The air suddenly turned eerily silent, then came a cold sneer. Ronald's voice was low and tight, like he was forcing the words through clenched teeth.

"Isabella, don't come crying later."

I stayed calm. From the moment the idea formed in my head, I'd pictured this scene over and over.

Whatever he said, I was ready.

"Relax. I don't go back on decisions. Just sign the divorce papers, and let's pick a date. Today's Thursday..."

Before I could finish, the man just hung up.

"...Seriously?"

Unbelievable. That guy hangs up like it's his hobby.

I glanced at the time. Not like I had time to deal with divorce today anyway-had something way more important to do. Divorce could totally wait till tomorrow.

I got up, freshened up quickly, grabbed my keys, and sped off. Eventually, I parked by the roadside, watching rows of stores lined up closely. My heart was pounding hard.

It was blazing hot, typical of midsummer. Even with the AC running, the air felt suffocating inside the car.

After three whole hours, a guy and a girl finally showed up down the street, and my eyes lit up instantly.

They were here.

I waited until they entered a nearby café before getting out and following them in.

They sat across from each other, and I picked a not-so-obvious corner, quietly watching.

The girl wore a pink dress, her eyes shiny and full of life as she chatted animatedly.

The guy? Mr. Perfect on the surface-well-mannered, polite, every move seemed just right.

If I hadn't lived through all this once already, I'd never guess what he was about to do.

The girl got up and headed to the bathroom. Pretty soon after she left, Mr. Polite's smile dropped.

He kept glancing toward the bathroom while pulling out a tiny bottle from his pocket.

I clenched my fist, quickly took out my phone, aimed the camera at him.

He twisted the cap open, poured the clear liquid into the coffee with practiced ease, and even stirred it a bit. Like it was just sugar or something.

Then he shoved the bottle away like nothing happened and calmly waited.

She came back. He stood up to greet her all enthusiastically, even pushed her coffee gently towards her.

She smiled and nodded, just about to take a sip-

"Didn't you tell me never to drink something that's been left alone? Forgot already?"

I walked over with my phone in hand, voice casual and unhurried.

Both of them looked over. The moment our eyes met, the girl froze, biting her lip.

"Isabella? What the heck are you doing here?"

I looked at her beautiful face, and it just hurt. "Been a while, huh, Emma?"

Emma's tone had a bite to it. "Where's your Mr. Wright? Weren't you glued to him 24/7? What, finally bored enough to go out and play?"

I didn't snap back. Not even a little.

Emma's been my best friend since forever-honest, kind, and full of life.

Last year, we fell out badly. I was marrying Ronald, and she thought I was blinded by love. Said it'd be a mistake, that I'd just end up a pathetic pushover.

Looking back. she wasn't wrong. I even went pro at it-top-tier simping.

In my past life, I was too stubborn to listen. For some clueless guy, I threw away the best friend I had.

She passed away before we ever made up.The guy who ruined her life? That's him-sitting right across from her. Harry Johnson. Her coworker. In the last life, he drugged and assaulted her, then used nude photos and videos to blackmail her into staying with him. Over time, the pressure drove Emma Lewis to the edge. She developed severe depression and finally took her own life by jumping off a building. I still remember how messed up I was at her funeral-regret and guilt eating me alive.

Not this time. I'm not letting it happen.

I didn't hesitate to plop down beside Emma and wrapped an arm around her shoulder like I owned the place.

"Who does he think he is? I want to come out and chill-what's wrong with that?"

"But you, dude," I said, giving Harry a hard stare, "you're not even worth being called a person."

Harry's expression darkened instantly. "Excuse me, miss? Who even are you? And what gives you the right to come up here insulting people?"

I didn't bother playing nice. I let out a cold laugh. "You really don't know? After what you just did? Come on, you think no one sees through your little act?"

A flash of panic crossed his face, but he still tried to act cool.

"Emma, do you know her? Her mouth's out of control. If she doesn't start showing some respect, I'm seriously gonna get mad."

Emma's face changed. She looked at Harry, then back at me. Even after all this time, the trust between us hadn't gone away.

"Isabella, what happened just now?"

Silently, I pulled up the video on my phone and handed it over.

As Emma watched, her brows furrowed tighter and tighter, her face grim.

Harry noticed what I was doing and seemed to realize he was screwed. He shot up from his seat, trying to bolt. But before he could even get up all the way, Emma slapped him. Hard.

"You absolute scum! You tried to drug me?!"

Harry stood there dazed, then his face twisted in fury. He raised a hand to strike back-but before he could even get close, I whipped out some pepper spray and blasted him straight in the eyes.

"Touch Emma and you're done for!"

We caused enough commotion that the cafe staff and bystanders jumped in right away. They helped us pin Harry down and called the cops.

Even though the police showed up really fast, by the time they arrived, Harry looked like he'd been hit by a truck-bloody nose, busted lip, the whole deal.

After we finished giving statements, Emma and I went straight home.

As soon as we walked through the door, Emma wrapped me in a tight hug and started crying.

"I still can't believe it, Isabella. He looked so normal, but he was a monster. Thank god you showed up. If you hadn't... I don't even wanna think about it."

"It's over now," I said, gently rubbing her back. My own eyes brimmed with tears. Today, we rewrote her fate. She wasn't going to be another tragedy-not anymore.

Relief swept through me. I'd lost her once, but not again. And if I could save Emma's future... maybe I could save my own too.

Emma pulled back, our eyes meeting. We both seemed to remember that heated argument years ago-both red-faced and stubborn.

We burst out laughing.

She tugged me toward the couch, wiped away one of my tears. "So tell me, how have you been this past year?"

I shook my head honestly.

She looked instantly pissed. "Wait-what happened? Is Ronald being a jerk again?"

Before I could answer, she narrowed her eyes. "If you're just here after some couple's fight, don't even think about crashing with me. I'm not wasting my breath just for you to go running back again. I'm officially anti-simp from now on, got it?"

I chuckled despite myself. That's Emma-same in this life and the last. She can't stand anyone being a slave to love.

"My simp phase is over, I swear. In fact, Ronald and I are divorcing. Paperwork's already in the works."

Emma's jaw almost hit the floor.

"Wait, seriously? You're actually walking away from Ronald? But you always said you'd be obsessed with him forever just based on how good-looking he is!"

Ronald really was good-looking-as in, annoyingly so. Fair skin, sharp features, those deep, misty eyes made him look like he walked straight out of a moody indie film.

Back in my previous life, I did love him my whole damn life. Not even exaggerating.

I looked at Emma and said plainly, "People do dumb stuff when they're young. He's got someone he likes now-no point holding on."

Emma exploded, "Hold up, are you saying that jerk cheated on you?!"

I shook my head. "It's not really cheating. He liked her before we got married."

The truth was, I just found out too late. And from what I know, during the four years we were married, he didn't cross any lines. His so-called dream girl? She liked someone else. He might've chased her, but at least he didn't go full homewrecker. The last year? Well, we were constantly at each other's throats and I got sick. honestly, no clue what happened then.

Emma's face turned red with rage. "That makes it even worse! He's into someone else, still married you, and then spent the whole marriage acting like someone's backup dancer? What the hell! Classic simp behavior-disgusting."

I gave her a look. "."

She suddenly covered her mouth, those wide dark eyes bouncing to me. "I wasn't talking about you. Actually, you've finally woken up from the simp spell, haven't you?"

I smiled, gave her shoulder a playful nudge. "You're right to be mad. From now on, if someone's not important to me, I'm not gonna bother investing in them."

If someone doesn't love me, they'll leave eventually. The ones who do? They'll stay, maybe even come closer. So I'll just save my energy for the ones who matter. The rest? Whatever.

Emma reached out, ruffled my hair, sighing. "Good. But really, is that the only reason you're divorcing Ronald? Or is there more?"

I casually said I didn't love him anymore, and Emma scoffed. "You think I'm buying that, or that I've got a better shot at winning a million-dollar lottery today?"

I chuckled helplessly. But yeah, it was the truth.

"Not that I'm totally over it. I did love him for a long time. But now? Not gonna fall for him again."

Emma raised her brows. "You were only together a year. How's that a 'long time love'?"

That caught me off guard-I had nothing to say. Luckily, she didn't push it and just threw an arm around my shoulder.

"Doesn't matter. As long as you're finally out of that mess with Ronald, I'm happy.

"There are tons of guys out there. Pretty sure all of them are better than him. Plus, you've got me. I've got your back from now on."

She made me laugh again. "Okay, guess I'm depending on you to feed me now."

Emma suddenly turned serious. "So, what's your plan now?"

I thought about it. "Find a job. Build my career. Actually live my life."

Her whole face lit up with excitement.

"Finally! Took you long enough to stop wasting your talent."

"You used to top every class-left me and the rest of us in the dust. All the teachers thought you were gonna be some bigshot one day."

"And look at you, throwing yourself at Ronald like he was the only tree in the forest. Totally buried your potential. It still ticks me off. but hey, enough of that. I actually know someone hiring in your field. I'll take you to meet him tomorrow."

"Sounds good." I agreed happily. I didn't want Ronald's money anyway. Not like he'd give me any. Once we divorced, my income would be cut off, so getting a job fast was the smart move.

Emma and I kept chatting nonstop, catching up on the year we'd been apart. Eating, drinking, just like old times-neither of us wanted to go to sleep.

We only wrapped it up because of the meeting tomorrow. Just before we went back to our rooms, Emma suddenly asked softly, "Isabella, do you still talk to Jordan?"

The second she said his name, I flinched. My chest tightened like someone had stuffed it full of cotton.

Jordan. a name I hadn't heard in a very, very long time.Emma let out a sigh. "If it hadn't been for him back then, you wouldn't have ended up marrying Ronald, and maybe you wouldn't have been so miserable. If he finds out you're getting divorced."

She trailed off before finishing, and I didn't pick up the thread, just sat there in silence.

Emma quickly realized she'd touched a nerve and immediately changed the subject, then left the room to go to bed.

I headed back to my room too, but couldn't sleep at all. Ended up lying awake till dawn. Just as I dozed off, my phone rang like crazy and jolted me awake.

I clenched my jaw, not even glancing at the screen before answering. "Who the hell's calling this early?!"

A low voice came through the receiver, tense and rushed. "Isabella, where are you?"

Ronald?

My sleepy brain snapped awake instantly. One glance at the clock-5:30 AM-and I was burning.

"Ronald, have you completely lost it? What's so damn urgent so early in the morning?"

There was a pause. Then he said, "I had this dream. you were hurting yourself. And then. you died. It was awful."

Wow. My fists tightened. "What, have you been wishing I'd drop dead so often that it's messing with your dreams now? And even if I really died, what-are you gonna revive me with a phone call?"

Back in my past life, when I was in the hospital needing emergency surgery, yeah, I had to call him to come sign off on it.

But now? I was fine-healthy. His words just sounded like a cruel joke.

Maybe even Ronald realized how ridiculous it was because he didn't pursue it further.

"Where's the medicine kept? And which kettle heats water?"

Ha. Typical. That jerk just wanted to order me around again like I'm his live-in maid.

Honestly, I was beginning to suspect that whole dream story was fake. Probably just an excuse to get me to find stuff for him.

I kept quiet, ready to hang up, but then he said softly, "Isabella, my stomach's killing me."

My eyebrows furrowed. His voice did sound a little off. and against my better judgment, I felt a flicker of concern.

"The meds are on the second shelf from the bottom, third drawer, in the study. Kettle's in the kitchen cabinet. Take two pills, and don't overdo it."

"Got it," he replied, and I could hear him rummaging through drawers.

Then it hit me-what the hell was I doing? Instinctively, I slapped myself. Why was I still helping him out?

"Ronald, we're practically divorced. From today onward, we're done. Don't come to me with this stuff anymore. In fact, you woke me up just now-you owe me compensation for mental distress."

I could hear a dry chuckle on the other end. His tone was icy. "Compensation?"

I snorted. "Of course. Ever since I married you, you've been getting all the perks, while I've just been bleeding time and energy.

"I gave you the best years of my life. Don't you think you owe me something for that?"

He sounded even more sarcastic. "Wow, sounds like someone's head-over-heels for money now."

I flashed a proud smile. "Absolutely. Money doesn't betray. It doesn't give you attitude or random stomach issues. Unlike you-fussy, picky, germaphobe, emotionally constipated. Oh, and can't even hold it together in bed. Tsk."

In my past life, I gave up everything to be a full-time housewife. And in the end? Lost it all. Came out with nothing.

This time around, at least I'm keeping my assets.

Ronald hissed, "Isabella!"

He was about to blow up, I could hear it. But I didn't let him. Hung up right then and there, rolled over, and closed my eyes.

Not even a minute later, my phone lit up again. Ronald's name.

Without hesitation, I hung up again. Felt amazing.

He used to hang up on me all the time in the past. Didn't think the day would come when I'd be doing the same to him.

From now on, I'm done tiptoeing around this so-called relationship. No more worrying if he's upset, bored, or mad.

Starting today, I won't be anyone's wife, anyone's daughter-in-law.

Just me. Living for myself. And totally, unapologetically happy.

I closed my eyes again, and somehow my mind drifted back to figuring out why Ronald's stomach's been acting up lately.

Ronald's always been a workaholic. Even before we got married, he'd skip meals for the sake of work, and that's basically how he ended up with his chronic stomach issues.

After we got married, I felt bad seeing him like that, so I threw myself into learning how to cook just so he'd eat properly. Over time, he actually started enjoying meals-and his stomach problems pretty much disappeared.

Now look at him-without me, his stomach's acting up again. Sigh. No luck at all, that man.

But then again, isn't his perfect little "first love" a doctor? If he's really that miserable, he can just go whine to her and fake some poor-me act for sympathy.

Whatever. None of my business anymore. I'll wrap things up tomorrow and push him for the divorce papers. The sooner the better.

Early next morning, Emma was already up and getting ready to go. She shouted as she rushed out, "Something urgent came up at work-I've gotta head over right now."

"I already sent you the address of the partner company on WhatsApp. You drive over yourself, okay? To make it up to you for ditching-dinner's on me tonight!"

Half-asleep, I mumbled, "Mmm... sure."

I didn't actually crawl out of bed until the sun was high and bright.

After brushing up and getting dressed, I put on some light makeup.

The mirror showed a woman with soft doe eyes and elegant features. The slight upward curve of her lips gave her a touch of charm. With a red maxi dress and a few carefully chosen accessories, she looked polished, radiant, full of life.

Honestly, I'm not bad-looking. Just... a little too sultry. Not the sweet, innocent type like Ronald's so-called true love. You know, the kind you'd think of as a first love.

I gave my hair a quick twirl with my finger and slapped on some bold red lipstick. Yeah, more fox-like than ever now.

I headed downstairs for a quick breakfast and then hit the road, driving to the place Emma had sent me.

Something about the address felt familiar, but I couldn't pin down why.

"You have arrived. Your destination is on the right," the GPS announced.

I turned to look.

There stood this luxurious, towering office building. After grabbing my bag, I got out of the car and walked in. I took the elevator straight up to the 33rd floor.

The whole place was bright and spacious, with an expensive-looking interior. The 33rd floor especially screamed wealth and status. I walked over to the front desk, and the receptionist introduced me to a woman in business attire with her hair in a neat bun-apparently, this company's senior secretary.

She was on the phone at the moment. "Don't worry, Mr. Perry. I know how long you've been looking for her. If she shows up, I'll let you know right away. Got it."

Once she hung up, I handed her my resume.

"Hi. I'm here for an interview."

She didn't even glance at me, just started flipping through the pages, all focused and professional.

And then, her expression changed. She stared at me like she'd seen a ghost. "Wait. You're Reverie? The designer behind the Dreaming Butterfly collection?"

Not gonna lie-I felt a bit awkward. Reverie and Dreaming Butterfly were names I randomly came up with back in high school. Super over-the-top, super cringey. Hearing that now made me want to shrink into myself.

"Yeah. that's me."

Her eyes went wide as she slapped one hand over her mouth in pure excitement, rushing to shake mine.

"Oh my god-you broke into the scene in high school, peaked during college with Dreaming Butterfly. You're the top designer Reverie! I can't believe it's really you!"

"Our managers have been searching for you for ages. Someone mentioned you might drop by today, but we honestly weren't sure. And now-wow, you're actually here!"

She was way too enthusiastic, gripping my hand so tightly it actually hurt. I forced a smile while gently pulling my hand back.

"A friend set this meeting up for me."

The secretary kept chattering like she didn't hear a word I said. "Miss Carter, I seriously love your work! But how come you stopped designing? It's been over a year with zero updates-I thought you quit the industry or something!"

I replied honestly, "I had to take a break for personal reasons, but I plan to get back to designing soon. By the way, when's your manager arriving? When does the interview start?"

It was only after I reminded her that she snapped back to business mode. "Oh right, sorry! Give me a sec, I'll call now. Our boss even talked to Mr. Wright earlier today-they're both coming to meet you!"

She dialed while talking.

Mr. Wright?

That name instantly gave me a bad feeling. After she hung up, I asked, "Who's your boss, again?"

Still smiling, she said cheerfully, "You didn't see? It's Nicholas Perry. They're almost here, just give it a minute."

Nicholas!

My face changed in an instant.

That's Ronald's best friend-young master of the Perry Group. Those two are basically attached at the hip. Super tight, childhood buddies.

Unlike Ronald's serious and deep kind of vibe, Nicholas was your classic spoiled rich guy-big into partying. Most of his businesses were in entertainment-clubs, events, all that wild stuff.

He's had. what, hundreds of girlfriends? At least.

Then it hit me why this place felt familiar. Ronald had mentioned once he invested in Nicholas's company. I came here to drop off lunch once or twice, but it was rare, so I didn't remember it clearly.

Truth be told, I never liked hanging out with guys like Nicholas, so we rarely crossed paths.

The secretary still wanted to chat, but I cut her off fast.

"Sorry, I just remembered I have something urgent to take care of. Let's talk another time."

I got up and made a beeline for the exit. She tried to stop me, but I ignored her-I was just hoping to get out before they showed up. But just as the elevator opened, boom-I ran straight into two tall, ridiculously good-looking men.

One was in a sharp black suit, white shirt, and brown tie, that familiar handsome face giving nothing away as he walked in.

Ronald.

Standing next to him was another stunner, but the vibes couldn't be more different-he wore a casual trench coat, had those confident brows, and a playful, almost smug grin.

Seeing me, Ronald's eyes flickered with surprise. "Isabella? You're here?"

Nicholas laughed out loud, "Whoa, look who it is. Didn't expect to see you here, Isabella! How come no heads-up?"

Yeah, I wasn't about to start anything with them. I didn't even look back-just brushed past, heading straight for the elevator.

"Isabella, stop." Ronald's voice behind me was cold as ice, but I didn't slow down.

He must've been pissed. In two steps, he was right beside me, grabbing my wrist tightly.

I had to stop. Turning back, I met his sharp gaze and clenched jaw.

"I told you to stop. Didn't you hear me?"

I tried to yank my hand back, but he didn't budge. "Yeah, I heard. So what? Doesn't mean I have to do what you want. Let go."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nicholas raise a brow with amusement and smirk.

"Ronald, damn man, what'd you mess up this time? She's actually ignoring you? That's a first."

Ronald shot him a cold glare, and Nicholas quickly zipped it, raising his hands in pretend surrender, grin widening.

Then Ronald's eyes locked back onto me, dark and unreadable, like a black hole pulling everything in.

"Still playing games? How long are you planning to keep this up?"