Amelia came out of the bathroom after helping her husband prepare his bath.
"I've helped you prepare your bath, how you used to like it." She said, doting like a good wife.
Thiago came out of the walk-in closet, holding a file of papers in his hand. He slapped the paper on the table and said coldly, "look through it and sign under where your name is. I've signed mine."
Amelia curiously walked over to the table and peered at the papers.
She felt a chill down her spine as she immediately understood what the paper was about.
Amelia Smith stared at the signed divorce papers on the table, the man's name already inked.
She looked out the window, tears welling up in her eyes.
Thiago Anderson's figure was especially elegant in the setting sun, his aloofness and dominance making him incredibly attractive, even his silhouette seemed indifferent.
"I've signed, you should too. I hope we can get through all the legal stuff before Veronica gets back." Thiago stood with his hands behind his back, not turning around. "Since we signed a prenuptial agreement, there won't be any property disputes in the divorce. I'll give you two million dollars and a villa in Vine as compensation. I need to explain to grandpa that you're not leaving empty-handed."
Amelia felt like she was struck by lightning, a sudden sense of loss washing over her. "Grandpa... does he know we're getting a divorce?"
"Does it matter if he knows? Will it affect my decision to divorce you?"
Her frail body nearly collapsed, but she held onto the table, her eyes brimming with tears as she whispered, "Thiago, can we.... Not get divorced?"
Finally, Thiago turned to look at her with a strange gaze.
His deep eyes and thin lips were incredibly sexy, and his clear facial features still made her heart race.
"Why?"
"Because... I love you." Amelia's eyes turned red as she held back tears. "I love you, Thiago. I still want to be your wife... even if you don't have any feelings for me..."
"I'm sick of it, Amelia. A marriage without love is endless torture for me."
Thiago waved dismissively, not even having the patience to hear her speak. "Marrying you was a mistake, you knew it was a rebellion against grandpa, and you knew I had someone else in my heart, I just couldn't be with her for some reason.
Now that the agreed three years are up, and Veronica is back in the country, I'm going to marry her, so you need to leave this house."
Amelia lowered her head, her tear drops falling onto the table, which she secretly wiped away.
Thiago saw this, his gaze deep and calm.
Then his phone rang, and as soon as he saw the name on the screen, he answered right away.
"Veronica, are you on the plane yet?"
His tone suddenly became so gentle. Was this the same cold, indifferent man from before?
"Thiago, I'm already at Stamford Airport." Veronica Scott's cheerful voice came from the other end.
"What? Weren't you supposed to..." Thiago was surprised.
"I wanted to surprise you."
"Wait for me, Veronica, I'll be right there!"
With that, Thiago hurriedly left Amelia's side.
The door to the study was closed, and the air was filled with a sense of sadness.
Her ten years of unrequited love for him, their three-year marriage... Amelia had given her all to this home. Her deep affection for him, however, was nothing more than torture for him.
Now, Thiago was like a prisoner who had finally been set free. He ruthlessly left her behind to go marry the woman he had always held in his heart.
She felt so much pain, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't touch his cold heart.
Amelia took a deep breath, shaking her head with a bitter smile, her eyes filled with tears as they stared at Thiago's name on the divorce papers.
That night, Thiago took Veronica back to Bloom Estate.
The frail Veronica was carried in the arms of the young Anderson's heir, their brazen entrance attracting everyone's attention.
"Thiago, you and Ms. Amelia isn't divorced yet, we... shouldn't be too intimate, she might have an issue with me if she sees us like this." Veronica whispered, her hand stroking the man's chest.
"She won't."
Thiago stated without hesitation, his gaze cold. "Besides, I don't love her, our marriage was just a contractual agreement, she should know her place."
The Andersons warmly greeted Veronica, leaving only Amelia alone in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Thiago noticed his desolate wife in the crowd, a smile tugging at his lips.
She was still trying to curry favor with the Anderson' family in such a submissive way. Did she really think that would make him change his mind?
Ridiculous.
"My lord! My lord!"
Soon after, the butler rushed over in a panic. "Mrs. Anderson is gone! She's left!"
"Gone? When?"
"Just now! She didn't take anything, just took off her apron and left through the backyard! A black car came to pick her up!"
Thiago quickly returned to their bedroom, which was neat and tidy. He saw the signed divorce papers quietly resting on the nightstand, tear stains evident on it.
He frowned, walking over to the window to look outside.
A Rolls-Royce sped away from Bloom Estate at a breakneck speed, soon disappearing from sight.
She couldn't bear to leave the Anderson estate in the afternoon, yet now she was running away so fast!
Thiago felt played, taking out his phone to call his secretary in annoyance.
"License plate E W A 2424, find out who owns that car!"
"Right away, Mr. Thiago."
Five minutes later.
"Mr. Thiago. I've found it, it's the CEO of the Hamilton Group!"
The Hamilton Group... the Hamilton family's young master?!
Amelia, a girl from a small village with no money or background, who had no friends in the three years she was with him, was somehow with the Hamilton young master?
How surprising!
"But Mr. Thiago, did you really propose the divorce to Mrs. Anderson today?" The secretary asked tentatively.
"Why? When should I propose divorce?" Thiago was seething.
"But today... It's her birthday."
Thiago froze.
Sitting in the backseat of a black Rolls-Royce, the eldest son of the Hamilton family, Ethan Hamilton, gently held her hand, his demeanor kind.
"Heard you were coming back, we've got a bunch of fireworks ready to light up for you tonight."
"I'm really not in the mood for fireworks."
Having left the Anderson family and reclaimed her status as the Hamilton family heiress, she leaned on her brother's shoulder, her nose stinging, her eyes swollen and red. She sighed, her eyes brimming with tears.
She glanced at her old phone. The last message wasn't from her ex-husband, but from Veronica.
The message read: I told you, you stole my spot, and I'll make you give it back one day. Thiago is my man. Stop daydreaming!
She gave a bitter smile, the last tear making everything clear to her.
"What? You still can't let go even now?" Ethan tenderly pulled his sister into his arms.
"Ethan, it's my birthday today."
"I know, Thiago deliberately chose today to bring that woman home, he's such a shameless jerk!"
"So, there's nothing I can't let go of, because my heart-Amelia's heart, has been shattered by Thiago."
When Amelia opened her eyes again, there was no trace of any lingering affection for that man in her determined eyes. She will use her former identity, Kira Hamilton, to live a good life from now on!
"I struggled hard to get to where I am now. If I look back, I'll regret it."
At dinnertime, Veronica, the niece of Thiago's mother, Helen Anderson, was eating with the Anderson family, all in high spirits. Except for Thiago, who was brooding, his brow furrowed, not even touching his food.
Amelia had left with Ethan, not taking a single personal item with her, including the two million dollars and the mansion.
"Where's Amelia? How come she isn't down for dinner?" Elijah Anderson, Thiago's father, asked in surprise.
"We've called it quits. The divorce papers are all signed and sealed," Thiago replied, looking down. "I'll pick a day to get the legal stuff done."
"Divorce? Why?" Elijah asked, taken aback.
"Ah, Elijah, I told you ages ago that Thiago and Amelia were like oil and water, their marriage was just a set-up by his grandpa." Helen let out a sigh. "The poor girl has been putting up with this for three years. Now she's willing to let bygones be bygones and break up with Thiago, to seek their own happiness. It's probably for the best. You know that Thiago has always loved Veronica."
"Thiago, marriage isn't a game, especially when it comes to Amelia..."
"Dad, the divorce is done. Amelia has left." Thiago frowned, clearly unhappy.
"Huh, that country girl sure has guts."
Jasmine Anderson, the young miss of the Anderson family, sneered, "Is she cooking up something? Don't let her go around saying we treated her badly!"
Thiago's frown deepened at those words.
"Thiago, you've been too hasty this time. Your grandpa is still on his sickbed, how are you going to explain this to him?" Elijah was worried this might upset the old man and was feeling quite anxious.
"I'll tell it like it is. Next month, I'll announce my marriage and officially make Veronica my wife."
Veronica looked at the man's handsome profile, her eyes filled with sweetness.
"You're out of your mind! You can't just ditch your wife like that, this will ruin your reputation!"
"I've never cared about my reputation. Amelia was never the woman I wanted." Thiago was firm, with not a shred of regret.
"Mr. Elijah, please don't blame Thiago. If you need to blame someone, blame me."
Leaning on Thiago's shoulder, Veronica said tearfully, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have come back into Thiago's life... I'll leave tomorrow morning. Thiago, you should make up with Amelia. I don't want to be the one who destroys you..."
"Veronica, this has nothing to do with you."
Thiago looked serious and took her delicate hand, "I'm done with Amelia, and you've put up with enough over these three years. I won't let you suffer anymore."
The evening breeze was cool and pleasant.
Ethan took Kira for a walk by the river, sitting on a boat and admiring the stunning city night view.
"Bro, are you trying to torture me?"
Kira looked at the couples around her and complained, "This is a dating spot for couples! I wouldn't dare to come here normally!"
"Really? You should blame your other brother for this. He said he would set off fireworks here at eight."
Ethan glanced at his watch elegantly, "Five, four, three, two, one."
Suddenly, a huge purple cloud-shaped firework burst out in the sky.
All the lovers gathered on the deck, and the crowd on the shore also began to increase.
"His taste is... puzzling." Ethan shook his head in confusion, but she felt warm inside.
"Considering all the weird gifts he's given you over the years, this firework display is a big step-up."
Ethan put his arm around his sister's shoulder and pulled her into his arms, "And there's more to come today. Everyone has prepared gifts for you. Your room is filled with them. Kira, there are many people who love you. Make sure you give your love and time to those who deserve it, okay?"
Kira felt a lump in her throat.
At that moment, a black Maybach stopped outside the crowd.
Thiago, holding Veronica's hand, got out of the car. As the cool night wind blew, the woman playfully snuggled into his arms.
"Wow, what beautiful fireworks! Thiago, look!"
Veronica always had an innocent, girl-next-door charm in front of Thiago, which was one reason he was so smitten with her.
In contrast, Amelia's gloomy and cold demeanor always left him dissatisfied.
The only plus point Amelia had in these three years was that she always behaved like a good girl in front of him.
But what's the point? She was not the one he wanted.
The two of them walked to the railing, and suddenly, four fireworks exploded in the sky at the same time, spelling out "Happy Birthday!"
"Wow, someone's celebrating their birthday. I wonder who's so lucky to get such a gift." Veronica said enviously.
Thiago suddenly frowned. His heart felt a squeeze.
Today was Amelia's birthday. Could the fireworks be Ethan's birthday gift for her?
Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice.
A ship passed in front of them, and the man and woman on it were Amelia and Ethan!
"Huh? It's Ms. Amelia! Who's the man with her? He looks familiar... they seem to be pretty close." Veronica asked, feigning innocence.
Thiago' frown deepened. He gripped the railing so hard his palm turned red.
Just as he thought, she was already dating other men before they officially got divorced? Then why was she crying so hard in front of him earlier today?
The cruise ship was docked at the shore.
When almost all the tourists had left, Ethan and Kira got off, his arm around her waist.
"Amelia!"
Kira tensed up instantly at the sound of this call.
She slowly turned around, only to see Thiago walking briskly towards her. His handsome face still stirred her heart.
But what good would that do? Her love had been destroyed by this man she'd been obsessed with for years. She had no energy left to love him anymore.
"Who is he?" Thiago's face was icy.
"Seems that Mr. Thiago has a poor memory."
Ethan held his sister tighter, smiling faintly, "We've crossed paths more than once in the business world."
"Amelia, answer my question." Thiago ignored Ethan, inching closer.
"We're already divorced, Mr. Thiago. As for who this gentleman is, what does it have to do with you?" Kira smirked, her tone cold and firm.
Thiago's expression changed. He couldn't believe the usually gentle and lovely Amelia would talk to him like that.
"You're already seeing other men before we're officially divorced?"
What the hell? He was the one who cheated first, and now he dared to say these words without a hint of shame?!
Ethan narrowed his eyes, and just as Thiago was about to punch him, Kira stepped in.
She was actually stepping in to protect another man? Thiago's mood worsened.
"We may not be officially divorced, but Mr. Thiago's new woman couldn't wait to intrude into our relationship. I have stood by silently as someone else took my husband. Mr. Thiago, what right do you have to stop me from being with someone else?"
Kira's hair fluttered in the wind, her lips full of mockery. This was a beauty and shock Thiago had never seen before. With a wild tone, she asked, "What, only my ex-husband is allowed to play on the field? I, the ex-wife, can't find my true love?"
Her words were so sharp that Thiago was left speechless.
Veronica, who was rushing over, stomped her foot in anger when she saw Thiago still had feelings for Amelia. As a result, her high heel snapped, and she fell to the ground.
"Ah! Thiago! My foot hurts!"
Thiago finally snapped back to reality and rushed to help Veronica, who had fallen.
By the time he looked back, Kira and Ethan were long gone.
Located in Silverlake Harbor at the grand estate of the Hamilton family was Skyrim.
An elegant Rolls-Royce parked right on the red carpet in front of the ancient mansion. Axel Hamilton, the second son of the Hamilton family, personally came out to welcome his sister and open the car door for her.
"Welcome home, your highness!"
Kira's beautiful face was even more stunning under the night lights. She had already changed into her pointy high heels in the car, looking all graceful and aloof, just like a queen.
"Axel, is everything fine at home?"
"Everything's dandy, but we've been eagerly waiting for your return. Did you like the fireworks display? My birthday gift caused quite a stir, it even made the trending topics!" Axel's handsome face was full of excitement.
"Yes, I saw that. Everyone's saying some rich dude splashed the cash to woo his love, and that you're a flashy rich kid. Congrats on unlocking a new life achievement." Kira clapped in amusement.
Axel wasn't fazed by her teasing, instead, he excitedly hugged his sister.
"Kira, you won't leave again after this return, right?"
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm divorced. Where else would I go?"
Kira comforted Axel by patting his back, "I really let everyone down. I tried my best for three years, but I couldn't even keep a man. I've failed completely."
God knows, her mood at the moment was like swallowing bitter medicine, so bitter it made her want to cry, but she held it in.
She swore that after she left the gates of the Anderson family's mansion, she would never shed a tear for Thiago again because he wasn't worth it!
"That bastard Thiago! How dare he betray my sister! I'll start investigating the Anderson group tomorrow, and then I'll have him dealt with!"
Upon hearing this, Ethan could only mutter, "Oh, God."
'Ethan, stay out of it! You're a public servant."
Kira gave a bitter smile, "Axel, can you be more like Ethan? More peaceful and loving?"
"No way! Ethan is peaceful because he let go of his struggles."
Axel angrily adjusted his tie, "Anyway, I won't let it go! They can mess with me, but if they mess with my sister, the Anderson group will always be in my sight!"
Kira, with Ethan on her left and Axel on her right, the three siblings walked into their long-missed home laughing.
Meanwhile, William Hamilton, the chairman of the Hamilton Group, was pacing around his study with a joyful expression on his stern face when he heard his daughter had returned.
"Dad, I'm back!"
Kira and her two brothers walked into the study. She plopped down on the couch, kicked up her feet, and promptly sent her high heels flying.
Ethan also sat down and naturally began massaging his sister's feet.
"What are you doing? Act like a lady! Don't carry yourself like a teenage boy."
William tried to keep a stern face, he and his daughter were like a pair of squabblers. He would miss her when she was away, but they would bicker the moment they saw each other.
"Did you forget? I've always been like this, remember?"
Kira looked at the wall and spoke to her father.
On the wall hung a painting she had drawn over a decade ago, which her father had inexplicably found and even had framed.
The painting was from when she was young, and it won a prize in a painting competition.
The head of the Hamilton family, having had four wives, often became the topic of conversation during people's leisure time.
Unhappy with this family environment, Kira left at an early age for other countries and became a Doctors Without Borders volunteer, helping those in need.
"Not greeting your father upon returning. What a thoughtful daughter!" William yelled in banter.
"Thanks for the compliment, dad!" Kira laughed, looking sweet.
"Dad, now that Kira is back, there are some things we should discuss."
After tying his sister's shoelaces, Ethan said seriously. "I've decided to step down from the position of Hamilton Group's president and let Kira take over."
Kira's gaze tightened as she intently looked at Ethan's determined side profile.
"What?!" William was so angry he was momentarily speechless.
"I only agreed to help you manage the company for three years, and now that time is up, I'm going back to the church. You know, my aspiration isn't here, I want to be a priest." At this moment, Ethan seemed to radiate a holy light, his attitude firm.
"If you won't manage it, let Axel do it!" William, helpless, had to settle for his second choice.
"No... I'm a government official, I absolutely can't have any ties with big conglomerates. I'll be suspended and investigated!" Axel quickly dodged the suggestion, his face pale.
William felt very frustrated. What's the use of having so many sons? They're all very capable when they're out there, but when there's a problem at home, they can't help at all.
His health was deteriorating with each passing year, and he had long planned to enjoy his old age. However, there wasn't anyone in the entire family who could take over his "business empire".
It's not that he didn't like his daughter, he just insisted that his son should be the one to inherit the company.
"Who said women are inferior to men? I'm willing to be the president!" Kira smiled and lifted her chin proudly.
"You think just because you say you want to be the president, I'll let you be the president? Do you think the Hamilton Group is a toy? Do you think you, a little girl, can earn everyone's respect? Do you understand business?"
William's aged face couldn't hide his anger and sadness, "And you always do whatever you want, disappearing over trifles. If something doesn't suit your taste, you run off to other countries, not coming home for three years. Do you know how worried I was? How worried your mothers were? I thought you were blown to pieces while practicing medicine at the border!"
Kira felt a pang in her heart, her eyes slightly red.
Even though she thought her father owed her mother too much, even though she had resentment towards him, she had secretly married Thiago and hadn't returned home for three years. This time, she was indeed the one who was wrong, she was the one who owed her father.
"Dad, Kira knows as much about business as I do."
Ethan elegantly picked up his coffee cup and took a sip, "Remember the financial crisis the Hamilton group went through four years ago? Those effective group control measures were all Kira's suggestions. And the acquisition plan for the Farley group two years ago, it was Kira who stayed up late to make it."
Hearing this, William looked surprised.
"Dad, you don't really know your daughter. She is the most patient and shrewd among us. You've always been known for your keen eye and talent in the outside world, and now there's a female prodigy right in front of you. Why won't you let her give it a try?" Axel also actively advised from the side.
After mulling it over for a moment, William said seriously, "Alright, girl, if you want to manage the Hamilton family, I'll give you a test. Consider this opportunity a birthday present!"
Kira straightened up, her eyes sparkling.
"Take a few days off. Next week, report to the New Lake Hotel in Hemsworth. If you can refurbish the place within six months and reverse the hotel's dire financial situation, I'll consider letting you be president of the Hamilton Group!"
Upon leaving the study, both Ethan and Axel laid their hands on Kira's shoulders.
"Looks like you've got your work cut out for you, little one," said Ethan.
"You've been away for so long, now that you're back, it's only right we give you a mess to clean up." sighed Axel.
"I know, Dad is trying to make me back down, but unfortunately, that won't work on me. I'm like a spring, the more you press me down, the higher I'll bounce back." Kira clenched her fist, the ambition that had been dormant in her heart for three years was finally stirring.
The two brothers exchanged a smile.
"Girl, the bright future we've been dreaming of is now in your hands."