Chapter 2

Nora hadn't figured out why she called Penelope, but the call connected quickly.

Penelope said "hello" a few times before Nora slowly murmured, "Penelope."

Penelope's voice shot up, as loud and brash as ever. "You little brat, you finally called! You've been holding a grudge just because I opposed your marriage to that guy from the Gordon family?"

Nora remembered now.

Penelope was the only one in the Yates family who objected to her engagement.

Penelope had been firm. "That guy's up to no good. Trust me, Nora, I've seen enough people to know."

But back then, every relative hoped the marriage would happen.

After what happened, who else but Stefan, a love-struck heir with a spotless background, would marry her?

Her father even threatened to disown her if the wedding fell through.

Even Nora herself once believed Stefan was her only salvation.

Everyone chased fame and profit, but Penelope genuinely cared for her.

"Nora?" Penelope's voice grew anxious over the phone. "Are you crying?"

Nora realized her cheeks were wet.

She took a deep breath, struggling to keep her voice steady. "Penelope, I want a divorce."

Penelope, usually so loud, fell silent.

The silence stretched so long Nora thought the call dropped, until Penelope sighed softly. "Okay, I'll help you find a divorce lawyer. If he dares to refuse..."

"No need," Nora said, her throat tight, her voice dry. "He'll agree."

Another silence followed.

Penelope didn't pry, her tone softening. "Good. Come live with me after. I'll take care of you."

"No, thanks." Nora refused instinctively, terrified of burdening anyone.

Especially Penelope, who was locked in a fierce competition with their cousin at the family company, fighting an uphill battle in a family that favored men.

"I can work, but I might need some time to start over."

Penelope knew her sister's stubbornness and relented. "Fine, give me a week. I'll find you a good position."

After hanging up, Nora felt a weight lift slightly from her heart.

Perhaps Stefan sensed something was off, because the next morning, as Nora dozed restlessly, the mattress dipped beside her.

Stefan, carrying the chill of the night, pressed tightly against her back.

Muffin, startled from her arms, hissed and yowled, only to be grabbed by the scruff and tossed out of the bedroom as Stefan locked the door.

Nora couldn't pretend anymore and opened her eyes.

Stefan's voice was gentle. "Did I wake you? Things wrapped up early over there, so I rushed back to be with you."

He was lying again.

Nora's heart ached, her nails digging into her flesh as she forced her voice to sound normal. "That was fast. Did everything go well?"

"More or less. Some details still need sorting." His vague answer came as his lips brushed her hair, lingering as if reluctant to part. "How about you? Did you miss me these past few days?"

Nora's limbs grew cold hearing his clumsy lies, while Stefan seemed lost in tender affection.

Just as his kiss neared her skin, a soft piano melody cut through the darkness, jarringly loud.

He froze, glancing at his phone. "It's Lucas. He's still in Eldoria, probably forgot the time difference."

Work calls had come in the middle of the night before, but this time, the ringtone persisted, ringing again after being silenced.

He held the phone, looking helpless.

Nora said, "Answer it. It might be urgent."

The moment she spoke, Stefan released her, covered the mouthpiece, and stepped out of the room. "...Didn't I tell you not to call at this hour? Okay, take it slow, explain. Really?"

Nora lay still, and sure enough, five minutes later, Stefan returned, touching her hair apologetically. "There's an emergency at the company. I need to handle it. Sleep first, okay?"

Nora's voice was calm, almost cold. "I understand. Go take care of it."

He seemed relieved, quickly changed, and kissed her forehead before leaving.

The bedroom door closed softly.

Nora lay motionless, as if asleep.

After a long moment, tears rolled from her eye.

She knew Stefan would agree to the divorce.

She had followed the trail and found Izabella's pregnancy test report.

That call was likely Izabella, perfectly timed to share the news.

The irony was, Nora learned of her husband's mistress's pregnancy before he did.