Chapter 2 Divorce?
With a soft creak, the iron door with its brass ring opened slightly in the twilight. Eli Anderson's polished shoe tip crossed the threshold first, his gaze sweeping over Andrew on the couch, a cold scoff escaping his throat.
"Finally decided to come back?"
Ella hurriedly plastered on a smile and took a half-step forward, her fingertips almost touching Eli's sleeve.
"Honey, you're finally home! Andrew rushed here straight from the airport. He's been thinking about you..."
Before she could finish, Andrew stepped forward, the crease in his suit pants perfectly straight, his fingers at his side turning white.
"Dad, I'm back."
Eli responded indifferently, his gaze moving past Andrew's shoulder to Zoey's face.
"Eli, you're back."
Zoey's voice was slightly lower than usual, a polite smile on her face. She knew that despite the many issues between her and the Anderson family, she still had to show respect to Eli.
Eli's gaze didn't linger on Zoey for long. He walked straight to the spiral staircase leading to the second floor.
"Andrew, come to the study."
Eli issued the command as he stepped onto the last stair.
Andrew obediently followed Eli into the study. Watching Andrew's back, memories of their brief harmonious moments flashed through Zoey's mind. But now, why did Andrew feel so unfamiliar? As the study door closed, the living room fell into silence. Zoey took a deep breath in the quiet moment.
After a long day and witnessing this "drama," fatigue washed over Zoey. Staying in the scene any longer seemed pointless. With that thought, Zoey decided to leave.
But before she could step out, Ella's sharp voice stopped her.
"Hold it!"
Zoey froze, turning around coldly. Ella's fingers were caressing a delicate teacup, her gaze on Zoey like she was looking at a worthless trinket.
Ella took a sip of tea and spoke slowly, "You saw it. Andrew's return is for something important. So, I hope you won't cause any trouble for him. You should file for divorce as soon as possible."
Zoey's pupils contracted sharply, her fingers clenching unconsciously. She had known Ella wanted her to divorce Andrew, but she hadn't expected it to be so sudden. Their marriage had been arranged by the Anderson family, and they were never close, often apart, their feelings as bland as water. Otherwise, she wouldn't have to hear about Andrew's whereabouts from others.
But now, divorce?
She knew their relationship wouldn't last long, but at this moment, she didn't want to give Ella what she wanted.
"Why? Just because you say so, I have to get a divorce?"
Ella laughed mockingly, her fingers elegantly brushing her temple.
"Not just anyone can be Andrew's wife. Look at you, no family background, no impressive resume. Andrew is successful now. Do you think you still deserve him?"
Zoey's face turned pale, but she found it absurd.
Indeed, Andrew had founded a top pharmaceutical company abroad, even challenging Eli's position in the industry, while she was just a doctor. How could she compare?
But if that was the case, why did they marry in the first place?
Zoey forced a cold smile.
"You're so eager to get rid of me because you're afraid I'll take Andrew's assets? Well, I can only say that what's mine, I deserve. If I ever divorce him, it will be because I want to, because I don't love him anymore, not because of your threats."
"Don't you want a share of Andrew's assets?" Ella's voice turned icy after being rebutted.
"Don't be ungrateful. Leave voluntarily, and I'll make sure Andrew compensates you. With the money, you'll be set for life."
"Bribing me with money?" Zoey laughed in anger.
"That's such an old trick. I may come from a modest background, but I'm not a beggar. Besides, the reason my family fell, I think you know better than I do!"
"You!" Ella's face turned red with anger. She stood up abruptly.
"I'll tell Andrew about your attitude today. You'll regret it!"
"Then let him know." Zoey straightened her back, her gaze sweeping towards the study.
"I won't be threatened by you. I'll decide the fate of this marriage myself."
With that, Zoey turned to leave.
A voice suddenly boomed from above.
"Where are you going?"