Rachel didn't know how much time had passed. By the time everything finally quieted down, she felt completely drained.

There was barely any strength left in her body, and every muscle ached faintly. Supporting herself against the wall, she slowly made her way back to the bed.

Not long after, Jared also walked out of the bathroom.

He had a towel casually wrapped around his lower body, his damp hair slightly messy from the shower.

Under the soft bedroom light, his tall frame looked even more striking. Broad shoulders, a well-defined chest, and firm muscles shaped by years of disciplined training gave him an imposing yet elegant presence.

His sharp features and calm, composed expression were the same ones that made him the most admired captain in the airline.

Rachel watched him for a moment before speaking.

"Jared... there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it?" he asked casually as he moved toward the bed.

"I-"

Before she could finish, the phone on the nightstand suddenly rang.

Jared paused and glanced at the screen.

"Let me take this call first," he said before walking toward the balcony.

Rachel watched his back as he stepped outside. The moment he looked at the caller, a faint trace of concern appeared on his face.

She didn't need to guess who it was.

Who else could it be other than Olivia-his first love and the so-called foster sister he cared about more than anything?

It wasn't the first time Olivia had called him in the middle of the night. And every time she did, Jared would drop everything and rush to her side, never once considering Rachel's feelings.

Lost in her thoughts, Rachel barely noticed when Jared walked back into the room.

He was already putting on his clothes.

"Rachel," he said, fastening the buttons of his shirt, "I need to go to the hospital."

Rachel let out a faint, cold laugh.

"Why?" she said mockingly. "Are you a doctor? If you don't go... will she die?"

Jared's movements paused for a second. His expression darkened slightly.

But the change lasted only a moment before his face returned to its usual calm indifference.

He walked over to the bed, leaned down, and gently kissed her forehead.

"Baby, go back to sleep," he said softly. "Don't wait for me."

The moment he finished speaking, he turned and walked out of the room.

His steps were quick-almost as if he were running.

Watching his receding figure disappear down the hallway, Rachel let out a bitter smile.

What else did you expect from him? she thought to herself.

She slowly got out of bed and walked toward the balcony. The night air was cool and quiet. Taking a cigarette from the small pack on the table, she lit it and took a slow puff.

Rachel had never really liked smoking. But sometimes, when the ache in her chest became too difficult to suppress, it was the only thing that seemed to calm the storm inside her.

And coincidentally, during the past six months, those moments had become more and more frequent.

She leaned against the railing and looked up at the clear night sky. The stars were faint but visible, scattered across the darkness.

A faint, almost peaceful smile appeared on her lips.

"Rachel," she murmured softly to herself, "it's time to let go of the things that were never good for you."

The cigarette burned down slowly between her fingers. After finishing it, she stubbed it out and went back inside the bedroom.

The room felt unusually quiet now.

Rachel walked to the drawer beside the bed and pulled out a set of papers. She stared at them for a few seconds before sitting down.

They were the divorce papers.

Jared's mother, Sahara, had sent them to her two days ago.

Before Rachel and Jared got married, she had signed a prenuptial agreement. According to the agreement, once the three-year deadline of their marriage was over, she would quietly walk out of Jared's life with nothing.

No money. No compensation.

Just like someone who had never belonged there in the first place.

Rachel picked up the pen.

For a brief moment, memories of the past three years flashed through her mind-the cold glances, the silent dinners, the moments when she had foolishly hoped that maybe, just maybe, things could change.

But they never did.

In Jared's heart, there had always been someone else.

Her gaze slowly hardened with quiet determination.

Without hesitation, she lowered the pen and signed her name at the bottom of the page.

Rachel Holland.

No.

Soon... she would simply be Rachel Brown again.

*****

The next morning, Rachel woke up early.

As soon as she got out of bed, she began packing her things again. Since she had already signed the divorce papers, there was no reason for her to stay in this house any longer.

Just as she finished closing the suitcase, her phone suddenly rang.

She glanced at the screen.

It was Jared.

Rachel hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Hello."

"Baby, are you awake?" Jared's voice came from the other end. "Get ready. I'm coming to pick you up. We're going to the old mansion. Grandma asked us to come back."

Rachel frowned slightly.

"Why?"

She had never liked going to the old mansion. No one in the Holland family welcomed her there.

"What do you mean 'why'?" Jared replied impatiently. "We haven't visited in two months. Of course they miss us."

"Us?" Rachel let out a faint scoff. "I think the one they miss is you... and Olivia."

"Rachel, stop throwing a tantrum," Jared said flatly. "Just get ready."

Before she could say anything else, he hung up.

Rachel stared at the packed suitcases beside the bed and let out a quiet sigh.

"This will be the last time," she murmured.

Not long after, Jared's car arrived outside.

Rachel walked toward the passenger door, but when she opened it, she froze.

Olivia was already sitting there.

Rachel frowned slightly.

Jared glanced at her and said casually, "Rachel, sit in the back. Olivia is coming with us. She wanted to visit Grandma and Mom. Besides, I thought it would be good for her to get some fresh air."

Rachel's gaze shifted to Olivia.

She sat elegantly in the passenger seat, dressed in a cream cashmere coat with oversized sunglasses resting on her face. Even after spending the night in the hospital, she still looked delicate and flawless-like someone who had never known hardship.

Rachel quietly closed the passenger door.

Without saying a word, she walked around the car and got into the back seat.

For a long time in the past, Rachel had once foolishly believed that maybe-just maybe-Jared had some feelings for her.

After all, if he truly hated her, why hadn't he treated her cruelly the way his older brother had treated the woman who once schemed to sleep with him?

But that fragile illusion only lasted during the times when Olivia wasn't around.

Because whenever Olivia appeared, Jared's attention would immediately shift to her.

At those moments, Rachel might as well have been invisible.

The car drove quietly along the road.

For a long time, no one spoke.

Then suddenly, Jared glanced at the rearview mirror.

"Rachel," he said, as if remembering something, "you were about to tell me something last night. What was it?"

Rachel's gaze slowly moved to Olivia sitting in the front seat.

Then she spoke calmly, without hesitation.

"Let's get divorced."

Rachel's words fell heavily inside the car.

Jared's expression immediately darkened. His eyes turned cold as he looked at her through the rearview mirror.

For a moment, the air inside the car became tense.

Then, as if forcing the moment away, Jared suddenly smiled.

"Baby, don't joke like that," he said lightly. "You know I don't like that kind of joke."

Before Rachel could say anything, Olivia spoke up from the passenger seat.

"Jared is right," she said gently. "Rachel, you shouldn't joke about things like that. Sometimes words like these... can come true."

Rachel's eyes shifted to the woman sitting in front of her.

Olivia's voice sounded soft and concerned, but to Rachel it felt nothing more than pretentious kindness.

Rachel simply looked at her for a second before turning her gaze toward the window.

She didn't bother explaining herself.

Whether she was joking or serious, Jared would find out soon enough-once he returned home and discovered that she had already moved out.

There was no point in saying anything now.

The rest of the ride passed in silence.

Not long after, the car slowly pulled to a stop in front of the grand gates of the Holland estate.

The three of them stepped out of the car and crossed the wide lawn of the estate's front courtyard together.

With his long strides, Jared reached the villa first and walked inside without waiting for the two women behind him.

Olivia slowed her pace beside Rachel. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke softly, "Rachel... are you really planning to divorce Jared?"

Rachel stopped walking. She turned her head slightly, her face calm and unreadable as she looked at Olivia.

"And what does that have to do with you?"

Olivia forced a gentle smile. "Rachel, don't be angry. I'm just concerned about you. If Jared upset you in any way, you can tell me. I'll teach him a lesson for you."

As she spoke, Olivia reached out and held Rachel's hand, her expression full of apparent affection.

Rachel looked down at their joined hands. Then suddenly, the corners of her lips curved into a faint smile.

"Really?" she said lightly. "Then could you please stop calling him in the middle of the night, asking him to accompany you to the hospital as if you're dying?"

Olivia froze.

Rachel's smile widened slightly, though her eyes remained cold.

"And could you stop calling him every time he's with me?" she continued calmly. "Because it's really upsetting."

Olivia's face instantly turned pale. "I... I didn't mean-"

Before she could finish, Rachel pulled her hand away as if it disgusted her.

"Olivia," Rachel said flatly, "I know your tactics very well. So save that act for people who actually believe you."

She paused for a brief moment, her gaze sharp.

"I have no interest in your green tea performance."

With that, Rachel turned and walked away toward the villa.

Behind her, Olivia stared at Rachel's retreating figure. Slowly, her fingers curled into tight fists, the softness on her face disappearing.

Her expression turned cold.

*****

As soon as Olivia stepped inside the villa, the atmosphere around the dining hall shifted.

Several people immediately gathered around her.

Alice Holland, Jared's grandmother, reached out and took Olivia's hand affectionately. "Olivia, my darling, how are you? I heard you were admitted to the hospital again. Are you alright?"

Olivia smiled gently, lowering her gaze with practiced modesty. "Grandma, don't worry. It was just a minor ailment. But Jared stayed with me the whole time at the hospital, so I'm fully recovered now."

Hearing this, Alice exchanged a subtle, knowing glance with Sahara.

"Good, good," Alice said warmly. "Come, sit with Jared."

Olivia obediently followed her to the table.

Jared immediately stood up and pulled out the chair beside him for her. Only after Olivia sat down did he return to his seat next to her.

From the doorway, Rachel paused for a second.

Her eyes quietly swept across the scene before her - Olivia sitting beside Jared, surrounded by warm concern, the elders smiling, the family gathered around the table as if she belonged there.

As for her, just like always, she was treated as an air. Sometimes when Jared was flying, Rachel wasn't even allowed to sit at the table with them to eat.

Alice and Sahara forced her to stand there and serve their beloved Olivia.

As for her, she could only eat with servants after they finished eating.

But it was the last time... after today, she will never come back here again to humiliate herself.

After standing there for a while, Rachel walked forward.

There was only one empty seat left.

Across from Jared and Olivia. Next to Grandmother.

She sat down.

Soon the first course arrived--soup.

Rachel quietly picked up her spoon and began eating, her movements calm and unhurried.

Around her, however, the table buzzed with concern - but none of it was directed at her.

Olivia barely touched her bowl before Sahara immediately fussed over her.

"You must eat, sweetheart," Sahara said anxiously. "You just came back from the hospital. You need your strength."

Sahara gently spooned some soup into Olivia's bowl. "Try a little. It's light. It won't upset your stomach."

Olivia smiled softly, looking almost embarrassed by the attention.

"Thank you... I'll try."

Across the table, Rachel lowered her eyes to her bowl.

Soon, the main course was served.

Sahara looked at Jared, hinting he should serve Olivia too, "Jared don't just eat yourself."

Jared nodded, picked up the tender braised pork and put in Rachel's plate, "Eat some meat. You looked so thin these days."

Looking at the food in her plate, Rachel froze.

Did he misunderstood something? Sahara clearly asked him to serve Olivia.

Olivia looked at Rachel and said, "Rachel, you are so lucky, you can eat braised pork. Unlike me... I can't eat high-fat food."

Hearing this Rachel's eyes darkened.

Did Jared think she was a trash bin as he can throw anything his beloved not like onto her plate.

Her expression turned cold as she put down her cutlery and stood up.

Jared looked at her, "What's up?"

"I am full." Saying that, she turned to leave.

Jared frowned. "Even if you are full, you can't leave the table like that."

"Yes, I can." Rachel said.

Then she turned and walked out of the dining room. She hadn't gone far when fast and angry footsteps echoed behind her.

Jared caught her wrist and spun her around.

Their eyes met. Jared's eyes turned gentle as he pinched her nose. "What happened? How did I upset my princess this time?"

Rachel looked at him, her heart turning cold. She didn't want to engage with him.

He was always like this... a few offhand teasing remarks would turn her anger and hurt into what he saw as unreasonable tantrums.

But she had enough of this.

"Jared, I am done with you." She said, her eyes cold.

Jared frowned. He was about to say something when the phone in his pocket rang.

He looked at it and his face froze.

"It's the hospital," he said, "Olivia's latest blood test results just came in."

The way the color drained from his face told her everything she needed to know.

Jared looked at her and said, "Rachel, I have to take Olivia hospital for more tests. Let's talk about at home, okay?"

As she said, he walked away.

Rachel looked at his leaving back and a bitter smile appeared on her lips. There was nothing left between them to talk anymore.

Rachel was about to leave when Sahara asked her to follow her to the study.

After entering the study, Sahara sat elegantly on the sofa by the window, looking at Rachel coldly.

"Rachel, three years deadline is almost over. When are you planning to leave my son?"

Rachel listened to the scolding without responding.

Back then, she was cornered.

Her original target had been someone else.

She had heard about the rumors about the woman who had failed to seduce the heir of the Holland family and had been driven mad by him.

So, she never planned to sleep with Jared.

However, in the end, she still slept with him accidentally.

Because she had always felt guilty toward the Holland family, so no matter how Sahara and Alice insulted her, she endured it.

"Smack..."

A loud slap echoed in the study.

Sahara slammed her hand on the table. "How dare you zone out when I am talking?"

"I am sorry." Rachel said.

"Have you received the divorce papers I had sent you?"

"Yes."

Sahara's lips curled in scorn. "If so, when are you planning to leave."

"I have already signed the divorce papers and packed my bags. I will leave tonight."

Hearing this Sahara nodded. "Good."

****

After leaving the study, Rachel didn't stay at the estate any longer.

After returning to the Galaxy villa, she picked up her packed bag and was ready to move out.

Standing in the middle of the room, she looked around one last time.

For three years, this had been called her home.

But in reality, it had never truly belonged to her.

Taking a quiet breath, she picked up her suitcase and walked downstairs.

Just as she was about to step out of the door, a voice stopped her.

"Madam, you can't leave like this."

Rachel turned and saw Mrs. Smith standing in the hallway.

Mrs. Smith was the housekeeper Sahara had sent over shortly after Rachel married into the Holland family. Although she always addressed Rachel as "Madam," there had never been any real respect in her tone. Everyone in the house knew her real task was to keep an eye on Rachel-making sure she didn't take anything that belonged to the Holland family.

Rachel's eyes turned slightly cold.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked.

Mrs. Smith spoke calmly, "Madam, before you leave, I need to check your bag."

Rachel let out a faint sneer.

"What? Do you think I'm a thief? That I would steal something from this house?"

Mrs. Smith pressed her lips together before replying, "Madam, I hope you still remember that according to the agreement, after the divorce you are not allowed to take anything belonging to the Holland family."

Rachel's fingers tightened around the handle of her suitcase.

For a moment, she said nothing.

Then she placed the suitcase on the floor and pushed it toward her.

"Fine," Rachel said coldly. "Check it."

Mrs. Smith stepped forward, unzipped the suitcase, and began inspecting the contents piece by piece.

After a moment, she paused.

From the bag, she took out a delicate bracelet.

"Madam," she said, holding it up, "this belongs to the Holland family. You cannot take it with you."

Rachel's gaze fell on the bracelet.

Jared had given it to her on her birthday the previous year.

"It was a birthday gift from Jared," Rachel said quietly.

Mrs. Smith shook her head.

"But it was given by Mr. Holland, so it's Holland property," she replied firmly.

Rachel slowly lifted her eyes to look at her.

Her gaze had turned completely cold.

"Was this ordered by Sahara," she asked, "or by Jared?"

Mrs. Smith answered honestly, "Madam Sahara gave the order. But Sir hasn't objected, so I believe he agrees as well."

Hearing those words, the last trace of warmth in Rachel's heart seemed to freeze over.

For the past three years, she had tried her best to be his wife.

But in the end, to Jared... she had probably been nothing more than a convenient companion in bed.

Nothing more.

Mrs. Smith continued going through the suitcase, removing several items one after another-jewelry, accessories, and anything that had been bought with the Holland family's money.

By the time the inspection was finished, Rachel's once full suitcase had been reduced to barely half its size.

Rachel hadn't packed many things, just a few of her cosmetics, skin care products and some seasonal outfits. But she even took out the Victoria's Secret lingerie which Jared had bought for her before.

After she was done, Rachel closed the bag without saying another word.

Then she picked it up and walked out of the Holland residence.

This time, she didn't look back.

*****

As soon as Rachel walked out of Galaxy Villa, another problem struck her.

She stood by the roadside with her suitcase and suddenly realized something she hadn't thought about before.

Where would she stay now?

Almost all of her monthly salary went directly toward her mother's medical treatment and rehabilitation center fees. Over the years, she had barely saved anything for herself.

Rachel had already applied for the airline's staff housing, but the approval process would take some time.

At first, she considered staying in a hotel for a few days. But when she opened her banking app and checked her balance, a bitter smile appeared on her face.

Two hundred dollars.

That was all she had left.

Rachel stared at the screen for a few seconds before letting out a quiet sigh. After thinking for a moment, she scrolled through her contacts and called Charles.

The phone rang only once before he picked up.

"Ellie?"

Rachel hesitated for a brief moment before speaking.

"Charles... can you lend me some money?" she asked quietly. "I'll pay you back as soon as I receive my salary next month."

There was a silence on the other end of the line. "What happened? Why do you suddenly need money? Everything alright?"

"Yes. I have decided to divorce Jared and move out from the Galaxy villa." Rachel said calmly.

"How much?" Charles asked, his voice warm and immediate.

"Three thousand? Maybe four? I will pay you back once I get my next month check!"

"Okay. But where are you planning to stay?" He asked.

"I planned to live at the hotel until my housing application is approved by the airline." Rachel said calmly.

"Why waste money on hotel. Come stay at my place. I will clean the guest room for you."

"Won't it be inconvenient for you?" Rachel hesitated.

"What's there to be inconvenient? Aren't we best buddies. What's more, I have no interest in women." Charles said.

Rachel smiled. "Thank you."