Chapter 3 Anything You Can Do, I Can Too

These folks were more than just friends; they were my lifelines. Back when my family faced ruin because of Mathias' irrational love, they had stood by my side. Although we hadn't toppled Mathias, their genuine support in those challenging times had left an indelible impression on my heart.

So, I spilled the beans about my plan to leave Mathias.

I left out the bit about being reborn, of course.

Upon hearing my revelation, a hush had fallen over the group. Then, almost in unison, they burst into applause. "Fantastic! In honor of our Rylie breaking free from her twisted love life, we won't go home until we're utterly sloshed!"

"Cheers!" I echoed, raising my slender arms upward with glee.

In all honesty, I believed that after divorcing Mathias, I would be able to lead a carefree life and cast aside the tragedies of my past life.

As the alcohol loosened our inhibitions, our boldness grew in turn.

Valerie gave my shoulder a gentle pat. "Rylie, have a look around. Spot any dashing men? Don't hold back. If someone catches your eye, go for it! Mathias has had his share of escapades; it's high time we evened the score."

"That's a fair point," I remarked, my eyes a bit bleary. They finally settled on a tall, slender figure. Judging by his clothes, he likely had been still in college.

If Mathias could get involved with a college girl, then why couldn't I find a college boy?

I ambled over with drink in hand, and tapped the young man's shoulder. "Hey there, good-looking. Care for a drink? It's my treat..."

He spun around, revealing a face that was not just good-looking but radiated a gentle, youthful allure.

First, he looked at me with a hint of surprise before shaking his head apologetically. "Sorry, ma'am, I have a girlfriend."

"Ah, I see. My apologies, then. Let me find someone unattached." I offered a deep bow to the young man. The alcohol was dulling my senses, and I was barely aware of my own words. I turned and continued my search for someone else.

However, before I could take more than a few steps, I tripped and fell, causing my glass to shatter on the floor.

My head felt like a lead weight, and an odd thought crossed my mind. "Why don't I just take a nap right here?"

"Let me help you up," said the college boy, extending a hand.

Sitting on the floor, I looked up at him with my face flushed.

Was I hallucinating? His face morphed into Mathias', and he was staring back at me coldly.

Attempting to stand, my hand met broken glass, and blood started flowing from my palm. Moments later, darkness enveloped me, and I lost consciousness.

"Rylie, do you honestly believe that your family can stop me?" In my dream, I was confronted once again by Mathias' frigid gaze.

Frozen in my seat amidst the disarray of the living room, tears flowed freely down my face.

Aware that Mathias was set on divorcing me, both my parents and the Murray family elders exerted pressure on him.

Unmoved, he dug in his heels, going so far as to pay a steep price to undermine the Fletcher family.

Initially, the Murray elders had chided and resisted him. Later, they grudgingly lent their assistance. In the end, I heard they even warmed to the idea of Olivia.

Under Mathias' unyielding support, Olivia slowly gained the approval of his parents.

What stung me the most was the fact that she was already pregnant.

"Mathias, I've loved you for nine years. Don't you feel anything for me?" I covered my face, and once again, tears slipped through my fingers.

"No, Rylie, I gave you an opportunity for a graceful exit. You didn't take it." Mathias' tone was icy. Suddenly, his phone started ringing, breaking the tension. It had a unique ringtone; Olivia's cheerful voice.

"Mr. Murray, please answer the phone! Mr. Murray, pick up quickly!"

Hearing that saccharine tone and watching Mathias walk away, I felt a sudden dizziness, and an acute pain exploded in my chest.

In a state of suffocating torment, I jolted awake.

Drawing deep breaths, I realized I was back in my own room. Through the window, the day was sunny, replete with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers.

How did that college student manage to get me back here?

My eyes caught sight of my bandaged hand as I clutched my pounding temple. I wanted to search for the college student, but instead, I heard Mathias' voice beyond the door.

"You all go ahead. I'm not in the mood today." He was leaning against the railing of the second-floor balcony, a cigarette held casually between his fingers, projecting a relaxed outline against the light.

Bracing myself against the door frame, I saw him coming closer. "Where is he?" I asked.

"Where is who?" Mathias raised an eyebrow.

"The college boy," I responded.

Encountering someone appealing other than Mathias was a rare occurrence for me, one I wasn't ready to give up just yet.

After all, in a month's time, Mathias would be infatuated with another woman. It made sense for me to seek a comforting presence sooner rather than later to help ease my pain.

Upon hearing me, Mathias' face tightened with anger. He took a quick look at what I was wearing and then, seizing my wrist, pulled me into the bedroom closet. "Damn it, go change! Who said you could dress that provocatively?"

Provocative?

I peered at my flat chest, and the curves wouldn't even exist if not for the bra and the fabric.

Provocative didn't really describe me. Besides, why should he care how I looked if he wasn't in love with me?

"A few days ago, were you at a hotel with that so-called innocent artist?" I asked, maintaining my composure.

"It's not your concern," he said indifferently.

"Likewise, your concerns about me will also become irrelevant. If divorce isn't happening, let's live separate lives," I suggested in a bland voice.

All these years, I had not felt what romantic love was like, and all I wanted was some form of intimacy to fill the void in my heart.

The idea felt freeing, and almost comforting. I was no longer tied to Mathias' whims. I felt like my soul was slowly coming back to me.

Double standards were ingrained in some men. They wanted freedom for themselves but they expected their spouses to conform to traditional roles.

Mathias wasn't any different. He might not love me, but by name, I remained his wife.

"Are you intending to make a fool out of me?" he sneered, then roughly tugged the neckline of my dress down to expose my chest. "You think any man would find this attractive?"

I glanced down. My stick-on bra covered everything it needed to, revealing nothing.

This was the smallest size they offered.

Brushing his hand away, I calmly adjusted my attire. "I'll eat more and drink milk. Then you'll have even more to be concerned about."

"Have you lost your mind, Rylie?" Mathias seemed to be at his wits' end, scrutinizing me. "You've been acting irrationally lately."

The old version of me was mature and dignified, understanding and caring. How could I utter such bizarre statements?

If my father heard me now, he would probably be extremely disappointed.

But embracing this newfound craziness was my ticket away from Mathias, whose own sanity would soon begin to fray.

Without Olivia in the picture, he would never consider divorcing me. Our marriage served to unite our families, and Mathias was a calculating man. He knew how to weigh the pros and cons.

The last thing I wanted was to watch him fall for another woman, again.

"Then let's get a divorce," I suggested once more.