Chapter 3

Matthew frowned, clearly bored by Amelia's words, his voice tinged with irritation. "I told you, it's got nothing to do with last night."

"Really?"

Amelia laughed bitterly, throwing a lipstick at Matthew. "You're still trying to lie to me?"

"You've been wanting to divorce me for a long time, haven't you? Just waiting for the right excuse, so you can be with that woman?"

Her eyes welled up as she said, "Matthew, I never realized how hypocritical you could be."

Matthew rubbed his temples, impatience etched on his face. "You know this marriage was my grandfather's idea. If it weren't for him, I would've never married you."

Even though she already knew, hearing Matthew say it out loud felt like a punch to Amelia's chest.

Matthew's gaze flickered over the marks on her neck as he spoke in a low voice. "A clean divorce is better for both of us, and besides, I have to take responsibility for her."

Amelia covered her eyes, a desolate smile on her lips.

Matthew felt responsible for his mistress, but what about her?

Three years of marriage, and it all ended in a mess.

Amelia gripped the divorce papers tightly, speaking slowly and deliberately. "Matthew, I'm not divorcing you."

With that, she tore the divorce papers into pieces right in front of Matthew!

Matthew's face darkened instantly.

His voice was icy. "Fine, just don't regret it."

With a loud bang, Matthew slammed the door and left.

After he left, Amelia felt all her strength drain away, collapsing onto the sofa.

Her tears had long dried up, and her heart ached with numbness.

Amelia had always thought that if she stayed by Matthew's side, he would eventually turn back to her, even if just for a glance.

But even that small hope was shattered along with the lipstick.

Amelia found a twisted sense of satisfaction in the thought that as long as she didn't sign the papers, no matter how much Matthew loved the other woman, she would remain in the shadows.

Amelia sat in the living room until dusk, mechanically getting up to go to her room.

Matthew didn't come back, as if he had forgotten she even existed.

A week later, Amelia received a call from Nolan, asking her to come home for dinner.

"Nolan, the kitchen just got some fresh truffles and shrimp, flown in this morning!"

Nolan laughed and said, "Make sure to bring Matthew along. I don't know what he's been busy with lately; haven't heard a peep from him."

Probably busy being lovey-dovey with his mistress.

But Amelia kept that thought to herself.

Nolan was getting old, and his health was deteriorating. If he knew, it would not only anger him but also affect his health.

Amelia hadn't mentioned the divorce to Nolan at all.

She freshened up and hesitated before dialing Matthew's number.

But the next moment, she heard an automated voice.

She had been blocked.

Amelia couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

Typical Matthew.

Even though he had always been cold towards her, he would still answer her calls. But now, he truly despised her.

In the end, she went to the Moore Manor alone.

Luna was there, and when she saw Amelia, she sneered. "What, Matthew didn't come with you? Did he find out about your affair?"

Amelia looked down, responding calmly. "No, you're overthinking it."

Luna snorted.

Even though Matthew said Amelia was with him last time, Luna didn't believe it.

Matthew had never wanted this marriage and had never touched her. Amelia was just a parvenu's daughter, lucky to marry into their family.

It was clear Matthew was just covering for Amelia out of respect for Nolan.

Luna was already planning how to spread the rumor, hoping to humiliate Amelia and force her to divorce Matthew and leave their house.

She even checked Amelia's neck for any marks but found nothing, not even the ones from last time.

Luna was about to say something more when Nolan's footsteps sounded from upstairs.

Nolan came down with the help of a butler, frowning when he saw Amelia alone.

"You came by yourself?"

Nolan's face darkened. He knew Matthew's temper and asked, "Did Matthew argue with you again? Amelia, don't worry. If he bullies you, I'll make sure to teach him a lesson!"

"Grandpa!"

Luna was displeased. "Matthew is your grandson. Why are you always siding with Amelia? Maybe she did something to make him mad!"

She was implying that Amelia was at fault.

Nolan struck his cane on the floor, his voice stern. "Luna! I've told you before, Amelia is your sister-in-law! Show some respect!"

Luna was arrogant outside but feared Nolan at home. He had been in the military and commanded respect.

Luna had been disciplined by him as a child and feared him deeply.

She shrank back, glaring at Amelia, but said nothing more.

Amelia spoke softly, "No, Grandpa, Matthew is just busy with work."

Nolan studied her for a moment, sensing something unspoken, and sighed. "Amelia, you don't have to cover for him. I'll deal with him later."

He patted her shoulder, softening his tone. "Alright, let's eat."

The family dinner was lavish, filled with Amelia's favorite dishes, but she had no appetite.

She knew Nolan's temper. If he found out about the divorce, he would be furious.

And that night's events were real. Both she and Matthew were at fault, but it would only upset Nolan.

Her phone buzzed, and she saw a friend request on WhatsApp.

The verification message had Matthew's name, and the profile picture was a lipstick.