Chapter 3: The Divorce Papers

The following morning, Catherine woke up before sunrise as she always did.

She prepared breakfast for everyone in the Frost family out of habit.

Only after placing the food on the table did she realize she no longer needed to.

She quietly untied her apron and looked around the luxurious villa.

For seven years, she had treated this house like her home.

To everyone else, she had only been a servant.

James came downstairs holding Brenda's hand.

The little girl happily sat beside him while he buttered her toast.

"Dad, can you braid my hair today?" Brenda asked.

"Of course," James replied with a gentle smile.

Catherine lowered her eyes.

She remembered how Laura had once asked James to tie her shoelaces.

He had refused, saying he was busy.

Now he patiently braided another little girl's hair.

"Mom," Laura whispered, tugging at Catherine's sleeve.

"Can I eat with you?"

"Of course, sweetheart."

Mother and daughter quietly carried their breakfast into the kitchen.

Neither of them wanted to disturb the 'happy family' in the dining room.

After breakfast, Catherine visited a law firm.

She placed a thick envelope on the lawyer's desk.

"I'd like to file for divorce," she said calmly.

The lawyer looked through the documents before asking, "Are you certain?"

"Yes."

"And I'd like full custody of my daughter."

"We'll begin immediately."

By noon, the divorce agreement had been drafted.

Catherine returned home and placed the documents neatly on James's study desk.

When James entered the room that evening, he immediately noticed the papers.

"What's this?"

"Divorce papers," Catherine answered.

"Sign them whenever you have time."

James picked up the agreement before letting out a cold laugh.

"You're actually serious?"

"I thought yesterday was just another tantrum."

"Does it look like I'm joking?"

"How much do you want?" James asked impatiently.

"Name your price."

"Everything always comes down to money with you."

Catherine smiled faintly.

"You're right."

"Since that's what you believe, then let's settle this with money."

"Transfer the compensation I deserve for seven years of unpaid work."

"Then sign the divorce papers."

James slammed the documents onto the desk.

"You're unbelievable."

"You trapped me into marriage seven years ago."

"Now you're trying to make another fortune before leaving?"

"Gold diggers never change."

Catherine didn't bother defending herself.

The truth had never mattered to him.

At that moment, elegant footsteps echoed from the hallway.

A graceful woman walked into the study.

She wore an expensive white dress and carried herself confidently.

"James," she called softly.

"Is everything alright?"

James immediately softened.

"It's nothing, Evelyn."

"Catherine is just making trouble again."

Catherine finally understood.

So this was Brenda's mother.

Evelyn smiled politely.

"Mrs. Frost, I know my arrival has caused misunderstandings."

"But Brenda is still young."

"Please don't blame her."

Catherine looked at her quietly.

"Don't worry."

"Once the divorce is finalized, none of you will have anything to do with me."

"Or my daughter."

Evelyn appeared relieved.

"Thank you for understanding."

James frowned slightly.

For some reason, Catherine's indifference irritated him more than her tears ever had.

"Fine," he said coldly.

"I'll sign."

"But don't expect another cent beyond what the law requires."

"That's enough," Catherine replied.

"I don't want your charity."

"I only want my freedom."

That night, Catherine quietly packed several suitcases.

Laura watched from the bed.

"Mom... are we going somewhere?"

"Yes."

"We're going to a place where no one will make you feel unwanted anymore."

"Will Dad come?"

Catherine gently shook her head.

"No, sweetheart."

"It's just the two of us now."

Laura smiled for the first time in days.

"That's okay."

"As long as I'm with you."

Tears filled Catherine's eyes.

She hugged her daughter tightly.

No matter how little time she had left...

She would spend every remaining day giving Laura the love she deserved.

Meanwhile, downstairs, James stood alone in his study staring at the unsigned divorce papers.

He should have felt relieved.

This was what he had wanted for years.

So why did the empty room suddenly feel unbearably cold?