I was stunned, totally in disbelief. "Ronald, seriously? You still think I'm just making a fuss?"

I've told him over and over, signed the divorce papers even, and he still thinks I'm just being dramatic?

Ronald stood tall and stiff, but he leaned down slightly towards me, his voice low. "Isabella, playing hard to get might be cute the first time. Do it twice, three times, and it just gets old.

"If you're done throwing a tantrum, come home. Don't push it and test my patience."

I stared at his dark expression, then suddenly chuckled in disbelief. "Ronald, can you stop acting like the world revolves around you? You're not the sun, okay? I won't drop dead without you.

"I'm gonna say it one last time-I want a divorce. I'm not joking."

His face went cold, a sharp chill in his blue eyes.

"You're just after money, aren't you? How much this time? Name your price. I don't have time to keep playing this game with you. And don't embarrass me in public."

My face went pale. That slap of humiliation hit hard-and I'd felt it before. In that past life, he'd always looked down on me like a king looking at a servant, crushing my dignity underfoot.

Something snapped. I shoved him hard. "I said I don't want your damn money! Ronald, stop thinking the whole world runs by your logic. Haven't you seen the divorce agreement? There's not a single word in there about splitting assets!"

Maybe he didn't expect that, because he actually stumbled back a couple steps. His face was so dark it looked like it'd start storming any second. Nicholas gave a snort-laugh on the side.

"Well damn, Ron. Never thought I'd see the day you got rejected. And arguing too-by a woman, no less. Shocking stuff."

Ronald shot him a glare that could kill, and Nicholas quickly shut up. But then he looked at me with a grin and a thumbs-up.

"Isabella, you've got it going on now. You used to spoil Ron too much-always the sweet, obedient one. No boundaries. But now? You've flipped the script. Showing your temper's good. Makes him realize you're not someone he can just push around. Look, he's actually behaving."

Ronald and I snapped in unison, "Shut up!"

Nicholas just smirked, rubbing his cheek with his tongue like it was no big deal.

"Alright, alright, I'll zip it. Just one last thing though-Ron's basically emotionally blind. Dude's so used to being chased, he's clueless when it comes to chasing others.

"Don't stay mad at him, okay? His stomach's acting up again. When I saw him this morning, he looked like he'd pass out. Wouldn't eat anything, still hurting I bet. And he only eats your cooking."

Before he could finish, Ronald shot him another deadly glare. "Nicholas, say one more word and you'll regret it."

That finally shut him up for real. Nicholas even dragged his assistant with him and backed away quickly.

Honestly, I was shocked. Ronald didn't go run straight to his precious first love? This was the perfect drama moment and he didn't take the chance?

I was still trying to wrap my head around that when he suddenly spoke again, his voice low and icy.

"Isabella, in this whole year of marriage, everything you've worn, your makeup, your bags, your jewelry-every single piece, I bought them.

"You're the clingy type that can't survive without a man. Just admit you want money and quit playing tricks. Using a divorce as cover? Not very clever.

"Move back home tonight. And all the stuff you took? Put it back. Otherwise, don't bother coming back ever."

His dark, sharp eyes locked onto me, like he was dead sure I was just playing hard to get, pretending to be mad so I'd cave for the money and come crawling back.

My chest rose and fell with anger, and I couldn't help but let out a laugh. There was a sting behind that laugh-bitterness mixed with helplessness.

Back in my last life, before the divorce, he did splurge on me quite a bit. Whatever I asked for, he'd buy it without blinking. But I wasn't some greedy gold digger-I just wanted a few meaningful gifts on special days to mark our life together.

I used to give him gifts too. He never took them. So later on, I'd cook instead. He gave me a gift, I cooked him a feast. I thought that was our little couple thing-but turns out, he saw it as me trying to milk him for cash.

Looking back, maybe even his gifts were just a way to keep me quiet, like tossing a bone to a dog. Nothing genuine.

Even with all the time that's passed, the memory still stings. My jaw clenched tight.

"Ronald, you better hear me loud and clear-your so-called money means nothing to me! If I hadn't married you and become a freaking housewife, I wouldn't have had to come begging in the first place!

"We both clearly can't stand each other, so let's cut the crap. I'm done playing the quiet wife. Just give me the damn divorce. I swear, from now on, we're strangers. Like, forever!

"Even if I end up broke and starving someday, don't think for a second I'll come looking to you for a dime."

With every word I threw at him, Ronald's face got darker and darker. His hands, hanging by his sides, were clenching so hard his knuckles popped.

I started yanking off every accessory he gave me, slipping off my jacket and kicking off my heels, dumping them all right there in front of him.

Ronald's face turned thunderous. "What the hell are you doing?"

I looked up at him, expression cold and dripping with sarcasm.

"You bought these, right? Take 'em back. Everything I took with me when I left-if it's yours, it's staying here.

"Honestly, I was being nice, packing up my stuff so your new girl could move in clean. But now you want me to give everything back and put it all back in place? Wow, and here I thought I'd seen cheap. You've broken the record.

"You're unbelievable, Ronald. No wonder no woman wants you. Marrying you was the worst life decision I've ever made!"

Ronald looked like he was about to explode, his face dark like a storm cloud. Rarely have I seen him this pissed.

Burning with rage, I jabbed the elevator button. Couldn't even storm out properly-how annoying was that?

For once, Ronald didn't chase after me. He just turned and left in the other direction.

Yeah, he was mad, all right. I hit a nerve. He tried so hard for his precious first love, now I flat-out told him he's got no game. Bet that burned.

Behind me, Nicholas chimed in with that annoying mock-dramatic tone, clearly enjoying the drama. "Damn, you've got fire! I've never seen Ronald lose it like that. Respect. I like the vibe. Feel free to drop by anytime."

"If you're really getting divorced, maybe think about me. Rich, handsome. I'm not exactly a downgrade."

As if.

I turned and shot him a glare. This player was just like Ronald-couldn't be trusted.

Then I noticed the secretary-who'd been standing there silently this whole time-leaning in and whispering something in Nicholas's ear. He suddenly looked up at me, eyes wide with surprise.

Great. He must've overheard Ronald calling me a clinger earlier and now figured out I was here to interview for the chief designer spot.

So yeah, I'm job hunting... right in Ronald's buddy's company. Perfect.

And after all that drama? God. Could things get any messier?

Luckily, the elevator doors opened just in time. I rushed in and frantically hit the close button, desperate to get out of there.

With things blowing up like that, there was no way I was driving the car he gave me. Once outside, I tossed the keys onto the hood and flagged down a cab.

"Where to?" the driver asked casually.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Gracehill Cemetery."

The car sped through the city. Just as we pulled up at the cemetery entrance, my phone rang. My expression instantly turned cold.

"Dad?"

A deep male voice came through the speaker, full of energy.

"Isabella, it's been a while since you came home. Since you're free today, why not swing by? Let's have a little family get-together. I also have something to discuss with you."

I pressed my lips together, already used to my father's routines. After a moment of hesitation, I agreed.

"Okay."

After getting out of the cab, I walked barefoot past rows of graves, each one still and silent, until I stopped at one particular headstone.

I looked at the headstone, zoning out for a moment, then gave a faint smile. "Mom, I came to see you."

I sat down in front of the grave, brushing the dust from the carved letters. Her name was still so familiar. My eyes stung.

"Sorry I took so long to come. Are you mad at me?" I whispered. "Please don't be. I promise I'll visit more often now."

"I'm so sorry, Mom. I should've listened to you. Marrying Ronald was such a mistake. I regret it so much, more than I can even say..." My voice cracked as I choked out the words. "I messed up, Mom. I really did."

A year ago, when I agreed to marry into the Wright family for a business alliance, Mom was the only one who said no.

She tried everything to stop me, begging me not to marry a man who didn't love me. She said a woman would never find happiness living like that-all that waited ahead was a lifetime of pain.

She told me she'd given everything to raise me, that all she wanted was for me to live a safe, happy life. She warned me not to end up like her.

But I was stubborn. Love clouded my judgment, and I threw all her warnings aside, convinced I'd be happy-only to fall hard on my face.

Now I get it. Being with a man who doesn't love you? Yeah, that's living hell.

I poured my heart out to her, all the pain and confusion from this life and the last. It felt like a huge weight lifted from my chest. But just as I started to feel more at ease, a sudden sound behind me made me turn around in alarm.

A man in a wheelchair sat not far off, silently watching.

He wore a casual shirt. His skin had the roughness of someone who's seen tough days, and a faint stubble shadowed his face, but his features were still striking-he had that rugged, mature kind of charm.

But his eyes... his eyes were tired, like someone who'd been through a lot. And now, they were locked on me, red-rimmed and intense.

As soon as I saw his face clearly, I froze, completely stunned.

That evening, I went back to my father's house. The table was already set, and the smell of food filled the air. When I looked up, I saw three people happily chatting around the table.

There was my dad, Thomas Carter-heavyset, grinning from ear to ear. On his left sat Olivia Harrison, my mom's sister, dressed to impress with her designer outfit and sparkly jewelry. And on his right, a petite girl with delicate features in a short skirt-Sophia.

Together, they looked like the perfect little happy family, chatting away without a care.

The moment Thomas spotted me, he waved me over enthusiastically.

"Isabella! You're finally here. Why are you just standing there? Your aunt and cousin came all this way to see you. Come on, join us-we were just about to eat."

"Oh dear, miss, where are your shoes? Did you hurt your foot?" The housekeeper, Sarah Wilson, hurried over and flung open the shoe cabinet. "Hold on, I'll get you a pair of slippers."

I gave a bitter smile. Even Sarah noticed I was barefoot and asked if I was okay.

But my dad? He was too busy pouring someone a drink.

It wasn't until Sarah spoke up that anyone realized something was off.

Sophia's eyes went wide the moment she turned to look, and then she let out a half-laugh, sounding way too amused.

"Oh wow, what happened to you? Not even a piece of jewelry? And now no shoes? You're looking a bit too... tragic today.

"Seriously, you look like someone who just got tossed out of their own home.

"Don't tell me you and Ronnie fought again? Isa, let me give you a little advice-being able to marry into the Wright family is a huge win. Try not to act all spoiled, okay? Just... suck it up."

Last time around, I put up with all this for the sake of "family." Not anymore.

I walked over calmly and took a seat, my tone icy. "Ronald's my husband. Maybe stop acting like he's yours.

"And trying to step into my shoes, Sophia? Don't you think it's a bit much? Or are you trying to take my place?"

That hit her like a slap. Sophia's smile froze, and then her eyes got all red like she was about to cry. She turned to complain like a poor little victim.

"Uncle Thomas, how could she say that about me? I only said it for her own good. If someone else hears this, it'll ruin my reputation."

My dad's face darkened instantly, and my aunt Olivia-who definitely isn't as sweet as she pretends to be-stood up like she was gonna play peacekeeper.

"Come on, Sophia, even if Bella messed up and Ronald kicked her out, you shouldn't rub it in. You two are cousins. Act like it. Say sorry to her."

She said it while sneaking glances at my dad, clearly stirring the pot instead of actually trying to smooth things over.

I just watched coldly, a mocking smile tugging at my lips.

Back then, I was too blind to see through her act. Took me years to find out Sophia wasn't my cousin-she was my half-sister. And that aunt of mine? A homewrecker who waltzed right in and stole my mom's place in our family.

My mother, in their eyes, was nothing but a joke. I was so furious, I used Ronald during our messy fights to drain my father's company dry, and ended up ruining it completely.

After the collapse, that heartless mother-daughter duo vanished into thin air without a second thought.

I didn't have the means to deal with them in my last life. But this time? I'm not letting them get away.

Of course Sophia refused to say sorry. "She insulted me, and now I have to apologize?"

Thomas slammed his fork down and stared at me with frustration.

"You're the older one. That's how you talk to your little cousin? Didn't you learn anything at school?"

Sophia gave a smug little snort and smirked at me like she'd just won.

I didn't respond. Deep down, I knew I was always the outsider in this house.

Thomas's glare went colder. "So? Did you really fight with Ronald?"

"Nope," I replied casually while picking up a piece of fish.

He instantly relaxed like he'd just let out a breath he'd been holding. Even the flab on his cheeks seemed to jiggle in relief.

"Your aunt and Sophia are right, you know. With what we've got here, marrying into the Wright family was a stroke of luck. You better appreciate it.

"Where we are now? All thanks to Ronald giving us face.

"You'd better stop acting spoiled. Make him happy, keep him on your side-whatever you want will come easy then.

"Right now, the company's got a deal stuck 'cause we're short on cash. You've got to sweet-talk him into covering it, got it?

Same old story. Always the same.

He worked so hard to marry me into the Wright family just to latch onto their power. Since the day I got married, every single time he calls me back home, it's always for this kind of crap.

In both lifetimes, I've just been his means to an end. All I've ever heard from him is "keep Ronald happy" so he can suck a little more benefit from our connection.

Never once cared how I was doing. And I, like an idiot, kept helping out just for a sliver of so-called family love. Truth be told, Ronald was right-I've been living like a parasite that can't survive without him.

I forced down my emotions, picked up a piece of fish, and looked up with a mocking glint in my eyes. My voice was calm, "He doesn't owe us anything. And I'm not planning on owing him either. If you want an investment, ask him yourself."

First time I ever defied him like that. Everyone looked stunned like they couldn't believe that the usual pushover me had finally snapped.

Thomas's pride took a real hit. He slammed his fork down, glaring and shouting, "Isabella! How did I raise such an ungrateful daughter?

"I'm still able to provide for myself and this is how you treat me? When I get old, who knows what you'll do to me!

"Let me tell you-no matter what, I'm your father! You married well, and now I ask you for a bit of help and you act like it's a crime? This isn't optional! You're doing it, period!"

Olivia grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down, then turned to me with her usual fake warmth. "Isabella, sweetheart, you're still part of the Carter family, right? Your family's your backup. If we're doing well, that only strengthens your position as Mrs. Wright, right?

"It's not a big favor-just mention this to Ronald, get us a little bit of support. If your dad's business gets running smoothly, everyone wins, don't you think?"

I gave a cold smile. Sure, it's great for them-if I throw myself under the bus.

I didn't blow up just yet. Let him gloat a little longer. One day, he'll watch everything he built collapse, lose every ally he's got, and regret it all on his knees.

"Open the business if you want, but we'll talk about everything else when the time comes."

That was enough to make Thomas's face ease a bit. "Now that's more like it. While you're at it, talk to Ronald about getting Sophia a job at his company."

Hearing that, Sophia's entire attitude changed. She looked at me like I was her last hope. "Isa, don't let him overwork me, okay? Also, the pay's gotta be decent. You have to help me out with this."

Bang. I dropped my fork onto the table and said in a flat, cold voice, "And why should I?"

Sophia stiffened, completely shocked, like she didn't even recognize me anymore.

Even Olivia was caught off guard, then quickly recovered with a laugh, "Come on, Isabella, you're her cousin and Ronald's wife. Sophia just graduated. If she starts from the bottom in another company, she's gonna be running coffee and making copies all day!"

"You know how spoiled she is. She can't handle that kind of hard life. I know it's nothing for you to arrange a little job. I'm thanking you in advance, okay?"

I raised a hand, cutting her off. "Whoa, hold on. I didn't agree to anything yet-save your thanks."

"Every time I'm back here, it's something. One minute it's about money, the next it's a job. Feels like every meal is just an ambush."

Thomas's face went dark fast. He slammed his hand on the table. "Watch your tone, who do you think you're talking to-?"

I cut him off outright, scoffing coldly.

"Before now, when you needed something and I could help, I helped. But from now on, if anyone wants anything from Ronald, they can go ask him face to face. I'm out of it.

"Dad, seriously? You do realize favors like this aren't easy to repay, right? Making me deal with this kind of stuff all the time-what if someone gets annoyed and suddenly says they want a divorce? Then everyone's screwed. Think it through."

The room instantly went quiet. Thomas's face turned darker by the second, and I could feel his eyes stabbing into me, but he didn't say another word.

"Okay, okay, let's just eat. The food's getting cold," he said to break the ice.

Sophia and her mom shared a glance, their jaws clenched so tight I could hear the grinding. But they said nothing either.

I gave them a quick look and let out a dry laugh, picking up my fork again. Out of everyone at that table, I was the only one eating like I was actually enjoying the meal.

Healthy body, good appetite, right?

Once we were done, I headed upstairs to look for a pair of shoes.

Just as I reached the stairs, I heard Olivia whispering to Thomas, "Don't you think Isabella's acting. different lately? Like she's a whole other person."

I didn't respond and kept walking. Reaching my room, I realized almost all my stuff was gone.

Face calm, I searched around for a while before finally digging out a shoe box deep in the closet.

Thankfully, there was still a pair of canvas sneakers. I slipped them on, ready to head out.

But as soon as I turned around, there she was-Sophia-standing at the door, eyes full of smug disdain.

I tried to ignore her, but she blocked the doorway, chin slightly raised, attitude screaming provocation.

"You need something?" I asked flatly.

"Oh yeah, I'm just here to check on how you're doing." Her tone was syrupy sweet and deliberately slow.

"Those two tiny requests earlier-are you really saying they're a big deal? Sounds like your life in the Wright family isn't all sunshine and roses. Ronald doesn't spoil you or something?"

"Or." she tilted her head, "is it that you just don't want me in the company?"

I stared at her. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm just wondering." She smiled like she had the upper hand. "Are you scared that Ronald might like me better? I mean, I'm younger and prettier than you."

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh at her smug little act.

In Ronald's world, there's only that one woman he's always been obsessed with. Where did Sophia get the confidence to think she had any shot?

"How about this," I suggested. "Why don't you just call Ronald yourself? If he says yes, I won't stop you."

She agreed immediately.

I dialed Ronald. He picked up pretty fast, and I put the phone on speaker.

"Hello." That deep, distant voice came through.

Sophia snatched the phone like it was gold and squeaked, "Ronnie, it's me, Sophia~"

He paused, then asked, "Where's Isabella?"

I raised a brow, not sure what he was thinking.

"She's right here," Sophia said quickly. "I'm the one who wanted to talk to you. Just a little something I wanted to bring up."

"What is it?" Ronald asked, voice still cold.

Sophia licked her lips and turned on her sugary charm.

"I just graduated college, and I was thinking. it'd be amazing to work at your company. You're always so kind, I figured there's no way you'd say no, right? But Isabella's kinda against it. Thinks I might steal your attention or something, since I'm younger and, well. you know."

"Mm." Ronald's reply was short and icy.

Sophia lit up like she'd won the lottery, thinking he was on board.

Then came the slap in the face.

"I don't run a daycare, and I definitely don't need people who think too highly of themselves."

Sophia's face froze. "Ronnie, I-"

The corner of my mouth twitched upward, holding back a full-on grin. Ronald's voice came again, even colder than before.

"Who told you it was okay to call me that? Have you no sense of decency? Is this how your family raised you?"

"You're not even half as attractive as Isabella. No brains, no skills. What's she supposed to be afraid of? That you'll lose your mind?"

Sophia's hand trembled as she held the phone, her face pale as a ghost.

I couldn't hold back anymore-I actually laughed. Then Ronald added, "Isabella, I know you're there. Take the phone."