Chapter 5 Leaving With Nothing

A glacial chill crept through Yvonne's body, starting at her feet and spreading gradually until numbness claimed every inch of her being.

She realized she had been too naive.

She had clung to desperate hopes-that she could start a new family with Shane, that Shane might embrace fatherhood as Zoey had suggested, that their unborn child could bridge the growing chasm between Shane and her.

But reality had shattered those illusions, revealing a harsh truth: even their child ranked beneath Jayde in Shane's eyes.

Her child was unwelcome in its father's eyes.

Yvonne closed her eyes as tears traced silent paths down her cheeks.

"I know you don't like Jayde." Shane's patronizing tone cut through the silence. "But her health is genuinely fragile now. Surely you can show some understanding of that."

His eyes flickered over Yvonne's tear-stained features as he added, "We can discuss having children once Jayde's health condition improves. There's no need to rush."

A bitter smile twisted Yvonne's lips.

She knew that if she told Shane now that she was pregnant, he would probably drag her to the hospital immediately to terminate the pregnancy.

This child represented one of her last remaining familial bonds, and she would never sacrifice it for Jayde's sake.

"Of course, I understand that," Yvonne said, brushing away her tears and summoning a weak smile. "I won't bother you any further."

She fled Shane's office before he could respond, retreating to Serenity Villa where she hastily packed her belongings, gave Zoey some instructions, and left.

Though she had initially planned to seek refuge in a hotel, her uncle's timely call redirected her path to his doorstep.

When Yvonne arrived, her uncle's wife, Sadie Thomas, greeted her, saying in a warm tone, "Yvonne, you're finally here! I've missed you so much!"

The enthusiasm in Sadie's expression faltered when she noticed that Yvonne hadn't brought any gift for her.

"Sadie, forgive me," Yvonne quickly said. "I was in a hurry just now-I didn't bring you a proper gift."

At that moment, Yvonne's uncle, Landon Thomas, spoke up. "It's alright. You've always been overly formal. We're family- no need for you to bring us gifts every time you visit. Why didn't you tell us about your release from prison? I would have gone and picked you up."

"It was raining that day. I didn't want to bother you. How have you been, Uncle Landon?" Yvonne said.

"Nothing's changed." Landon's gaze settled on her luggage. "What's with the suitcase?"

"I'm divorcing Shane and moving out of Serenity Villa," Yvonne replied.

"What?" Sadie's voice pierced the air. "Was this Shane's decision?"

Yvonne shook her head. "I made the choice to divorce Shane."

"Has prison warped your judgment?" Sadie's anxiety manifested in sharp words. "Do you realize how many women dream of joining the Brooks family? They're the nation's wealthiest. But you, you want to leave that family? Have you lost your senses?"

"Enough!" Landon's glare silenced his wife. "Shane punished Yvonne without verifying that video's authenticity. Anyone in Yvonne's position would lose faith in the marriage. A divorce is perfectly reasonable! Yvonne, even though your grandmother is gone, I'll be the one supporting you and your decision. You can move here, and I will take care of you."

"There's no need for you to do that," Yvonne quickly said. "I can rent a place and find a job soon. You don't have to worry about me."

"We have ample space here. Why waste money on rent?" Landon reached for her suitcase. "It's already decided."

"Landon is right," Sadie said. "Yvonne, regarding the divorce-how much will you get after that?"

"Nothing. I'm leaving empty-handed," Yvonne replied.

"What?" Sadie's voice scaled new heights. "You are really out of your mind? How can you walk away with nothing? How will you survive?"

"Sadie, I signed a prenuptial agreement. I was never entitled to the Brooks family's assets," Yvonne explained patiently before shifting focus. "Uncle Landon, before my grandmother passed away, she gave me a pendant and mentioned something about my parents. But I didn't get to hear it. Do you know what she wanted to say?"

A shadow crossed Landon's features before he composed himself. "Since she gave you the pendant, you should keep it safe. As for her words about your parents... She likely just lamented your challenging start in life."

Yvonne accepted this without a doubt. "Despite growing up parentless, Grandma and Grandpa showered me with love. I never felt unfortunate."

Landon replied, "Such perspective would bring them peace in their eternal rest..."

***

The clock struck ten when Shane returned to Serenity Villa, only to find the master bedroom empty. Yvonne was not there.

His attempt to reach Yvonne by phone proved futile, prompting him to go downstairs and summon Zoey.

"Where's Yvonne?" he asked Zoey.

"Mrs. Brooks has moved out," Zoey replied.

"What?" A deep frown etched across Shane's features. "When?"

"This morning." Zoey hesitated, the weight of Yvonne's words pressing down on her. Yvonne had told her not to mention anything about her pregnancy to Shane. Otherwise, the baby would be harmed.

After a moment, Zoey presented Shane with a document. "Mrs. Brooks left this divorce agreement for you."

Shane's eyes swept over the pages, a cold laugh escaping his lips. "Leaving with nothing-she's really something!"

"Mrs. Brooks appeared quite resolute about her decision to divorce," Zoey said.

"That's not her choice to make!" Shane yanked at his tie in frustration. "Where has she gone?"

"Mrs. Brooks didn't tell me that," Zoey replied.

Shane stormed out, barking orders for the driver to ready the car.

***

Fresh from her shower in the guest room, Yvonne was about to go to sleep when her phone's ringing pierced the silence.

An unknown number flashed across the screen.

Yvonne answered the call. "Hello?"

"Come downstairs." Shane's familiar, cold voice echoed on the other end of the line.

Yvonne's grip on the phone froze for a moment. "I am already in bed."

"I will give you ten minutes, Yvonne. If you don't come down in ten minutes, I'll ensure this entire neighborhood gets no sleep tonight," Shane said.

The call then disconnected, leaving Yvonne staring at her phone. After a moment's hesitation, she changed and descended the stairs.

A black Rolls-Royce was parked outside, with Shane's imposing figure beside it. He was smoking a cigarette now.

Maintaining a careful distance, Yvonne spoke with forced composure. "It's late. What do you want?"

"You're asking me that? Did you interpret last night's conversation as some kind of joke? You had the audacity to draft divorce papers and vanish?" Shane said. "Get in the car. Come home. We'll forget this ever happened."

"Home..." Yvonne let out a bitter laugh. "That place is not my home. If it is, why would my husband spend his nights elsewhere with another woman?"

"Back to Jayde again. Can't you stop being so petty?" Shane said.

"You think I am being petty? Should I smile while watching your displays of affection? Continue offering my blood? Perhaps serve another prison sentence?" Yvonne looked at Shane. "Shane, our marriage was business, but I'm a person-not Jayde's personal blood bank."

Shane let out a cold chuckle. "You knew the marriage was transactional. You married me for your grandmother's treatment. Now that she's gone, you're eager to leave me. Burning bridges already?"

Yvonne replied, "Fine. I'll repay every cent of my grandmother's hospital bills. I won't owe you anything after that."

Fury blazed in Shane's eyes. "What did you say?"

Yvonne met his rage with a calm expression. "Calculate the total. I'll provide an IOU and repay it in installments. You can decide on the interest."

Just as she finished speaking, Shane threw away his cigarette. Then, he quickly approached Yvonne.

Yvonne barely had time to react before finding herself engulfed in his embrace.

His hand gripped her waist as the world tilted, her back meeting the car's cold metal surface.

"What are you-"

Shane's lips silenced Yvonne's protest, claiming dominance in a breathtaking kiss that left her gasping.

Yvonne's struggles proved futile as Shane took hold of her wrists.

When he finally released her, desire flashed in his eyes. His voice was deep when he said, "Unless you want me to have sex with you right here, get in the car."