Victoria froze mid-step, fingers curling slightly as she struggled to stay upright. Even her breathing was all over the place, but she forced herself to pull it together.

Then she heard Theodore speak again. "Have you hated me all this time for dragging you away from Elijah?"

Under the dim light, his indifferent gaze was fixed on her back.

She really didn't hide it well. The second he said Elijah's name, her body gave a visible jolt.

Heh. Theodore let out a quiet, cold chuckle. Just a name, and she still reacts like this?

Victoria didn't dare turn around-afraid he'd see the tears that were already streaming down her face.

"Yeah. I've always hated you."

Back in her room, Victoria curled up tightly in the comforter, hugging her trembling body like it was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

She reached up and touched the necklace at her neck. The shaking only got worse.

Elijah's voice echoed in her mind again. "Vicky, when I'm gone... have my ashes made into a necklace. One day, give it to Grace."

Her nose burned, and her delicate fingers kept brushing away tears as she whispered, barely audible, "Elijah, once I find Grace, I promise I'll give it to her. You can rest now."

Grace was Theodore's sister and had already gone missing.

...

Victoria didn't waste any time. The next day, she asked for leave from the station. While Theodore was at work, she packed up all her belongings, left the signed papers behind, and left.

She didn't dare drag this out-she was afraid she'd just get in deeper.

Pulling a small suitcase behind her, Victoria returned to the place Elijah had left her. After moving in with Theodore, the place had been empty.

She never thought she'd end up back here-tying on an apron, filling a bucket with water, and starting to clean up like it was her first day all over again.

In the afternoon, just as she sat down to catch her breath, her phone rang.

It was Old Mrs. Chambers.

Victoria hesitated for just a second before picking it up, her voice softening slightly. "Grandma, what's wrong?"

"Vicky, I'm not feeling well at all. I honestly don't think I have much time left. I need to make an announcement. You and Theo-come to the hospital now."

Victoria's brows knitted together. They were already divorced-did it still make sense for them to show up together?

"Vicky?"

More coughing came through the line, rough and sharp.

Her heart tightened. Worried for Grandma's health, she didn't think too much and just said yes.

Right after hanging up, she got a text from Theodore.

[Come.]

One simple words-cold and sharp, just like him.

Victoria blinked in surprise, walked to the balcony window, and looked out. A black Bugatti was parked on the street.

How did he know she was here?

Did he investigate everything about her after the divorce?

Frowning, she grabbed a denim jacket and let her hair fall down to cover the faint, lingering signs of last night on her skin.

Downstairs, she approached the car and tapped on the window. It slid down, revealing Theodore, his eyes fixed on her.

Victoria was wearing a light floral dress that went just past her knees. The fabric was soft and flowy, and with her figure, even simple clothes made her look effortlessly stunning.

But her face was pale-so pale it made people want to shield her from the world.

"Get in."

He kindly opened the passenger door for her.

"Thanks."

Despite how intimately tangled they were just last night, now every move between them felt awkward and distant.

Victoria leaned in to get in the car, and as she turned her head, the curve of her neck and the faint marks on her shoulder caught the light.

Theodore's fingers tensed slightly-images from the night before started flashing through his mind. Her boldness, his crazed desire... The thought of it all made his chest inexplicably warm. He forced himself to look away, trying to tamp it down.

Silence filled the car as it moved steadily down the road.

"Grandma's health isn't great. Once we're at the hospital, don't mention the divorce. If we need to, just play along."

"I've already signed the divorce papers. You can pick them up when you have time."

"Okay."

And just like that, they both lapsed into silence again.

His phone rang. Theodore glanced at the screen, tapped to answer with his long fingers.

A sweet, girlish voice came through the receiver.

"Theo, can I see you tonight? I miss you so much."

"I'm stopping by the hospital for Grandma tonight. Might not work."

His voice, usually distant, carried a rare hint of tenderness now.

For some reason, Victoria let out a faint smile.

So Theodore knew how to be soft. He just saved all that gentleness for Isabella Waters. Nothing left for anyone else.

She turned to face the window, caught a glimpse of her reddened eyes and his sharp profile in the reflection.

She blinked quickly, brushing off the tears. Swallowed everything.

"I'll come pick you up after I visit Grandma."

He ended the call.

Victoria leaned against her hand, pretending to nap. Inside, it felt like a tsunami, but she stayed frozen, as if none of it mattered.

Then, all of a sudden, a coat was draped over her.

She opened her eyes. Theodore's oversized coat was resting on her. She shot him a confused look.

"Sleep. I'll wake you when we're there."

His voice was detached but polite-flawlessly courteous, yet far away.

Her heart skipped a beat. Her fingers tightened around the coat. This kind of kindness only made things worse.

At St. Augustine Hospital's exclusive VIP ward, every single member of the Chambers family had shown up.

Old Mrs. Chambers was still asleep, and no one dared disturb her.

Theodore's parents stood up front. The others waited quietly to the side.

Among them was a woman with a striking figure, sunglasses hiding her eyes, pale oval face framed by brown curls-a serious head-turner.

It was none other than superstar actress Isabella Waters.

As soon as she ended the call, she rushed to the hospital hoping to surprise Theodore.

She hadn't expected he'd show up with Victoria.

When their eyes met, it felt like Victoria's heart got slashed open. She quickly looked away, avoiding Isabella's gaze.

It's hard to rise when your heart has never been held.

Davina Chambers spotted Victoria and instantly stiffened. She stormed over, and before anyone could react-smack. A hard slap to the face.

"Because of you, Grace is gone! You ruined everything-and you still dare come here?!" Her voice was low but full of venom. Rage burned in her eyes.

Isabella's heart dropped. From the corner of her eye, she saw Theodore's expression darken, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. That slap. had it really gotten to him?

Victoria stood there motionless, head dipped, silent. She let Davina hit her without a word.

"You stole Grace's fiancé and still had the nerve to marry my son? Victoria, what kind of madness is this!"

A cold intensity settled over Theodore's face. He reached for Victoria and pulled her behind him, every movement sharp with control.

"That's enough, Mom."

His tone was sharp, barely hiding his anger.

Victoria was stunned. She hadn't thought he'd defend her in front of everyone.

"Enough? If something happens to Grace, she's a murderer!"

Davina screamed, her voice breaking, eyes full of pure hatred.

Isabella stepped forward just in time to support Davina, her tone soft and gentle. "Davina, I'm sure Victoria has her reasons. Please don't be too hard on her."

The rest of the Chambers family didn't bother hiding their annoyance. Aside from Old Mrs. Chambers, none of them ever truly accepted Victoria.

To them, Isabella was the only one worthy of Theodore.

Even Amelia Brooks couldn't help but sneer, "Ever since she married Elijah while she was abroad and Grace vanished, and now the moment he died, she turns around and gets with you? What kind of heartless woman..."

She stopped mid-sentence, the rest of the words dying in her throat when she caught sight of Theodore's cold, dark stare.

His gaze was sharp, his expression unreadable, and the mood in the room instantly dropped several degrees.

Just then, the weakened voice of Old Mrs. Chambers cut through the silence. "I'm still alive, aren't I? What's all this fuss about?"

Everyone turned toward the bed at once.

"How are you feeling? Should we get the doctor?" Carlos Chambers quickly asked, eyes full of concern.

But she ignored him. Her gaze went right past everyone else and landed on Victoria. Finally, a faint smile touched her wrinkled face. She slowly lifted her hand. "Victoria, come here."

Even Isabella, who was usually the center of attention, found herself overlooked. Behind her sunglasses, her expression shifted slightly-obviously displeased.

Victoria walked over. The moment she was close, Old Mrs. Chambers grasped her hand tightly, then motioned for Theodore to come closer too.

She clasped their hands together, her eyes full of warmth and hope. "I've had one foot in the grave more times than I can count lately, but I'm still here-waiting on you two to give me a great-grandbaby! You two better put in the effort, got it? "

Victoria stared at the floor, not knowing how to tell her about the divorce. That wish...wasn't going to come true. She just stayed quiet, letting the words hang in the air.

Davina clenched her fists. "She's not fit to carry a Chambers child!"

She stepped forward, clearly ready to pull Victoria away, but Carlos subtly stopped her with a press of the hand and a shake of the head-now wasn't the time.

Then came the shocker-something no one in the room saw coming.

Old Mrs. Chambers reached under her pillow and pulled out an exquisitely crafted velvet box. Her fingers trembled as she opened it.

Inside lay a gemstone brooch, its surface glimmering with rich, vibrant hues. The setting was delicate yet intricate, and the jewel itself flawless-radiant, translucent, and breathtakingly refined.

This wasn't just any bracelet. It was the Chambers family heirloom-worth a fortune now.

"This is my gift to you," Old Mrs. Chambers said firmly. "To me, you're the only granddaughter-in-law who counts."

It was a pointed message-and clearly meant for Isabella to hear.

The room fell into silence. Reactions varied.

Davina looked like she'd just witnessed betrayal. After all those years of catering to the old woman, not once was she offered the heirloom. And Victoria? In just three years, she'd managed to earn the ultimate token of favor.

Davina shot her a look filled with venom. What a calculating woman.

Isabella bit her crimson lip. Seeing Theodore remain silent, a wave of anxiety flooded her chest.

"I'm really sorry, but I should get going. There's something I need to take care of."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and left.

Theodore didn't hesitate for a second. He pulled his hand away and strode out after her.

The sudden emptiness at her side hit Victoria hard.

Theodore noticed the smallest changes in Isabella-the fleeting tension in her gaze, the silence that lingered just a moment too long.

But her? She had to keep pretending, had to swallow every rising lump in her throat.

Old Mrs. Chambers saw her grandson bolt like that and was furious. "Theodore!"

She coughed violently, her anger barely contained.Everyone took the chance to chime in.

"Mom, have you forgotten who she really is? How could you hand over our family heirloom to her? She's not even worthy of laying a finger on it!"

"Exactly! Don't let her go out there embarrassing the Chambers name. You're just too soft-hearted and got fooled by someone like her."

The noise bubbled around her. Old Mrs. Chambers frowned, and with just one cold glance, silenced everyone. "This is my decision. If any of you got a problem with it, keep it to yourself."

The room quieted down. Victoria spoke up on her own accord.

"Grandma, this is way too valuable, I really can't accept it. Please keep it."

"Nonsense. No matter how valuable it is, what matters is that I want you to have it."

Without sparing a glance at the others, Old Mrs. Chambers took the brooch and fastened it to Victoria's dress with quiet finality.

Victoria barely had time to protest, the cool metal was already resting above her heart, its vivid shine impossible to ignore.

...

Around the corner in the hallway, two figures stood closely together.

Victoria stopped without thinking, frozen in her tracks.

Isabella trembled slightly, her voice shaky and soft as she cried, all her frustration pouring out.

"Your grandma gave the heirloom to her... But what about me? Am I just the one who came between you and her? If you've made up your mind to choose her, then you can just go back to her..."

Smart people know how to pull back just enough to push harder.

Theodore gently ruffled her hair, his eyes shadowed with something deep, though the emotion quickly faded.

He said calmly, "Victoria and I are divorced. After things settle down with Grandma, I'll go public with our relationship."

Hearing that, the tension in Isabella's shoulders eased a little.

So he did care-only about her.

With joy lighting up her face, she threw her arms around Theodore and leaned her chin on his shoulder. She glanced at Victoria from afar, the faintest smirk playing on her lips.

Victoria held her head high as she walked away, teeth clenched. Every step echoed with the weight of words she refused to say, her fury pulsing just beneath her skin.

This time, she was done with Theodore.

The moment she reached the ground floor, her phone rang. A familiar number flashed on the screen.

She gripped her phone tightly, hesitating before finally picking up.

She didn't speak first, just waited for the voice on the other end.

"Gina's funeral is coming up. Bring Theodore with you."

The voice was low, hoarse, carrying the weight of sorrow-it hurt just to hear it.

Victoria didn't want to go. But now, she hesitated.

There was silence, then William Ellis sighed. "I know you've already heard what happened to Gina. Your mother... she's barely holding on. You're all she has left now. Come see her, okay?"

Victoria wanted to say something comforting, but the words stuck, and all she could manage was a stiff, "Take care."

"The funeral will be the day after tomorrow, nine in the morning. I'll text you the location."

"Okay."

In the end, she just couldn't say no.

But now another problem-how was she supposed to bring Theodore to the funeral?

After a minute of quiet frustration, she sighed and headed to Theodore's place.

She figured he was having some romantic dinner with Isabella. He wouldn't let her feel neglected, right? Probably brought her here just to spite Victoria.

So, she grabbed the divorce papers and came to drop them off-then she'd be gone.

With that thought, she pushed open the door.

The sight stunned her.

The living room lights were dim, the warm glow casting a soft, ambiguous mood.

She froze in place, immediately sensing something was off. Just as she turned to leave-

"Victoria."

A voice stopped her, and she had no choice but to look back.

Under the soft light, Isabella stood there, stunning as always. She'd just come out from a shower, wearing nothing but a black silk cami dress that hugged her figure-every curve visible under the sheen, seductive without trying.

"You and Theodore are done. You seriously think you still have a place here?"

With no one else around, Isabella didn't bother keeping up appearances. Her tone was sharp and cutting.

Victoria reached out and grabbed something off the table. Lifting up the document, she replied coolly, "Relax. Once I take this, you won't see me around again."

"I meant, stay away from Theodore-period." Isabella's eyes narrowed. "She must've been confused-giving you that brooch. It was never meant for you. It's mine, and deep down, you know that. You're just the ex-wife clinging to what's no longer hers. Try not to embarrass yourself."

She looked at Victoria from above, the disdain in her gaze impossible to miss.

Her lips parted slightly, disbelief flashing across her face before turning to steel. She'd never sought conflict, but something inside her cracked..

A mocking smile slowly tugged at her lips. "For someone who acts so confident, you're awfully quiet about the truth. So tell me, Miss Waters-how long do you think your secrets will stay hidden? Sooner or later, they always crawl into the light."

Victoria continued, "Maybe one of these days, if I'm in a bad mood, I'll be the one to dig it all up. Let's see if you still get to keep that Best Actress crown then."

Isabella's face paled, panic flashing across her eyes. Without warning, she slapped Victoria across the face. "How dare you!"

Victoria didn't hesitate-she slapped her right back.

Isabella froze, clearly not expecting the hit.

The tension in the room was electric when Theodore came downstairs.

Isabella instantly shifted gears, stuffing down all her anger like it never existed. Sweet, gentle, doting mode: activated.

She walked over, cuddling up to him like she owned the place. "Theo, Victoria just came to pick up her stuff. She was just leaving."

Victoria wasn't planning to interfere, but hearing that made her roll her eyes. Why let Isabella have the upper hand? She looked Theodore straight in the eye. "I need to talk to you."

He didn't even blink. "Isabella, I'll have the driver take you home."

Her smile stiffened. Was he seriously kicking her out for Victoria?

She quietly let go of his arm. "Fine."

She didn't even bother changing, just threw on a coat and walked out, clearly trying to hold back her temper but not quite pulling it off.

And for once, Theodore didn't go chasing after her.

That surprised Victoria. She wasn't expecting him to pick sides.

Once Isabella was gone, she didn't waste time. "Gina passed away. The funeral's the day after tomorrow. My dad wants you to come with me."

Theodore didn't react much. He leaned back lazily on the couch, uninterested.

Instead of answering, he tossed out a condition.

"Grandma's health isn't stable. Any bad news could hurt her. I need you to keep pretending-for three months. After that, I'll tell her we're divorced."

So that's why he sent Isabella away.

Victoria paused for a second, then nodded. "Alright."

The brooch at her collar glinted as she turned, and something shifted in Theodore's expression-darker, unreadable. Victoria noticed. Wordlessly, she reached for it, ready to take it off and give it back.

"I did refuse it, but Grandma insisted. Still, I think it should go back to its rightful owner."

Hearing that, Theodore grew a bit annoyed. Did she really hate having anything to do with the Chambers family that much?

His eyes, cold and sharp, landed on the necklace around her neck. Three years, and he's never seen her take it off. She clearly cherished it. Probably a gift from Elijah.

His face turned darker. Voice low and a little stiff, he said, "Keep it. Since we're still putting on the act, let's do it properly. Otherwise Grandma might get suspicious."

His mood kept shifting in weird ways, but Victoria didn't bother figuring him out. When love's gone, there's nothing left to care about.

As she was about to go, he spoke again. "Sooner or later, someone'll catch on if you move out. If the media gets hold of it and Grandma sees, it'll hit her even harder. For now, just stay here."

Divorced, yet she still had to face all the ghosts of their past in this house?

The couch. The balcony. The bedroom.

Every inch of this place whispered of their once-crazy intimacy.

Funny, really. He never loved her, yet in those three years, he played the role of a decent husband.

Everything but love-she'd had all of it.

"Problem?"

Victoria shook her head. "Just make sure Isabella is taken care of. Don't need more drama."

That night, she quietly carried her comforter to the guest room, leaving the master bedroom to Theodore.

Sleep didn't come easy. The night felt long and messy. She lay wide awake.

By the time she opened her eyes, it was already nine. Normally, Theodore would be at the office by now, so she didn't bother changing-just padded downstairs in her pajamas to grab a glass of milk from the kitchen.

Then, she heard the faint creak of the front door. Someone was coming in.

"Theodore," came Isabella' voice.

Startled, Victoria's brain short-circuited, and she instinctively ducked into the kitchen.

The man strolled lazily downstairs. From where he was, he easily spotted her trying to hide.

The corner of his mouth tugged up in amusement, but he didn't say anything.

Beaming, Isabella walked up with a lovingly packed breakfast in hand. Her voice sugary sweet, she said, "Someone didn't bother sweet-talking me, so I had to do it myself. Even made some smoked salmon bagel this morning to win your heart."

It was the kind of teasing intimacy between lovers-something Victoria had never even dared to hope for.

"Aren't you worried about the paparazzi? Could mess up your career, Miss Waters."

She giggled. "What, you can't afford to take care of me, Chambers?"

As she spoke, she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist, even playfully nibbling on his chin.

Theodore's gaze flicked toward the kitchen, his brow creasing a little.

Victoria leaned against the fridge, hearing every mushy word from the living room. Her chest felt suffocating. She took another sip of milk, lips twitching.

Straight-up self-inflicted misery.

A while later, Theodore made up some excuse and had someone escort Isabella out.

"She's gone. You can come out now."

Victoria stepped out from the kitchen, looking up to find him staring at her with a slightly smug expression.

"Why were you hiding?"

"Didn't feel like dealing with your darling sweetheart. Figured I'd give you two lovebirds your moment."

He said nothing, but his gaze dropped to the milk on her lips. His throat tightened suddenly, remembering the heat of that one wild night.

That mental image came way too fast, and this time, logic didn't stop it.