Chapter 2

Josie returned home soaked, stepping into the bedroom.

She opened the closet, filled with clothes Laurence had bought her.

Every piece was expensive and beautiful, but none matched Josie's true style.

She preferred bright colors and lively designs that made her feel vibrant.

But Laurence said she looked best in muted dresses, more elegant.

Now Josie understood why-because it was Rosalie's style.

She pulled out her suitcase and began packing her things.

Laurence only noticed the clothes and items that mimicked Rosalie.

Three years of marriage left Josie with few personal belongings, easily fitting into one suitcase.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Chris. "Josie, I've arranged an invitation to Eldoria Fashion Academy and an apartment for you."

Eldoria had been Josie's dream since childhood.

She loved fashion design and wanted to make it big there.

But after marrying Laurence, she gave up that dream to become his personal secretary.

Josie hadn't expected Chris to go this far for her.

He'd even secured a job and a place to live.

Knowing he was Rosalie's brother, she accepted without hesitation.

What could be more satisfying than Rosalie thinking she'd won, only for Josie to turn around and charm her brother, maybe even become her sister-in-law?

Whether she'd actually become Rosalie's sister-in-law, she'd decide after leaving the country.

For now, it was time to reclaim her own life.

Her phone pinged again. Chris sent a photo.

Josie opened it, seeing the apartment's interior.

In the center stood a handsome, refined man, bathed in sunlight, his figure glowing with a golden sheen that drew the eye.

The photo was clearly staged by Chris.

If he only wanted her to see the apartment, he could've taken it himself.

This was just a way to make sure Josie saw him.

At midnight, Laurence finally came home.

He carried a faint jasmine scent, not his usual cologne.

Josie didn't need to guess-it was Rosalie's perfume.

He seemed in a good mood, a gentle smile lingering on his face.

"Still up?" Laurence asked, loosening his tie.

"Waiting for you," Josie replied.

She didn't help him like she usually did.

"I was foolish before. I won't mention divorce again," she said.

Laurence paused, surprised. "Really?"

"Really," Josie said, her eyes innocent. "I realized marriage doesn't need love. As long as we respect each other and get what we need, that's enough."

Laurence heard the answer he wanted, but felt no joy.

He frowned. "I married you, so I won't abandon you easily. Rosalie's just been abroad for years and isn't well. She needs my help."

Josie smiled faintly, not arguing.

What was Laurence thinking? She'd asked for a divorce ninety-nine times to make way for Rosalie, but he refused.

Now she suggested returning to a marriage of convenience, letting him pursue Rosalie openly.

Yet he claimed she misunderstood his relationship with Rosalie.

Did he think she was stupid?

Rosalie had her own family-why would she need him to care for her?

Was it because Josie knew about his company's confidential projects, and he feared she'd leak them?

Was that why he wouldn't let her go easily?

Laurence stepped closer, displeased. "You don't believe me? Let's skip protection tonight and try for a kid."

Josie was stunned. "You..." Was he out of his mind?

Luckily, Rosalie's call interrupted.

Laurence answered, chatting briefly before explaining an investment project to her in detail.

Josie handed him the meeting documents she'd prepared.

This was their usual work routine.

Laurence glanced at the first page, saw nothing unusual, and signed while talking on the phone.

Josie showed only the last pages. "Here, here, and here, you need to sign."

Her heart pounded, but she kept her face neutral, flipping pages quickly.

Laurence's focus was on the call. He signed rapidly, not noticing one page was titled "Divorce Agreement."

Josie watched him sign, a weight lifting from her heart.

Tomorrow, she'd submit the divorce agreement to the lawyer. In seven days, she'd be free.