ELENA'S POV

I didn’t need a single cent, not from Adrian. Not from his family. Not from the life I was walking away from. All I needed was an end to the bondage I had trapped myself in.

When I told him I wanted a divorce, he had scoffed, convinced I was just being dramatic as usual. He didn’t believe I would actually leave.

And even if I did, he probably assumed I would crawl back the moment I realized what I was giving up. What he failed to understand was simple.

I had never depended on him. Not for money. Not for status. Not for survival. I had built myself long before I ever became Elena Hudson.

And I would rebuild again.

When I returned to the mansion to retrieve the rest of my belongings, I hadn’t expected to hear laughter. But I did.

It drifted from the living room, sharp, amused and familiar. I slowed my steps as I recognized the voices.

It was Danielle and my mother-in-law. Of course. I stood just outside the door, listening.

“She claims she wants to divorce my son!” my mother-in-law scoffed loudly. “As if that selfish woman would ever walk away from this family’s wealth.”

A soft, practiced sigh followed.

“It’s really unfortunate,” Danielle said gently, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. “If things had turned out differently… I could have been your daughter-in-law instead.”

“Oh, don’t say that, darling,” Jane replied warmly. “Elena and Adrian were never a good match. You and my son? You would have been perfect together.”

Something inside me snapped. I pushed the door open. The laughter died instantly.

Both women froze as I stepped inside, my gaze sweeping across the room I had spent four years trying to make a home.

A bitter smile curved my lips. How ironic. I built this place with my effort, my time, my patience only for them to sit here and enjoy it like I had never mattered.

“Oh,” my mother-in-law said sharply, recovering first. “You’re back.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Where were you? I told you to be here by 7 a.m. to prepare for today’s gathering. Or did asking for a divorce suddenly make you forget your place?”

I didn’t respond. She continued, her tone turning colder.

“Don’t deceive yourself. Someone like you, who climbed their way up, will never be on our level. Now go into the kitchen and start cooking. If you embarrass me today, you will regret it.”

For a moment, I just stared at her. Every gathering, every single one, I was the one forced into the kitchen while guests laughed and dined.

No servants were allowed to help me. It was her way of reminding me that I didn’t belong.

That I never would. Before I could speak, Danielle stood, her expression soft and concerned.

“Auntie, isn’t that a bit too much for Elena to handle alone?” she said sweetly. “Let me help her. I wouldn’t want your guests to think I’m useless in the kitchen.”

My mother-in-law immediately pulled her back down.

“You? Help her?” she scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. That’s what she’s for. But you…” her tone softened instantly, “you deserve to be treated like a queen.”

Danielle lowered her gaze modestly. “But I’d feel guilty just sitting here…”

“Don’t,” my mother-in-law said with a smile. “She won’t be here much longer anyway. Once she’s out of our lives, you’ll take her place. After that, she won’t even be allowed to step foot in this house again.”

That was it. I had heard enough. “Are you two done?” I asked, my voice calm but sharp enough to cut.

Both women turned to me. My mother-in-law’s expression hardened immediately. “How dare you interrupt me!” she snapped. “Get into that kitchen right now!”

I didn’t move. Instead, I crossed my arms. “Let me make something clear,” I said. “Your son and I are about to get divorced.”

The words landed heavily in the room. “I don’t owe this family anything anymore. Not my time. Not my effort. Not my respect.”

Danielle’s smile faltered. My mother-in-law let out a cold laugh. “About to?” she repeated mockingly. “Do you really think you can just walk away like that? My son will never allow it.”

I met her gaze without flinching.

“That’s between him and me,” I said. “But one thing is certain, I’m done playing the obedient wife in this house.”

Silence followed. Then I turned and walked past them, heading toward the bedroom. I wasn’t staying here any longer than necessary.

I had just reached the hallway when footsteps sounded behind me. “So you really think this is over?”

I turned. My mother-in-law stood there, blocking my path. I held her gaze. “It will be,” I replied simply.

She scoffed. “You’re more delusional than I thought.”

I stepped past her and pushed the bedroom door open only to freeze. Adrian stood there.

His presence filled the corridor like a storm waiting to break. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark with anger.

But he wasn’t looking at me. His gaze went straight past me to Danielle. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice suddenly soft.

Something inside me twisted. Before I could react, he shoved me aside. Hard. I stumbled, crashing into the edge of a cabinet.

Pain shot through my side, but I barely felt it.

Not compared to this. Not compared to watching my husband rush to another woman while I stood there like I didn’t exist.

“What’s your problem?” Adrian snapped, turning on me as if I were the one at fault. “What did you do to her?”

A sharp laugh escaped me.

“Me?” I shot back. “You shoved me into a cabinet and you’re asking what I did? Take a good look, your precious Danielle is perfectly fine.”

His expression darkened. Then he pulled out his phone and shoved it toward me. “Explain this.”I glanced at the screen and saw that it was an article.

A brutal one at that. It exposed Danielle’s past scandals in vivid detail, every mistake, every secret dragged into the light.

I blinked in surprise. I hadn’t done this. But judging from the way Danielle’s face had gone pale, it was all true.

I lifted my gaze slowly. “Every word in that article is accurate, isn’t it?” I said calmly.

Danielle’s lips trembled.

“If even one part is a lie,” I continued, “I’ll walk out of here and throw myself into traffic. But if it’s true then maybe it’s finally time you face the consequences.”

“Adrian…” Danielle whispered, clutching his arm. He immediately pulled her closer, glaring at me.

“You’ve always been vicious,” he said coldly. “If you want to ruin yourself, go ahead. But don’t drag an innocent woman down with you.”

I laughed. “Innocent?” I repeated. “Danielle?”

I shook my head slowly. “You really are blind.”

His patience snapped. “Get out,” he snapped. “If you’re so desperate to self-destruct, do it somewhere else.”

Something inside me settled completely. The last piece of whatever I felt for him was gone. “You’re pathetic, Adrian,” I said quietly. “I wasted four years of my life on you.”

His expression flickered. But I didn’t stop. “I’m done. With your lies. Your arrogance. This entire joke of a marriage.”

I stepped back, meeting his eyes one last time. “Whether you accept it or not, my marriage to you is over. I'll send the divorce papers to you. Sign them quietly and free me from this sham.”

ELENA'S POV

I stood there, watching the man I once loved show his blind loyalty to Danielle, and I couldn’t help wondering how I had been so foolish for so long.

I had no wish to stay in their messy drama any longer. Just as I turned to leave, not bothering to grab my things, Danielle’s voice stopped me.

“I would never admit to something that isn’t my fault! Why can’t you trust me? Do you honestly believe I destroyed your marriage just to hurt you? I’ve barely spent any time with you both. I’m only here for a film project. Why are you accusing me?”

Although she spoke to the whole room, it was obvious her words were meant for me.

I almost laughed at how ridiculous this had become, one man blindly in love, one woman scheming for her own benefit, and Adrian burning with misplaced anger, ready to snap at me at any moment.

Adrian faced me, his voice sharp with hostility.

“If you didn’t plan this, then who did? Who else would target Danielle like this besides you?”

I sighed, already too exhausted for this nonsense, and looked straight at Danielle.

“If you’re so certain I did it, then where is your proof? Without it, you could be facing a false accusation lawsuit.”

Her eyes widened nervously as everyone’s gaze shifted to her. Even Adrian’s mother paused, doubt flickering across her expression.

After all, who would risk everything on a revenge scheme without solid proof? Tears filled Danielle’s eyes as she turned to Adrian in desperation.

“You trust me, don’t you? We were almost family once. You saw how hard I tried. How could you think I would do something like this?”

Adrian, still caught in his lingering feelings for her, softened. He had always carried guilt about what happened between them, and that regret kept him tied to her no matter how much it hurt me.

“I don’t believe you did this,” he said. “But we need evidence to prove your innocence. Do you remember where you were that day?”

Danielle’s face fell at his half-hearted defense, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“So you still don’t believe me? Just because Elena said something, I’m suddenly the suspect now? Fine! If you want evidence, I’ll give it to you. I’ll die right now, and then you’ll see how much I care about proving my innocence!”

Before anyone could stop her, Danielle dashed toward the sharp edge of a hardwood cabinet. With the force of her movement, the impact could have been deadly.

Adrian’s face went pale, and even his mother let out a terrified scream. I stayed where I was, knowing Danielle was too calculated to actually hurt herself. This was just another one of her dramatic stunts.

But Adrian lunged forward, catching her wrist just before her head struck the corner. Still, her forehead scraped against the edge, leaving a cut that trickled blood down her face.

Danielle trembled, shaken by her near fall. Adrian wrapped his arms around her, his voice unsteady. “Danielle, what were you thinking? How could you be so careless?”

Her voice quivered as she whispered, “Now you believe me, right?”

Lost in the moment, Adrian nodded without hesitation. Clearly, she was innocent in his eyes. Who could doubt her after she had just put herself in danger to prove it?

Watching their ridiculous display, I almost laughed. It was a perfect performance worthy of applause.

But I had no intention of staying for the next act. I turned toward the door, ready to walk out for good, but Adrian’s voice stopped me.

“I said, stay right there!”

I paused, my patience completely gone, then turned back to face him. “What now? What do you want?”

“You shoved her! Don’t you have anything to say about it?” Adrian accused, his voice filled with anger.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Are you serious? I didn’t tell her to smash her own head into a cabinet. That was her choice. How is that my fault? If she had actually gone through with it, would you call me a murderer?”

I crossed my arms, utterly fed up.

“You really need to think before you speak. And if you’re accusing me of hurting her, where’s your evidence? If you don’t have any, the only thing I can do is call an ambulance for her.”

Without waiting for a response, I pulled out my phone and dialed emergency services. Adrian and his mother froze, panic flashing across their faces.

“The ambulance will take an hour to get here!” Adrian shouted, his voice filled with urgency. “She might not make it by then!”

I clenched my fists, frustration rising. “What exactly do you want me to do?” I snapped.

“Drive!” Adrian barked, lifting Danielle into his arms as he rushed toward the door.

I stood frozen for a moment, stunned by the chaos, until Adrian’s mother shoved me hard from behind.

“Move! If anything happens to her, I can’t wait to see how you explain yourself,” she sneered. “It’s always misfortune whenever you’re around.”

I glanced at her, catching the bitterness in her tone. It was obvious she didn’t truly care about Danielle. No one who genuinely cared would complain about their luck in a moment like this.

Shaking my head, I grabbed the car keys, a small part of me curious to see how this entire farce would unfold.

On the way to the hospital, Adrian was already on the phone, making sure Danielle received the best treatment available.

I had to stifle a laugh. It wasn’t even a serious injury.

Yet here he was, pulling every string he could for what was likely just a minor cut. If we had waited, it probably would have healed on its own.

When we finally arrived, doctors were already waiting at the entrance. They rushed Danielle inside as if it were a life-or-death emergency, lifting her onto a stretcher.

I raised an eyebrow, quietly entertained by the drama.

ELENA'S POV

Three hours later, Danielle came out of the operating room, and the doctor’s uneasy expression caught my attention.

Adrian was too worried about Danielle, and didn't seem to notice.

“How is she? Will she be alright?

“The doctor coughed lightly before speaking.

“Her wounds are not severe. We’ve closed the cuts and are running some tests. She’ll need to stay here tonight for monitoring, but she will be okay.”

I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Just as I expected, the whole situation had been exaggerated.

The medical staff looked a little embarrassed by all the commotion, stretching out the process to hide how small the injury really was.

Adrian felt relieved and rushed after Danielle’s stretcher. He didn’t spare me a glance. I stood there watching him go, a deep ache growing in my heart.

The man I had loved for years didn’t even notice me anymore. I wanted to shout, but I kept silent, letting the sorrow sink in.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I went still when I saw who was calling. I ignored it and let it go to voicemail, my heart beating fast. When it rang a second time, I inhaled deeply and answered.

“My elder brother,” I murmured.

“It’s time for you to come home,” he said firmly. My chest clenched at the sound of his voice.

After three years without hearing from my family, his words shook me deeply. Tears filled my eyes, and I struggled to hold back a cry.

Okay,” I said.

I cast one last glance at the hallway where Adrian had disappeared with Danielle. It was time I chose myself.

With that final thought, I walked away.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Meanwhile, Adrian stayed close to Danielle until she finally regained consciousness.

“Where’s Elena?” Danielle asked weakly.

Adrian frowned. “She has nothing to do with this. Can’t you see that?”

Danielle exhaled . “I get it, but can you please talk to her? She hasn’t done anything bad.”

Adrian’s frustration grew. ‘Why are you still standing up for her? If she’s really innocent, why did she walk away after the accident?

His anger flared when he realized Elena had already left the hospital while he was taking care of Danielle.

To make things worse, his phone buzzed with new headlines and more harmful rumors about Danielle’s career spreading online.

Adrian clenched his fists. He was certain Elena was behind it all.

Danielle gazed at him, speaking gently. “Even if she's responsible, I would forgive her. This is all my fault anyway. If I hadn’t returned to your life, none of this would have happened.”

Adrian shook his head, refusing to hear her out. “Stop defending her. She’s guilty, and that’s final.”

Danielle didn’t argue anymore, quietly satisfied. Adrian’s anger towards Elena only worked in her favor anyways so why bother?

Adrian’s expression eased. “Rest for now. The doctor said you should stay for monitoring. I’ll take care of everything. Your career won’t be affected by this, I promise.”

Danielle’s eyes shone with gratitude, but Adrian quickly averted his gaze. He mumbled something about business and exited the room.

As soon as he left, Danielle’s sweet expression disappeared. Her eyes turned fierce with anger. She needed to clear her name before anyone connected the scandals to her.

If Adrian discovered the truth, her carefully built mask would fall apart. And she wouldn't ever let that happen at all.

ELENA'S POV

Coming back to my childhood home after four years filled me with emotion.

The door I believed would never open to me again was right in front of me. I felt silly for ever thinking I wouldn’t come back.

I stopped at the entrance, wondering if I should go back. Before I could make up my mind, someone pushed me roughly from behind, forcing me in.

“What are you just standing there for? Do you know we’ve been waiting for you to return for four years? If my brother hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve pulled you home myself!” a voice I recognized said.

I turned around and saw Jacinta, my childhood best friend. We had always been inseparable, sharing every secret and dream.

She was the first person I told about my feelings for Adrian. But Jacinta had strongly disagreed, which caused a fight that involved our families.

I blamed her for revealing my secret, and for four long years, we hadn’t spoken, even though we still had our contacts. Seeing Jacinta now made me tear up.

I never believed we’d reconcile after all this time. Jacinta held my hand, tears welling up in her eyes. “Let’s go, Uncle and Martins have been waiting for you.

I couldn’t find the words, so I nodded and let Jacinta lead me into the house. When I stepped inside, my brother, Martins, and my dad, Calvin, were on the couch, waiting.

The sight of them made my lips tremble. My father stood up with a gentle smile on his face. I couldn’t hold back, I ran into his embrace with tears streaming down my face.

My dad had always looked out for me, always spoiling me and taking care of my every need. Now, I could see how much the years had worn him down, he looked older.

My heart hurt with guilt. I had caused them so much pain by leaving. Martins didn’t say a word, quietly watching the reunion unfold.

“Dad…” I cried, my father wrapping me in a tight embrace. When my tears finally dried, I turned to Martins, feeling uneasy.

“I’m sorry, Martins. I was so stubborn back then, but I’m home now. Forgive me.” I braced myself, thinking Martins would still be mad about our last fight, when he’d said he’d disown me if I married Adrian.

But surprisingly, he was the one who had called me back. Martin's smile warmly. “The important thing is that you’re back. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Relief flooded through me. No matter how far I had gone, my family welcomed me home with love. I knew now how foolish it had been to carry all my burdens alone for so long.

“I won’t ever leave again,” I promised.

Martins playfully ruffled my hair, just like when we were small. “It’s okay. Your second brother loves you. He’ll come around, even if he’s a bit angry. You just have to nudge him a little.”

I knew it. I had always been very close to my second brother, but our fight right before I left had been painful. The thought of seeing him now made me nervous.

Martins smiled warmly at me. ‘Whatever happens, you’ll always be our kid sis.” His words warmed my heart as I smiled softly.”

Later, I went to my old bedroom. Apart from a few new clothes and pieces of jewelry proof that my family still cared, the room looked just as I had left it.

Tears welled up in my eyes again. I couldn’t find the words to express how sorry I felt. My phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. I frowned when I saw Sophie’s name on the screen.

“Where are you? I heard you are divorcing my brother. And where’s the necklace he gave me? You criminal! I don’t care what excuse you have, stealing is illegal! If you don’t return it, I’m calling the police!”

I frowned, trying to recall the necklace Sophie was talking about. I couldn’t remember it. But her hostility didn’t surprise me.

When I was with Adrian, I had been generous to my in-laws, giving them expensive gifts. Now, it seemed like the perfect time to collect on those “gifts” and set things straight.

I had been far too kind before. It was time for that to stop. I ended the call without another word, shutting out Sophie’s sharp accusations.

Not wanting to deal with them anymore, I blocked all their numbers and switched to a new phone, cutting off every way they could reach me.

They had never tried to understand me, so it was time to break ties for good. I asked my brother to help me get divorced documents and then I signed them and sent a copy to Adrian's house.

My family fully backed my decision and helped me cut ties completely. To my surprise, Adrian signed the divorce papers and sent them back, releasing me from my misery.

After two days of rest, I started to feel my energy return.

When Jacinta saw the latest news about Adrian and Danielle, she was furious. “Why did you give up being our family heiress to live with that man? It’s so maddening!”

Though I felt satisfied seeing Adrian face public backlash, it still hurt to remember my own pain. “I was young and naive back then, but I understand now. Are you going to keep blaming me for my mistakes?” I responded.

Jacinta was surprised by how calmly I accepted it. She cleared her throat and tried to change the topic.

“Alright, since you admit your mistakes, I’ll drop it this time. But that bracelet Adrian is wearing, doesn’t it look familiar? Isn’t it from the family necklace Auntie gave you?”

I examined the photo and realized it was true. The bracelet came from my family’s valuable jewelry. I didn’t care about recovering the other gifts from my past, but this necklace was special.

My mother had left it for me, and Adrian had no right to show it off. The thought of that bracelet being near Danielle disgusted me.

“If you have time this afternoon, could you come with me to collect my belongings? I left a few valuable things there and I need to get them back.”

Jacinta was hesitant at first because she already had plans, but she quickly agreed when she realized there might be some drama to watch. “Sure, let’s go now.

I led the way in my sports car, and Jacinta drove behind me in hers. When we stopped in front of a luxury three-story townhouse,

Jacinta stared in shock. “Wait, you actually lived here the whole time? To many, the townhouse looked very luxurious, but to me it felt quite ordinary.

Jacinta couldn’t understand why I had chosen such a difficult life for someone who didn’t deserve it. But maybe that was the madness of love, a painful lesson she was glad she had never experienced.

Jacinta urged me to hurry, clearly annoyed by how dull the place looked. I wasn’t sure if Adrian was home, but I opened the door with my key and walked in.

Jane was relaxing on the sofa and let out a scream when she saw me unexpectedly.

“So the divorcee finally dares to show up!” Jane yelled. “My son told me you didn’t collect anything in the settlement. Are you here now to ask for your share? Not a single cent of his money will go to you.”

Ignoring Jane’s shouting I reached for the red gemstone necklace around her neck.

My movements were quick and precise, before she could even react, I unclasped it and took it from her. Jane’s eyes went wide with shock, and she stumbled back, her face frozen in disbelief.

This was a family heirloom my grandmother had specifically given to me. And I had given it to Jane as a sign of good will. But now, I was taking it back because she didn't deserve it.

I calmly dodged her desperate attempts to snatch it back while she fumed. “How dare you snatch from me, you worthless fool!” Jane shouted, her voice trembling with anger.

“You’ll never come here again! And don’t even think about making peace with my son!

Her words dripped with bitterness, but I stayed calm.

I turned and handed the necklace to Jacinta, who had been quietly watching everything. Jacinta took it and gently placed it into a silk-lined jewelry box she had brought along.

“This necklace,” I said , “was given to me as a wedding gift by my grandmother and I gave it to you because you asked me to lend it to you. I didn't bother taking it back then. Now I’m taking back what belongs to me. It’s clear that I was never truly welcomed or valued here, and I won’t pretend anymore.”

I stood my ground and spoke calmly. I was simply stating the truth and reclaiming what belonged to me. There was nothing to debate.

Jane’s face turned red with anger. “You gave those things to me!” she yelled.

“So now you want them back? That’s crazy! Once you give something away, it doesn’t belong to you anymore!” Jane refused to return anything.

Even though she never liked me , the gifts had boosted her reputation. The red gemstone necklace, in particular, had brought her a lot of attention over the years.

Jane was very concerned about what others thought of her. When people complimented the necklace, it made her feel proud. That’s why she became furious when I asked for it back.

I wasn’t surprised. I had endured their selfish behavior for years. But today, I was set on getting my belongings back.

They didn't deserve these things, and I wasn’t going to leave without getting what belonged to me.

“You ungrateful fool! I’ll make sure you regret ever being born," Jane hissed, tossing the necklace to me as she stormed away.

I couldn’t stop feeling pleased with myself for giving that witch a taste of her own medicine. I grabbed the rest of my things and then I walked out with Jane.

The next morning, just as I was about to eat breakfast, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find two police officers standing there. “Elena, you’re under arrest.”

I stared at the officers in disbelief. "On what charges?

“Theft and breaking and entering.” A single thought flashed through my mind. This was all Jane.