doubting me!"

Richard's gaze softened as he realized what he had just said. "Lilly, I'm sorry. I never doubted you, and I certainly have not changed too."

Lillian held his collar. "Then tell me, can you swear on it? Swear that you have not developed feelings for Fiona? Swear that you have never touched her, not even once."

"I swear to you, Lillian, I haven't touched her," he said without a hint of guilt in his voice.

I smiled bitterly. He wasn't wrong. I cleared my throat to draw their attention. Richard was startled.

"Honey, how long have you been standing there?" he asked, panicking.

"Long enough to hear what you were saying to Fiona," I said smiling. I could see the shock on their faces.

"Relax, I was just kidding. I didn't hear anything, and Lillian is your sister-in-law, so there's no need to eavesdrop on your conversations. Anyway, my cousin invited us to her wedding this Saturday. He wants to know if you will be free to attend."

"Your cousin?" he asked, confused.

"Yes, the one that gave you that contract to sign-the one hundred million dollar contract with you."

"Yeah, sure, I will be free. We will go together."

"Okay, honey." I glanced at Lillian and Ayesha, who was still holding on to Richard's legs tightly. I didn't say a word to them as I went back upstairs to my room. Richard followed behind me, trying to hold my hand, but I shrugged him off.

"Honey, you got a gift for me?" Richard asked, reaching for the gift box as soon as we entered the room.

"Oh that? It was supposed to be for our wedding anniversary. I prepared it specially for you, and I was going to present it to you."

"Honey, I'm so sorry. I promise I will never miss our anniversary ever again."

"It's fine. I know you have been busy with work and meetings lately, so it's totally understandable that you forgot our anniversary." I picked up the gift box from the nightstand.

"Take the gift; it's still yours. Your birthday is next week, but you are not permitted to open the box until next week. Consider it an early birthday gift from me," I said, smiling sweetly.

Before he could say anything else, a knock came on the door. "Richard, I just hurt my leg; can you come and massage it for me?" Lillian's voice came from outside the door.

Richard quickly tossed the gift on the bed and ran out of the room without a second thought.

I smiled bitterly as I picked up the gift box and placed it back on the nightstand.

Two days later, I had just come back from the hospital, tired. I had spent the whole day seeing patients. It was as if the whole of Northwale City had chosen the hospital where I worked for their consultations today. My throat was sore, and I was having a serious headache.

I barely managed to escape, and today was also my cousin's wedding. Luckily for me, the wedding would be held at night. I arrived home by 6 p.m. and had a quick bath. I changed and applied a little makeup. I was too exhausted for any glam.

As I came downstairs, everywhere was quiet. I sensed something was off. Since the arrival of Lillian and her daughter, the house has never been this eerily quiet. It's unlike them, but that's not my concern anymore.

I tripped over something and almost fell down. I turned back to see Lillian smiling, her leg outstretched.

"What the hell was that for?" I asked angrily.

"Oops, I didn't see you there."

I wanted to say something, but held myself back. "She's not worth it," I mumbled to myself as I straightened my clothes and was about to walk out of the house, when she ran to the door looking at me challengingly.

"What now, Lillian?"

"Do you know why Richard married you?"

"Nope, but you can tell me," I answered by crossing my arms.

"Because I chose you. You are just my replacement, and now it's time for you to give Richard back to me."

Her words cut deep into my heart. I had thought that Richard and I were in love back then, not knowing he was just marrying me to hide his affair with his sister-in-law.

"Why are you quiet? Say something," Lillian said, grabbing my arms.

I snatched my arms away from her. "Lillian, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

"You can play dumb all you want, but tell me, Fiona, who do you think Richard will choose? Me or you?"

I smiled innocently. "Don't tell me you are having a secret affair with my husband, your own brother-in-law? Oh no, was that the reason that led your husband to his early death?" I said to her, still smiling.

Lillian opened her mouth to say something, but the words refused to come out. "And about who or what Richard wants, I don't care anymore. So stay within your limits," I said, brushing past her as I walked out of the house.

Lillian's gaze followed me to the black car parked in the driveway. If looks could kill, she would have killed me already.

I entered the car and turned to Richard, who was looking handsome as always. He was dressed in a black designer suit. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting?"

"No, honey. You look beautiful," he said, reaching to touch me, but I pulled my hands away before he could reach me.

"Are you angry with me?" he asked as he drove off.

"No, I'm just tired from work."

"You work too hard, honey. I don't know why you insisted on working. You know I have the money to take care of you for the rest of our lives," Richard said sweetly.

I would have believed him if I was still the stupid and obedient Fiona who was kept in the dark. Now I know. "Can you drive faster?" I asked him. I was already irritated sitting in the same car with him.

"Honey, you know you can talk to me if you are worried about something?"

"I'm fine, just thinking of how to celebrate your birthday next weekend," I lied.

"Oh that, you don't have to stress yourself about that. Lillian will take care of the preparations since she's already living with us."

"Okay," I answered nonchalantly, looking out of the window.

He wanted to say something when his phone rang.

"Mr. Gates, your brother's wife is on a blind date." The voice of the person on the other end of the phone was calm but loud enough for me to hear.

Richard frowned. He was already fuming, but he tried to control himself.

"Send me the location right now," he said in an icy tone.

After hanging up, he turned to me with a look of worry on his face. "Honey, something important came up. I won't be able to attend your cousin's wedding."

"Something important?" I smiled. I did not want to bother asking when I already knew everything.

"Okay, I understand," I said calmly. "You can just stop me at the entrance."

The car finally slowed to a stop. Richard held my hand. "Can I at least get a kiss?"

I pulled my hand away as I slipped out of the car. "You are blocking the entrance. There are other cars behind you."

Richard looked stunned for a moment, like he was trying to process my sudden mood swing, but I remained calm with a smile plastered across my face.

"Alright, make sure you have a lovely time at the wedding, and send my blessings to the new couple," he said before driving off.

The wedding hall was filled to the brim. Everything was perfect. I watched as the bride and groom exchanged their vows. My mind flashed back to my own wedding with Richard. That day was the happiest day of my life, despite my parents' disapproval. It was just Richard's family and my cousin and a handful of my friends from the hospital.

After the wedding, my cousin offered to drop me home, but I refused. "Tonight is your first wedding night. You are supposed to be with your bride," I said, hugging him.

I took a taxi home, my shivering from the cold. The atmosphere at home felt unusually pleasant. It was as though I don't belong here anymore.

"Fiona, you are back?" Lillian greeted me with a big smile on her face, which was very unusual because she hardly smiled unless she was up to something.

I was sure that Richard had made it up to her. "This is my house, Lillian. Was I supposed to never return?"

She clearly wasn't done. She walked over to me, playing with a blue diamond necklace on her neck and a matching bracelet on her wrist.

There was the same diamond set Richard had promised to buy for me on our fifth anniversary. Now I realized why he never talked about it anymore. He had already given them to his beloved mistress.

"Richard said you have a good eye for jewelry. Take a good look. This set cost over two million dollars. Richard bought them for me. He said the blue diamonds are perfect for my eye color. Do you think they are worth it?"

"Yes, they match your eyes perfectly," I said, smiling. "And you forgot something: Richard and I are still legally married, so half of that two million dollars belongs to me." I said smugly. "It's from our joint account, and he took out the money without my permission."

"What do you mean the money came from your joint account? You are just a common doctor. The money belongs to Richard."

I nodded and brought out my phone. "Lillian, you have till midnight to wire back one million dollars to my account, or else I will have to report this theft to the Gates Matriarch and also inform the police."

"Check your phone. I have forwarded my account details to you, so do the needful before midnight. And also think carefully before accepting another gift from my husband."

Lillian's phone buzzed in her hand. Her face darkened as she read the content of the message. "You low-life bitch," she yelled at me angrily.

"Ah ah, you don't want me to add assault, do you?" I asked, waving a finger at her. I know there was no way Lillian would ever come up with a million dollars on her own, but I don't care. She has to pay back the money, or else she will face the consequences.

I went upstairs to my room, leaving the visibly angry Lillian still standing at the door. After a quick shower and napping for a few minutes, I went to my jewelry box and started picking out the most expensive jewelry sets. Alice had already found a buyer for me. Once I sell them off, I wouldn't have to worry about money for a while after my divorce.

My eyes fell on my wedding gown. Looking at it now only brings back painful memories. I packed the gown in a bag and called the maid to sell it off or throw it away.

As the maid was dragging the box downstairs, I followed closely behind her, scrolling through my phone. Richard walked in, and his eyes fell on the bag.

"Are you traveling somewhere?" Richard asked, confused.

"No, honey, I'm disposing of the wedding gown."

"What? Why are you disposing of the wedding gown?"

"Honey, I mistakenly poured wine on it, and there's a huge tear on it too. So keeping it is of no use to me now. It's useless."

Richard suddenly frowned. "Why are you throwing it away? Didn't you say you will keep it for our daughter when we eventually have one?"

I looked at him. I don't know if I should laugh at his deceit or just keep quiet. He still doesn't know that I found out about his fake impotency. For five years, I had treasured the wedding gown. I had created a spot in my closet just for the stupid gown, hoping to preserve it for my future daughter. I had it professionally cleaned every year. I had thought it was worth keeping.

But now it was of no use to me anymore, knowing that it would be the first thing Lillian and her daughter would trash once I leave the house after our divorce. I decided to trash it before they get the chance.

I gave Richard a faint smile. "Honey, just let it be. It's ruined. It's useless now. Our future daughter can always make her own gown."

"I know, but you just can't toss it out like that," Richard argued while studying my face. He knew how much I loved that gown. "You know what? I will have a fashion designer take a look at it and maybe repair it for you."

I shook my head. "Don't bother, honey. Some things are better left the way they are. Not everything needs fixing."

I wasn't just referring to the dress, but also our broken marriage. I did not give him the chance to say another word as I turned and started walking back inside my room.

"Are you still angry with me for not attending your cousin's wedding? But I told you something urgent came up in the office."

"I'm not angry, just tired," I said without looking back. Just as I was about to take another step, I tripped and almost fell from the staircase, but Richard held me. Without another word, he lifted me into his arms despite my protest. He carried me to our room and sat me on the bed.

"I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't have left you alone. I know how important it was that I attended your cousin's wedding with you," Richard apologized.

My chest tightened as I listened to his lies and excuses. I was no fool. Richard had never loved me enough to put my needs before Lillian's. For a moment, memories of my younger self, eager to marry Richard, flashed through my mind. Had I really sacrificed my relationship with my family just for him?

"Honey, you are not saying anything," Richard said, trying to touch me, but I didn't give him the chance. I quickly stood up from the bed and pretended I was going to use the toilet.

"It's okay, honey. You don't need to apologize. I'm used to it," I said before shutting the door of the toilet. I had always known that he barely loved me. Only recently did I realize that he never loved me at all.

After staying inside the toilet for a few minutes, I thought he would have left when I came back, but to my surprise, he was still sitting on the bed.

I avoided the bed and sat on my nightstand, brushing my already perfect hair.

"I want to make it up to you. Is there anything you want me to get for you?" Richard asked.

I sighed. "Anything at all?" I asked in a steady voice as I turned to look at him.

"Yes, anything at all. Just mention it," he replied confidently.

"Allow the maids to dispose of the wedding gown."

"That's it? I mean, that's all you want?"

I nodded. "That's all I want for now."

"Alright, if that's what you want, I will personally dispose of the wedding gown myself, if that will make you happy."

For a brief moment, as I met his sincere gaze for the first time, guilt flickered inside of me. I quickly shrugged it off. His phone started ringing. It wasn't his usual ringing tone. It was the ringing tone he set only for Lillian.

Richard answered the call, said a few words, and quickly stood up on his feet angrily. "Lilly, are you alright? How bad is it? You should have been more careful. Send me your location. I'm coming there right now."

"Lilly twisted her ankle while shopping with Ayesha, and she wants me to take her to the hospital," Richard said, grabbing his jacket.

"Lilly... You know, I have never heard you call her Lillian, or is there more to it?"

Richard stopped in his tracks as he glared at me. "Fiona, it doesn't matter whether I call her Lilly or Lillian. She's hurt and needs my help right now. Why are you being so inconsiderate?"

I smiled. "Relax, honey. I wasn't stopping you from going to her, so why are you suddenly angry? I know you and Lillian have known each other for long, even before she became your sister-in-law, so it's natural you guys call each other by your nicknames."

Richard nodded and ran out of the room. I watched as his black Mercedes-Benz disappeared from the driveway from my window. I breathed a sigh of relief. I almost let the words slip out of my mouth.

From now on, I have to be careful of what I say to Richard or even Lillian. I have always been good at playing the understanding and obedient wife. I just needed to keep it up if I wanted to secure a clean and smooth divorce.

I lay down thinking of my next move, and my phone rang. It was Alice.

"Hey bitch, wanna go out for a drink?"

"Sure, but a bit later. I still have to sell those jewelry today, especially the diamond necklaces."

"Did Richard suspect anything yet?"

"Nope, but I almost slipped while talking to him. But Thank God-"

"Alright, I will come by and pick you up later. Will that be okay?"

"Sure, that would be a perfect time."

We chatted a bit longer. I felt better. Alice always has a way of cracking me up.