Julian's POV

When I got home, I did a final check of my belongings.

I had been exhausted lately. While packing late into the night, I ended up passing out on the couch.

It wasn't until the next day, when the door to the house opened from the outside, that I was jolted awake. Startled, I hurriedly sat up.

To my surprise, Monica had returned. And she walked in holding Billy's hand.

He was strikingly handsome. Even photos of him couldn't capture the full extent of his good looks.

In his other hand, he carried several shopping bags from high-end luxury brands, and the smug smile on his face was almost blinding.

It looked like Monica had successfully placated him.

My stomach sank. I hadn't expected her to come home so quickly. Instinctively, my hand went to my neck. The suffocating sensation from before seemed to have returned, and I realized I was actually a little afraid of her.

I swallowed hard and got up from the couch.

Monica guided Billy over to me. Right in front of me, she brushed his hair back with a soft smile, before glancing at me with a cool and indifferent expression.

"Julian, apologize to Billy."

I couldn't believe my ears.

We'd already torn each other apart; she'd cut off my family's livelihood, and just yesterday, she’d even strangled me. I thought all of that was crazy enough. And now she wanted me to apologize to her lover?

Seeing that I was stunned, Monica simply grabbed my chin and forced me to look at Billy.

"Didn't you hear me? Apologize to Billy."

Monica was a businesswoman. She knew exactly how to crush a person's soul—even if that person was her husband of many years.

Since entering the house, Billy hadn't once looked at me directly. He kept his eyes lowered and his lips slightly pursed. He didn't say a word, yet he somehow managed to look completely wronged and evoke pity.

"Ms. Jackson, that's not necessary. My position here is already dishonorable. It's only natural for Mr. Hargitay to hate me."

Despite what he said, I clearly saw him discreetly roll his eyes and glare at me.

When I remained silent, Billy tugged at Monica's sleeve. "Ms. Jackson, I'm a little tired. I want to rest for a bit."

Monica kissed him on the cheek, her voice gentle. "Alright, go rest in the bedroom."

Billy's eyes flicked toward me.

"This is your house. Where am I supposed to go?" he asked skeptically.

Monica generously led him to our bedroom. Her message was clear.

My whole body trembled uncontrollably. I clenched my teeth tightly just to stop myself from losing control and cursing at them, and I did everything I could to steady my breathing.

Only after watching Monica escort him into the bedroom did I croak from behind her, "Monica, let's get a divorce. You've trampled all over my dignity as if it were trash and destroyed my parents' lifelong work."

My eyes were red, but I forced my voice to remain steady. "It's all my fault. I was blind back then."

Raising an eyebrow, Monica came toward me with her hands in her pockets. She leaned close, her beautiful face hovering near mine, her expression twisted into something I couldn't quite figure out.

"Who said I wanted to get a divorce? As long as you behave yourself and don't do anything out of line, you'll still be my husband."

I stared at her in disbelief. "What do you take me for?"

She waved her hand dismissively, looking bored. "Enough with this act. Didn't you only date me and marry me because of the Jacksons' name?

"You know better than anyone how much your dad's business has benefited after you married me, Julian. So why talk about divorce now?"

I stood there frozen, my mind completely blank.