Chapter 3

Seraphina followed Zoran into the house.

After arrogantly surveying the room, she rolled her eyes at me in the corner.

"Felicity, blame Mom and Dad for not giving birth to you in Los Angeles!"

"These three years with Zoran must have been the cushiest of your life, huh? At least you didn't have to worry about food or a place to sleep!"

Zoran quickly packed up his things and spread the divorce papers on the table, feigning regret as he said:

"Hurry up and sign! It's getting late, and I still need to join my darling Seraphina for a bubble bath!"

"You've never stayed in a five-star hotel, so of course you don't know how amazing it feels to soak in a bathtub!"

Seeing me sign without hesitation, Zoran seemed somewhat disappointed.

He forced a smile, wrapping his arm around Seraphina's slender waist then they walked out of the house, all lovey-dovey.

Seraphina deliberately pulled her mink coat off her shoulder, revealing the strap of a sexy negligee.

"Wait!"

I called out loudly, stopping them.

Zoran turned around with a wicked grin, tilting his chin up and saying pityingly:

"What's the matter? Want to beg me to stay?""Looking at your kindness in allowing me to stay another month without rent, since you can't afford it anyway!"

I held out my right hand, interrupting him:

"Give me back the ring."

Seraphina glanced at Zoran's ring finger, sneering:

"Who'd want that worthless piece of junk anyway?"

As she spoke, he yanked off the ring and carelessly tossed it to the floor.

The simple silver band rolled to my feet.

I bent down to pick it up.

In the dim light, I could make out a faint "Su" engraved on the inner band.

The ring was a keepsake from my dad.

During the car accident, he had only suffered minor injuries and was about to be rescued.

But in the next moment, the car engine exploded, and mom, trapped in the passenger seat, was engulfed in flames.

Dad rushed back into the inferno without hesitation, leaving behind only this hastily removed ring.

Later, I learned the ring was crafted by mom's own hands.

I caressed the hammer marks on the ring's surface and the clumsily engraved letters.

Tears welled up in my eyes uncontrollably.

Even now, I still believe it's the most precious gift one can give to their loved one.

I carefully wiped the ring clean with a silk scarf, then wrapped it securely in tissue paper before tucking it safely into my inner pocket.

"Felicity, playing hard to get with me, huh?"

"Who are you putting on this crying act for?" Zoran, who should have left, strode up to me.

He gripped my chin, his hawk-like gaze fixed intently on me.

Searching for even a hint, the tiniest trace, of reluctance or longing on my face.

Unfortunately for him, he found not even a speck.

My patience wore thin as I glared at him in irritation.

"Zoran, you're the one who cheated, you're the one who wants a divorce. What the hell are you still hanging around for?"

Zoran hid the confusion in his eyes and sneered to himself:

"Well, well, you're quite the little actress, aren't you?"

"Beg me! If you just open your mouth and beg, I might still deign to look at you."

Of course, Zoran always believed I couldn't live without him.

Financially or emotionally.

In his mind, I should be on my knees clutching him, crying my heart out, begging him not to leave.

Not getting the response he wanted, Zoran angrily clamped down on my hand and yanked open my clothes with his other hand, reaching for the inside pocket.

I summoned all my strength to struggle and bite down on his arm.

The strong taste of blood spread through my mouth.

In his moment of pain, he fumbled and dropped the ring to the ground.

I watched helplessly as he viciously raised his foot and stomped down.

Watched as the curved outline under the tissue was flattened in one stomp. Watched as he spat another glob of phlegm onto the pitch-black footprint.

"Ah!"

It felt like a thousand swords piercing my heart.

My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the ground, cradling the misshapen ring as I cried out in anguish.

The ring had been flattened into a thin strip.

Frantic and desperate, I tried to bend it back into shape.

Before I could even apply pressure, the fragile ring snapped in two.

Tears fell uncontrollably in large drops.

They stung my chilblain-covered hands and soaked through the crumpled tissue.

Zoran clapped his hands in satisfaction.

"Felicity, our three years of marriage are officially over!"

"Since you want to settle accounts, I'm quitting that job you recommended too."

"What's the point of being a director at Ms. Shaw Group if I'll never make it to the top anyway!"