She widened her eyes, “What did you call me?”
“Auntie, is there a problem? I’m divorced from Ethan, what else should I call you?”
“You, you actually dared to sign.”
I coldly laughed, “Your son will soon have a new wife. I better clear the space.”
“You filthy mouth!”
I smirked, too lazy to deal with her. I went in and started packing Ethan’s things.
The Aiden family’s stuff filled the house over the years, even my sister–in–law had her own room here.
Looking at it made me annoyed.
That night, Ethan returned, seeing his things piled outside. He angrily kicked them away.
The kids cried in fear.
In the past, I was the only one hysterical at home. Now that I wasn’t, Ethan started.
I ignored the kids‘ cries. My mother–in–law came out, cursing the kids, making Ethan juggle between calming them and dealing with her.
I completely let go of dealing with my father–in–law.
After a few days of this, Ethan couldn’t take it anymore
7:36 AM
<
A
He worked by day and faced chaos at night.
His mom complained of aches and pains every day.
His dad needed help at night, and chores overwhelmed his mom, who called for his help.
He couldn’t rest well at night.
I noticed he spent less time on his phone.
“Nora, what do you want?”
I was applying skincare. I used to be thrifty, leading to rough skin. Now I knew to take care of myself.
I looked at my youthful reflection, surprised, “Want what? I don’t get it. I don’t want anything!”
“Stop pretending. Can’t you see all the problems at home? My mom and I are exhausted.”
“So what? They’re not my parents.”
“You, you live here for free and dare talk like this.”
I noticed he’s been spending less time on his phone lately.
“Nora, what do you really want?”
I was applying some skincare. I used to be hesitant to spend on these things, which left my skin a bit rough. But now I realize I need to take care of myself.
Naturally, I’m willing to invest in myself.
Looking at my reflection, which appeared a bit more youthful, I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “What do you mean? I genuinely have no idea what you’re talking about!”
“Stop pretending. Can’t you see all the issues at home? My mom and I are exhausted.”
“So what? They’re not my parents.”
“You’re just freeloading here and you still have the nerve to talk like that.”
I chuckled, “Hey, watch your words. You’re living in my house, and I’ve never even asked you to pay rent.”
“Are you deliberately making things difficult for me? Fine, without me, you’ll end up as a beggar.”
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m starting a job soon.”
After half a month of sending out resumes, I finally landed a position at a company with great potential in trade.
I start tomorrow.
“You found a job? Why didn’t you discuss it with me? Who told you to get a job? I can support you!”
I waved my hand, “Hold on. We’re divorced, remember?”
Ethan paced back and forth, suddenly furious, “You think it’s that easy to get divorced? Don’t forget, the month isn’t up yet. As long as I don’t sign, the divorce won’t happen.”
I watched Ethan storm off in anger, remaining calm.
No rush, I have my ways.
I found a job and started regaining control of my life.
Leaving early and coming back late, I quick
7:36 Al
<
་
On payday, I treated myself to a lot of new clothes.
My mother–in–law looked at me with eyes full of resentment.
She hasn’t had time for mahjong or dancing lately and has visibly lost weight, looking at least a decade older.
Ethan noticed I wasn’t backing down and tried sweet–talking me.
Every day, he’d send messages reminding me to dress warmly or eat when I’m hungry.
And just like that, I finally received the message I had been waiting for.
Grace couldn’t hold back anymore and sent me a message.
I don’t know how she got my number, but she sent me an ultrasound photo, claiming it was Ethan’s child.
In a past life, I received her message too, but ended up having a huge fight with Ethan.
Since the divorce didn’t go through and Ethan quickly took Grace for an abortion, the issue was buried.
I never saw Grace again.
I don’t know why Grace sent me the message later this time, but from the ultrasound, the child was almost three months old.
I arranged to meet Grace at a café.
“I’m having the professor’s child. Please divorce him. I beg you. I have no other choice.”
I looked at Grace. She was exactly Ethan’s type.
Gentle, vulnerable, and naïve.
And, of course, pure.
I know it’s odd to describe a mistress as pure, but Ethan likes this type of innocent girl.
Seeing my silence, Grace panicked, “I’m really sorry, sister. I truly have no other choice. If my dad finds out, he’ll kill me. He’s an old teacher who values reputation.”
I spoke, “Ethan and I are already divorced. Didn’t he tell you?”
“What?”
I sighed, “I’ve divorced Ethan. He said he found someone he loves and wants to marry her. I’m old and tired from all the fighting over the years. Might as well let you two be together!”
Grace was excited, “The professor said that even though you two lost love over the years, there’s still a bond. He thinks you’re not good enough for him, but he said he won’t let you and the child suffer.”
I internally laughed at Ethan’s deceit, but outwardly, I seemed comforted, “Now that you’re pregnant, you should get married soon. Adults can wait, but the child can’t.”
“You’re so kind, sister. Once you and the child move out, I’ll make sure the professor pays child support on time.”
1
I waved it off generously, “No need for that. I didn’t ask for a penny in the divorce. Why would I ask for money now?”
Grace’s eyes lit up, “You left with nothing?”
“Yeah, I haven’t worked all these years and lived off Ethan’s money. I don’t have the face to ask for more.”
Grace smiled, “You’re so right, sister. It’s rare to find someone with such a proper perspective.”
“Now you’re relieved, right? Your friends are waiting for you.”
7:36 AM
<
I had already noticed a few people peeking in from outside the café.
Grace sheepishly said, “My friends were worried I’d be at a disadvantage, but I didn’t expect you to be so reasonable.”
“No problem. Once Ethan and my cooling–off period ends, he can meet your dad.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Grace nodded.
Watching Grace leave, I smiled. No wonder Ethan likes her. I like obedient people too.
When I got home that night, I heard a commotion before I even opened the door.
Harper was on the couch, crying her makeup off.
Also in the room were brother–in–law Felix and his parents.
My mother–in–law, furious, pointed at Felix, “What have you done? What’s wrong with Harper that you had to find another woman?”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised they found out so quickly.
Felix, like Ethan, couldn’t stay put.
Seeing me enter, Felix greeted me, “Sister–in–law.”
“Felix, you’re looking well. Seems like good news lifts the spirit.”
I’ll admit I did it on purpose. My mother–in–law didn’t know yet that Felix had a child with someone else.
Harper is crying now, but she’ll cry more later because she can’t have children.
“If you can’t speak properly, then shut up.”
Harper jumped up, “Say that again, are you mocking me?”
“Yeah, I am mocking you. You deserve it for being disliked by a man. If you can’t control your
Harper glared at me, “Say it again, I dare you!”
why blame Felix?”
I shrugged and pulled Felix’s mother aside, “Aunt, don’t you agree with me? Felix is out there doing important things. Harper has no right to come to his workplace and make a scene.”
Felix’s mom laughed, “You’re right. Felix is doing big things outside. Harper running to his workplace and making a fuss is ridiculous.”
I was surprised, “Harper is so unreliable. Really no manners, acting like a shrew. Felix, you better keep your wife in check, or she’ll cause more trouble.”
Felix, feeling justified, gave Harper a smug look.
I continued, “Look at me, I don’t control Ethan much. Even if he finds ten or eight women outside, as long as he doesn’t bring them home, I turn a blind eye.”
Felix gave me a thumbs–up, “Sister–in–law, you’re so understanding. Not like Harper, acting like a shrew all the time. It’s annoying at home.”
Harper shouted, “Nora, get out!”
I put my things down, “You should be the one to leave. This house is mine, and it’s the people with the surname Li who should go.”
Harper rushed at me to hit me.
With old and new grudges, I slapped Harper, “You useless hen who can’t lay eggs, what right do you have to control Felix?”
Felix, initially about to help Harper, stopped in his tracks.
