Chapter 2 Nothing More Than A Tool For You

"Divorce papers?" The color drained from Belinda's face as she stared at Lucas, her lips quivering.

Lucas' expression was indifferent. "I married you only to appease my father and to keep Verena out of harm's way. Now that she has returned, I can ensure her safety."

Belinda understood the implication behind his words.

Their marriage had merely been a strategic move. With his objective already fulfilled, Lucas now saw no further use for her, a wife who only brought him embarrassment.

Thinking of this, Belinda suddenly smiled. But her smile was tinged with resignation and bitter irony.

She looked up at Lucas, her eyes filled with sorrow yet clinging to a sliver of hope. "Lucas, in all our years together, was I nothing more than just a convenient tool for you?"

Laughter broke out around Belinda, scornful and sharp. "Is Belinda delusional? Does she truly expect Lucas could have any affection for her?"

"Can't she see herself? She is so ugly!"

Ignoring the cruel insults, Belinda maintained her gaze on Lucas. Her determination for an answer was evident.

With a cold voice, Lucas said, "Yes."

Tears immediately welled in Belinda's eyes.

At that moment, it felt as though her heart had been ripped out, thrown to the floor, and mercilessly crushed.

The pain overwhelmed her.

A hollow chuckle escaped Belinda, laden with despair. "I see," she said.

She nodded slowly, accepting her fate. "I'll sign the divorce papers when I get home."

"See you tomorrow at ten at the courthouse," Lucas said coldly. He then turned and sat back on the sofa.

Belinda's steps were heavy as she moved toward the door to leave.

Just then, Verena's soft voice echoed. "Lucas, I'm too full. Can I discard this cake?"

Hearing that, Belinda froze.

"Of course," Lucas replied.

Hearing Lucas' response, Belinda shut her eyes, letting her tears mix with the raindrops on her face.

She left the room quickly, making her way back to Reverie Villa, the home she had shared with Lucas.

On the coffee table awaited the divorce papers, just as Lucas had mentioned.

Belinda scanned the documents and noted the settlement terms. After she divorced Lucas, she would get three hundred million dollars and two luxurious houses.

Despite having used her, Lucas had ensured she wouldn't walk away empty-handed.

Three years of marriage now equated to three hundred million and two properties-wasn't that a form of profit?

With a bitter smile, Belinda signed the divorce papers.

Just then, a tear splashed onto the document; she hurriedly dabbed at it and looked up, trying to hold back any further tears.

At that moment, her phone buzzed with a new message.

It was from her mentor.

"Belinda, have you decided yet? Don't pass up this chance to study abroad-it's an incredible opportunity. You'll regret missing out!"

Belinda looked at the message, her resolve strengthening as she replied, "I've decided. I will go abroad to study."

For weeks, Belinda had been uncertain about accepting the offer to study abroad.

Now, clarity had come.

She would seize this opportunity.

It was time for her to begin anew. She wanted a new life that was truly her own.

After responding, she slipped her phone into her pocket and began to pack.

Though the previous day's rain had left her feverish, she forced herself, fever and all, to the courthouse by ten the following morning.

However, even after the clock ticked past eleven, Lucas still hadn't shown up.

Belinda decided to call Lucas.

Verena's voice greeted her as soon as the call connected. "Lucas, can you help me here..."

Then, Lucas' voice came through. "I'm tied up now. We'll reschedule the courthouse visit."

With that, he ended the call abruptly.

Belinda stared at her phone as the call disconnected. A knot formed in her throat.

With a heavy heart, she composed a final text to Lucas. Then, she removed her SIM card and discarded it in the nearest bin.

She pocketed her phone and walked away without a backward glance.

Today was not just any day-it was her departure day for Chixdon.

Belinda made a vow to herself that once overseas, she would erase all memories of Lucas from her mind!