"Rhian, let's get divorced!"
When Jake's voice came from behind, Rhian was cooking steak.
The sizzling hot oil splashed on her face, but she didn't feel any pain.
"Between you and me, there is only the title of husband and wife, no affection.
The four-year deadline is up, it's time to end it." The man's voice was cold, carrying a touch of aloofness.
Rhian bit her lip.
This day, eventually... came. Four years ago, the Cabrera family went bankrupt, and due to the unbearable burden, both her father and mother committed suicide, leaving a mess for Rhian to bear alone.
Rhian's grandfather and Jake's grandfather were comrades-in-arms who had fought together.
Rhian's grandfather once saved Jake's grandfather on the battlefield.
As he lay dying, Rhian's grandfather was most worried about his granddaughter, and entrusted Rhian to Cabrera's grandfather.
Thus, this nominal marriage came into existence.
However, she didn't know when it happened, but she transgressed the boundaries in this contract marriage and gave him her entire heart.
She thought that as long as she played the role of 'A good wife', he would eventually reciprocate her love.
In the end, what she waited for was divorce!
"I will give you four billion and a duplex in San Rose district as compensation.
This is the divorce agreement, if there are no objections, please sign it."
Jake emotionlessly handed over a stack of documents to Rhian, his expression as cold and detached as if he were discussing a business deal.
Rhian took the agreement, her eyes tracing over the series of numbers.
Four years, four hundred million. The Cabrera's family was as generous as usual.
"Is divorce the only solution?"
Rhian closed the agreement, her gaze lifting to rest on the man in front of her.
The man she had loved for four years had an incredibly handsome face, a towering physique, and a perpetually serious demeanor.
He was always so restrained, like a high mountain flower, unreachable.
"Divorce is the only solution."
There was no hesitation in Jake's cold tone. Her heart ached slightly.
But she, Rhian, was never the type to dwell and whine.
Since she was determined to crash against this Iron wall until her head bled, she should turn back now.
Well, four years of marriage in exchange for four hundred million, it was worth it either way! "Alright, I agree."
Holding the pen, she efficiently wrote down her name on the agreement. Jake was somewhat taken aback.
In his memories, this woman had always been soft and weak, very indecisive, like a rabbit with zero survival skills.
Now, she seemed quite calm and collected. Somehow, this made him a bit uneasy.
"I will notify you of the registration time, if possible, it would be best if you can move out tonight."
Ignoring his unease, Jake coldly finished speaking and turned to leave the villa.
Clearly, regarding the divorce, he didn't come to consult with Rhian, but just to notify her.
That night, the servants who usually had no kind face towards Rhian, became even more arrogant upon knowing that she was being forced to divorce.
They directly threw her luggage out of the villa.
"You woman, you've been sucking the blood of the Cabrera family for four years, it's about time you were kicked out, it serves you right!"
In the cold night, Rhian squatted down to gather her scattered clothes all over the ground. She looked completely mortified.
At this moment, the sound of a car parking came from behind her. A tall woman stepped out of the car.
"Miss Lilian, you're finally here, was it a hard journey?"
The servant who had just been shouting at Rhian, now eagerly helped carry the woman's luggage.
Lilian, holding her chin up, didn't even glance at anyone:
"Be careful, my things are very expensive.
If you break them, you can't afford to compensate."
Rhian on the side froze for a moment, and then she understood.
No wonder Jake wants her to move out tonight.
Is it because there's a new person in a hurry to settle in the house?
Ha, thinking that she was just troubled over a man like that, she almost wanted to slap herself!
Lilian arrogantly walked up to Rhian, her words full of disdain.
"Are you Rhian? You haven't left yet?"
"Jake has driven you out, and you're still hesitating, what a shameless act!"
Rhian turned a blind eye to her provocation and continued packing her scattered luggage.
"Hey, are you deaf? Can't you hear me? I am speaking to you?"
"Sorry, I didn't hear you."
Rhian finally lifted her head, her expression calm:
"I only heard a dog barking non-stop!"
"How dare you call me a dog!"
"I didn't insult you.
Whoever answers is admitting it.
" With that, she dragged her suitcase, turned her head slightly towards Lilian in front of her:
"Excuse me, good dogs don't block the way."
"You!" Lilian stomped her feet in anger, her face reddened and then turned pale.
Isn't the rumored Miss. Rhian wife of Jake of the Cabrera Family known for being bullied?
How could she have such a sharp tongue?
Seeing the situation, the servant quickly stepped forward like a sycophant.
"Miss Lilian, calm down.
It's not worth it to be angry over a concubine!"
"In the future, you will be the lady of this villa.
This woman... is worthless..."
"We've already prepared your room according to Mr. Jake's instructions.
Let me take you there!"
Lilian was gratified, stopped bothering with Rhian, and followed the servant into the villa.
In the bitter cold wind, Rhian was left standing alone.
Looking at the grand and towering building, her mind was a mess. Four years of her life had been wasted here, and she didn't expect such a pathetic ending.
It was truly ironic.
"Goodbye, Cabrera family!" Inhaling deeply, Rhian left without looking back.
That night, she rented a small bedroom-and-living-room apartment in the city center.
The room was small, but at least she was stable.
She suddenly felt very relaxed. Freed from the title of "Mrs. Rhian Cabrera wife of Mr. Jake Cabrera", .
she could do whatever she wanted at her leisure.
Rhian took out her phone and dialed the number she had blocked for four years. "Boss, it's been four years. You finally remembered me!"
As one of the six princes of San Rose, Kyle, has always been headstrong, the present moment on the phone he is completely a younger brother figure, his voice very excited.
"I heard you're getting a divorce,
congratulations, congrats!
That iceberg-faced, paralyzed Jake should have been kicked aside a long time ago!"
"You don't know. Over these years you've been a docile daughter-in-law in the Cabrera family, there are legends about you everywhere in the underworld.
If those old gang members knew that you were the top level boss they wanted to dig out, they would probably drop their eyeballs!"
"So, are you going to do something big this time? as your little bro I..."
"Stop!"
Rhian was annoyed to the point of head pain, considering blocking this flamboyant fellow again.
"I promised Grandpa, I will no longer enter the circle.
If you truly regard me as your boss, you will keep this secret for me."
Indeed, her "past" was exciting, but it was just that, "past".
She didn't want to mention it much.
"I called you this time, I want you to help me investigate something..."
After Rhian finished communicating with Skyle, she hung up the phone.
At the same time, a text message came in.
It was from Jake! Her heart began to race.
"Tomorrow, nine o'clock, Marriage Registrar office"
Just a simple six words, without any emotion, as if every extra word would be a grace.
The ripples in her heart returned to calm.
Well, she knew, she shouldn't have any expectations of this man.
"Alright."
Rhian replied in seconds, also without any emotion, she was very straightforward.
The next day.
They agreed to meet at nine o'clock, but Rhian was waiting outside the Marriage Registrar office half an hour earlier.
Not just early, but she also put on a radiant makeup, wore her favorite bright red long dress, and even tied up her usually loose hair, revealing a swan-like long and white neck.
From a distance, she looked like a goddess, graceful, aloof, and had an ethereal charm.
However, it seemed like she caught a cold the night before, she was a bit feverish and feeling unwell.
At nine o'clock sharp, a silver Bugatti Veyron pulled into the outdoor parking lot in front of the marriage Registrar office.
Jake, with his stern face, stepped out of the car.
Seeing Rhian, who had been waiting for a long time at the door, he was first slightly astounded, which was quickly replaced by a baffling displeasure.
"You sure are enthusiastic!"
Without a hint of expression on his face, Jake bypassed Rhian and with long strides headed towards the divorce registrar office.
That guy...is such a weirdo!
Rhian stared at the tall, cold figure of the man, thinking to herself, as he rushed off in such a hurry, as if he was rushing to reincarnate, isn't he the enthusiastic one?
The Divorce process was done very quickly.
Signing, pressing fingerprints, and stamping, it took less than ten minutes altogether.
"According to the new rules, there is now a one-month cooling-off period for divorce.
Within thirty days from today's registration, any of you who change your mind can bring the necessary documents to unilaterally cancel the divorce."
After the clerk finished speaking, he handed each a copy of the divorce application.
Every day they're processing divorce paperwork.
There are those who cry, those who quarrel, and even those who directly fight.
But encountering such a composed duo like these two was a first.
Moreover, the man is tall and handsome, the woman is slim and beautiful. How could such a well-matched pair end up divorcing?
Rhian received the document with ease, skimming over the numerous clauses, finding it profoundly ironic.
"Why is there a cooling-off period for divorce but none for marriage?
If marriage had a cooling-off period..."
Jake's face darkened significantly, a cold sneer on his lips.
"What, if there was a cooling-off period for marriage, you wouldn't have married me?"
"That's not it!"
Rhian raised an eyebrow.
"I did make a neat four billion from you, didn't I?
Four billion... Most people never even earn as much in their entire life.
I'd say I've won, in any case." Jake's expression darkened further, his annoyance evident as he tugged at his tie.
She had always been the epitome of modesty, without a hint of personality.
But now, on the brink of divorce, she seemed suddenly insouciant and sharp-witted. Just as the couple was about to go their separate ways, a soft and delicate voice echoed from behind them.
"Jake, have the procedures been completed?"
Rhian turned back, and it's Lilian! Only, Lilian at this moment was dressed in a loose white dress, her face a picture of a mournful reproach - the very image of a modern-day Maga delicate as a flower that would spread at the slightest wind.
There was no trace of her previous arrogant and domineering attitude.
Moreover, it was only today that Rhian noticed something she had missed before
It was Lilian's belly a bit...rounded?
"Didn't I tell you to wait for me in the car?
Why did you come out?"
"It's cold inside, and the child in your womb is very important to the Cabrera's family.
You can't catch a cold."
Jake's voice filled with aloofness.
Watching the interaction between them, Rhian felt an indescribable sense of jealousy, a deep sense of discomfort in her heart.
"Doesn't Mr. Jake Cabrera owes me an explanation?"
Jake turned to look at Rhian, his handsome face calm, unreadable, "You don't need to know."
"Listen to that, so righteous and confident!"
Rhian found everything extremely hilarious.
She had always thought that Jake was the kind of person who stood high above the clouds, cherishing his own feathers and disdaining to mess around with relationships.
And yet...
he quietly brought out a bombshell.
Not only did he bring the other woman into the home, he even had a child.
Rhian suddenly sobered up, the last remnants of sadness in her heart also dissipated like smoke.
"So, this is, considered infidelity within the marriage?"
Before Jake could open his mouth, Lilian impatiently stepped in between, her eyes holding back tears,
"Miss Valdez, it's all my fault. If you want to hit or scold someone, take it out on me..."
Was this woman performing Scheming? That is a dramatic face change.
She's very good at playing the pure lotus.
"Is that so?"
Rhian immediately raised her arm high in preparation for a slap.
Lilian let out a small 'ah', and nervously hid behind Jake.
"Aren't you the one who asked for a hit or a scold, why are you hiding?"
Rhian simply pushed back her loose hair and said, a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "Don't be so dramatic, I'm a civilized person,
I cannot play the part where the wrong wife physically confronts the mistress."
"If you are truly in love, not only will I not attack you, I will even wish you well!"
"What...what?"
This unexpected word from Rhian left Lilian utterly baffled.
Her pre-prepared "tragedy act" seemed apropos of nothing now.
It seemed the rumors were indeed true.
Jake and Rhian were just a contract couple, devoid of actual affection.
Otherwise, which wife could face a mistress with such breezy nonchalance?
Immediately after, Rhian continued,
"However, since this is a case of infidelity within marriage, I believe there is a need to renegotiate the property division stipulated in our divorce agreement."
Upon hearing Rhian mention disputes over property, Lilian, too anxious to keep up her innocent act, replied angrily,
"Jake has already given you four billion and a top-quality duplex in the Long Beach area! He has been generous enough.
Not to mention, the Cabrera's family has suffered considerable losses cleaning up after the Valdez family these past years.
One should not be too greedy..."
Rhian nearly broke into laughter at Lilian's anxious retort, and fired back,
"Oh? Here I am, the lawful wife, yet to concede my place, and you, the mistress, are already acting as the madam of the house, terrified that your lover's money will be taken away.
Who's the greedy one here?"
As if slapped in the face, Lilian turned red and white, stammering, "I, I didn't mean that..."
Jake, however, remained unfazed, his gaze deep and oppressive as they bore into Rhian, demanding coolly
"Continue." Meeting Lilian's stifling stare, Rhian stated her demands plainly.
"I don't want four billion, or any duplex.
You own a law firm named Cabrera's Law firm, Transfer its ownership to me."
"Cabrera's Law Firm?" Jake's brow furrowed slightly in an attempt to recall.
The Cabrera's Family, ranked among the eight leading families in Steeze, had countless businesses under their name.
A trifling law firm naturally didn't leave a significant impression on him.
However, he remembered that there seemed to be a law firm specifically handling the judiciary affairs of the Cabrera's family.
It was akin to a retirement institution housing a bunch of worthless loafers who merely bide their time, living off its resources.
It's utterly valueless.
This woman, ignoring the availability of four hundred billion in cash and unexpectedly asking for a profitless item, what on earth was she thinking?
Subconsciously, his gaze at Rhian became more probing.
After a few days of not seeing her, she seemed to have changed...
quite differently! "My request is just this one.
After amending the divorce agreement, I will give it to you to sign...
It's getting late now, let's call it a day!"
"Additionally, I wish you and Lilian to have the child soon."
Rhian lifted her chin, her face glowing with delight as if she had just closed a 'big deal.'
The epitome of nonchalant self-indulgence.
Regrettably, her nonchalant demeanor only lasted a second before disaster struck.
Feeling dizzy and heavy-headed, she saw darkness engulf her vision as she turned around, and she fell to the ground with a heavy thud...
At first, Rhian was certain that she was going to have an intimate encounter with the cold ground.
The next second, her slender waist was securely encircled by a man's long and sturdy arm.
The blend of minty scent filled her nostrils, captivating her.
"Your body is so hot... do you have a fever?"
Jake looked down at the woman in his arms, his typically cold demeanor now carried a touch of concern.
She was so thin, feather-light; it only ignited his protective instincts.
"It's none of your business!"
Regaining her balance, Rhian managed to stand her ground, determined to break away from the man's embrace.
If divorcing, the separation should be clean and definite; give the ex a cool farewell.
She didn't want him to see her in such a feeble state-that would just seem like she's asking for pity!
Rhian was stubborn, but her body was very honest.
She was completely weak, with no strength left.
Jake picked her up in a princess carry without further ado.
"I'll take you to the hospital."
"What are you doing... Let go!"
Rhian felt awful and embarrassed, struggling incessantly.
"Don't forget, we're already divorced..."
"During the cooling-off period, you're still my wife,"
Jake's voice is steady and dominant, providing no opportunity for Rhian to refuse.
Seeing them about to leave, Lilian became anxious.
This was not the outcome she wanted.
Hastily clutching her stomach, she deliberately showed weakness and called out from behind, "Jake, wait for me.
It's not easy for me to walk while carrying this big belly..."
"Stay still, I will have Phillip pick you up."
Jake spoke and looked back at Rhian in his arms, his voice solemn,
"Her condition isn't good, I can't ignore her."
Hearing this, Rhian rolled her eyes until she almost had a spasm.
What's all this about?
One minute he's demanding a divorce to be with his pregnant mistress, the next he's playing the devoted lover?
Who does he think he is, black tea that even after it's finished still lingers with a pleasant aftertaste in your mouth?
A perfect match for Lilian, this cup of green snake indeed!
In that case, let's play along with them.
No longer struggling, Rhian simply draped herself onto Jake, batting her large eyes, coquettish saying,
"Then thank you, dear ex-husband." "......"
Jake's face suddenly darkened, his expression inscrutable.
On the other hand, Lilian's face turned green with anger!
Upon their arrival at the hospital, Jake registered, then accompanied Rhian through the blood test.
The test results came out quickly.
"39.3, viral infection complicated by bacterial infection.
If she was brought in later, she probably wouldn't be feverish, instead, she would be seriously ill," the doctor, after reading the chart, pushed up his glasses, fixed his gaze on Jake, and sternly scolded,
"What kind of husband are you?
Your wife is burning up with a fever, yet you allow her to wear so little.
Do you even have a heart?"
Jake was about to explain, but Rhian took the lead, whimpering,
"Doctor, don't scold my husband. Although I can't get enough food or warmth after marrying him, I have to endure his anger every day, and he even cheated on me and forced me to divorce, but I don't blame him.
Who can resist his good looks? It's all my choice." Jake: "???"
What the hell is this woman up to?
How is she so different from what he remembers?
The doctor's worldview seemed to have been strongly shaken.
He looked at Jake, then at Rhian, and sighed repeatedly:
The young people these days, are outrageous!
"After this IV bottle and taking the medicine I've prescribed, she should have no problems."
The doctor hurriedly left after a few words.
In the hospital room, only Jake and Rhian were left, making the atmosphere suddenly delicate.
In their four years of marriage, they rarely spent time alone.
Jake stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking at Rhian from a higher position.
"Done playing?" Rhian gave an awkward cough.
"Done playing."
If she continues to play, she's afraid she'll risk her life here.
"Why didn't you call me to postpone it when you're so ill?"
At this moment, the woman's face was burned red, pitifully lying down, turning back into that helpless rabbit, inexplicably making him a little heartbroken.
"It's gonna rain, mom's gonna get married, Mr. Cabrera is getting a divorce, it doesn't make much sense to postpone."
The high fever made Rhian weak.
She cherished Jake's tenderness, but she also knew that she mustn't indulge in it.
"Thank you today, I'm okay, you can leave now, your pregnant lover is waiting for you!"
These words seemed to sober Jake up considerably.
"Alright, I'll leave then."
At this point, a tall and slim silhouette walked into the sickroom.
"Rhian, you were getting a divorce, how did you divorce yourself into a hospi..."
Kyle's carefree voice came to an abrupt halt when he found Jake, the perennial iceberg, still standing in the hospital room.
He was sizing up Jake. Jake was also sizing him up.
The atmosphere abruptly turned slightly awkward.
"Do you two know each other?"
Jake turned to Rhian and asked in a cold voice.
These two people, one is a notorious playboy, the other is a home-oriented rich young lady.
They are not from the same world at all, when did their paths intersect?
"Well..." Rhian supported her forehead with her hand, appearing somewhat embarrassed.
She was the one who texted Kyle to come meet her at the hospital, but she didn't expect him to come so quickly.
Her almost former husband and the young Playboy had bumped into each other.
Why did it feel like... a battle zone?
"Know each other? She's like a goddess to me!" Kyle cradles a bunch of brilliant sunflowers, strode enthusiastically toward Rhian.
With a teasing smile aimed at Jake, he said,
"What Mr. Cabrera doesn't know is that, back in the day, 'Miss. Valdes' was quite the sensation at our school.
The line of suitors went on for what seemed like miles, and among the countless admirers, I was the most loyal fanboy!"
"Today is the day she got her divorce application, a more joyous occasion!
As her biggest fan, I definitely have to be the first to congratulate her, don't I?"
After speaking, Kyle put away his nonchalant demeanor and handed the bouquet to Rhian with solemnity and affection.
"My Goddess, this sun and Rose flowers is for you, I remember it's your most favorite flowers.
Its symbolism is thriving in adversity, right?"
"I don't think there's any other flower more suitable for you!"
Indeed, Rhian fondly admired sun and Rose flowers.
However, the symbolism of sunflowers is: 'having eyes only for one person.'
And while Rose flowers symbols Love.
Just like her feelings for Jake.
From the moment she saw him, no other man ever appeared in her eyes.
Now, it's time to look elsewhere.
Surely, she can't spend her whole life depending on this one man, can she?
Rhian happily accepted the bouquet, held it to her nose, and breathed it in.
She gave Kyle a radiant smile and said, "This is the first time I have received flowers in my four years of married life.
They smell wonderful."
"As long as you like them, goddess, I will send you flowers every day!"
At this moment, Jake's handsome face had turned freezing cold.
It was as if the temperature in the room had dropped a few degrees.
Kyle turned to look at the silent Jake, his lips curling up into a teasing smile as he mockingly said,
"Mr. Cabrera, I sincerely thank you for granting freedom to my Goddess, and adding another legend in town."
Jake dismissed Kyle's existence. This child was nothing more than the excessively doted-upon son of Mr. Kelvin Steve, a worthless person who only knew about pleasure-seeking.
He didn't need to pay him any attention. The golden sunflower gloriously illuminated Hazel's delicate face, making her appear exceptionally charming.
Jake, slightly dazed by the view, murmured, "I don't even know you like sunflowers."
Rhian scoffed, "There are many things you don't know about."
Then, she naturally instructed Kyle, "Kyle, help me place these flowers."
"Sure thing!" Kyle hurriedly scuttled around like an eager puppy.
Upon observing this, a sense of irritation began to stir in Jake's heart.
What exactly is their relationship?
Kyle the infamous Sixth son of the Steve family, who was always known for his unyielding nature, wasn't your typical goody-two-shoes.
How could he act like an overeager lapdog in front of Rhian?
" Mr. Jake, is there anything else?"
Rhian politely yet smilingly asked Jake. Her words imply, why aren't you leaving yet?
Jake's face turned even grimmer as he gravely reminded her,
"I'll remind you again, during the cooling-off period, you're still a married woman.
Keep that in mind."
"Understood.
Anyway, I won't create a scene like Mr. Maurice has done, causing a death."
Rhian's words almost made Jake choke on his anger.
However, he didn't retort and left indifferently.
The moment he left, Kyle couldn't hold back his laughter anymore.
"Hahaha!"
"Check it out, Rhian did you see? Did you see his face? It's absolutely priceless!"
"I swear, in these four years, I've seen him countless times on numerous occasions, yet this is the first time I've seen a different expression on that ice-cold, poker-faced countenance of his.
It's really hilarious!"
"Miss, Valdes, you're even better at this, you scared him off directly!
That was so exhilarating, hahaha!"
However, Rhian didn't find it exhilarating at all, instead feeling quite bitter inside.
After all, he was the man she had loved for four years.
She never thought that one day things would escalate to this point.
"Alright, stop laughing.
Where's the thing I asked for?
Give it to me," Rhian forced herself to be energetic and said to Kyle.