Chapter 4 Bittersweet News

Ella's heart raced with both shock and joy.

She placed her hand on her abdomen, rubbing it gently, her face solemn.

Even without Austin, she could raise this child on her own.

"Doctor, what should Ella be aware of regarding her current condition?" Sarah asked, standing beside the hospital bed after recovering from her initial shock.

Ella immediately jumped in with her own question. "Can I be discharged?"

The doctor's expression turned serious as he glanced at the medical report in his hand.

He answered Ella first, then instructed Sarah. "There aren't any major issues preventing discharge, but her physical condition is extremely poor. She needs proper rest. There's a significant risk of miscarriage at any time."

Sarah nodded, accepting the responsibility.

After the doctor left, Sarah helped Ella with the discharge paperwork.

As they exited the ward, Sarah supported Ella, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure you don't want to stay in the hospital a few more days?"

"No, I can't stand being cooped up in that room. The antiseptic smell is suffocating."

Sarah continued supporting Ella as they walked, her face etched with worry. "Does Austin know you're pregnant?"

She had heard how Austin had pressured Ella relentlessly about getting pregnant.

As Ella's friend, she couldn't help but feel protective.

Yet when Ella married Austin, there was little she could do.

"You were right, Sarah. Austin and I were never right for each other," Ella said.

The advice Sarah had given her years ago, which Ella had dismissed, now felt painfully prophetic after experiencing the harsh reality firsthand.

She finally understood how naive she had been.

Sarah stopped walking, looking at her friend with concern. "Ella?"

After taking a deep breath, Ella looked at her with tear-filled eyes. "I'm filing for divorce."

Sarah froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Divorce? Did Austin hurt you again?"

Ella remained silent.

"You know what I'm feeling right now? It's like following a book to what you think is going to be a happy ending, only to discover the author completely ruined the final chapter. I always thought that even if you weren't in love, you and Austin would at least have a comfortable life together."

Sarah's heart ached as she looked at Ella's thin frame.

It was clear she had suffered greatly in this marriage.

Ella lowered her gaze, letting out a bitter sigh. "It's over now. He'll go his way, and I'll go mine. We're finished."

"Let me confront him and set things straight!" Sarah said, fuming with anger on Ella's behalf.

Ella grabbed her hand and shook her head. "I don't want to drag you into this complicated situation."

"This marriage has tormented you for so long, and divorce will bring even more pain. Are you certain about this?" Sarah asked, squeezing Ella's hand reassuringly.

She nodded firmly, her gaze unwavering.

"All right, whatever you decide, I'm behind you one hundred percent."

Sarah's immediate support warmed Ella's heart.

Having such a loyal friend was truly a blessing.

As evening fell, darkness descended, and a bright moon hung in the sky.

Ella entered the security code—0623—to unlock the mansion door.

Austin had never changed the code, always using these four digits.

She had often wondered about the significance of this number, but whenever she asked Austin, he never gave her a straight answer.

She hesitated before pushing the door open, finding the interior empty.

Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shadowy tree silhouettes across the floor.

Had Austin not returned home?

The household staff was also absent.

Looking around, she decided not to linger.

She had come to collect her belongings.

Ella went upstairs to the master bedroom, which contained all her personal items and everyday clothes.

Since she had decided on separation, she wanted a clean break.

Entering the bedroom, she saw the familiar king-sized bed.

Ella opened the closet and saw Austin's clothes.

While the housekeeper typically handled household chores, Ella had always insisted on doing them herself.

After staring at the closet for a few seconds, Ella quickly gathered her clothes.

There was nothing worth lingering over.

She packed her clothes, skincare products, jewelry, and makeup into two large suitcases.

When both were full, Ella placed the prepared divorce agreement on the nightstand.

Perhaps from her years as Mrs. Raymond, she had become skilled at handling everything meticulously—from daily household matters to electrical issues, broken appliances, garden maintenance, and financial reports.

She had organized it all in just one day and left it for Austin.

This was her goodbye.

Fearing Austin might miss the divorce papers, she decided to mention them.

While waiting for her rideshare outside the mansion, Ella called Austin.

He answered before the first ring had finished.

"I've prepared the divorce papers and detailed records of various household matters. They're on the nightstand. When you have time, please sign them."

There was only the sound of static followed by a silence that felt like it lasted an eternity.

Ella thought the call had disconnected and checked her screen.

Seeing it was still connected, she continued, "I hope you can sign them soon so we can make a clean break."

The voice on the other end cleared his throat, sounding unexpectedly gentle.

"You went to the hospital?"

Ella froze.

He rarely showed concern for her. Why would he suddenly ask about this?

She didn't answer his question, instead pressing on. "Austin, I'm trying to discuss something important."

"You need to take better care of yourself. I've given you so many supplements, yet you're still this frail."

Austin continued, speaking as if to himself.

She was losing the last of her patience and about to hang up.

"There's a gala event. You'll attend as my companion."

Austin's cool voice was commanding rather than requesting.

It seemed he wasn't asking for her agreement but expecting her compliance.

Perhaps in their relationship, Austin had grown accustomed to her countless compromises.

He assumed she had no reason to refuse.

Ella remained silent, contemplating how to decline.

"We'll set aside the divorce for now. I have work to deal with. We'll discuss it when I return."

He hung up abruptly.

Ella found it darkly amusing.

Even their divorce required his approval and timing.

She felt suffocated.

Her hand dropped limply, feeling drained.

Eventually, Ella decided to attend the gala after all.

She left her luggage at Sarah's place since she didn't have any suitable formal wear of her own.

Considering she would be attending as Austin's wife, she couldn't embarrass him.

After much deliberation, she applied makeup and wore a gown Austin had previously bought for her before heading to the event.

As the car stopped, she was greeted by the opulent hotel ballroom.

Luxury, grandeur, and an unmistakable aura of wealth and high society emanated from every corner.

Ella checked her appearance in the car's reflection.

Her gown was a runway custom piece, and the gold tassel earrings complemented her golden spaghetti-strap dress perfectly.

The metal chain draped across her chest emphasized its noble elegance.

Taking a deep breath for courage, she strode forward.

As her high heels clicked against the marble floor, Ella noticed Austin in the center of the lavish hotel, holding a glass of red wine, engaged in conversation.

Just as she was about to approach him, a graceful, petite figure blocked her view, linking arms with Austin in a gesture of extreme intimacy, her face radiant with joy.

Ella halted, her expression stiffening.

It was Judith.