Chapter 3

Inexplicably, I found myself somewhat ridiculous. I actually still harbored fantasies about Garrison, thinking he had rushed over because he was worried about me.

But subconsciously, he was still thinking about other things.

"But if you don't say it and I don't say it, who would know that I'm your darling?" My tone carried a hint of indifference.

Perhaps noticing that his tone was a bit harsh, he put on another face.

"Pearl, these past few days, with you not at home, the kids and I have been very worried about you. What exactly happened?"

"Tell me, and I'll go settle the score for you."

"Did the assistant say something hurtful that day?"

Garrison had a look of gritted teeth, making one believe he would truly 'fly into a rage for the sake of a beauty'.

So it turns out that all these years, I've been fooled by this act of his.

"Garrison, let's get a divorce."

The man's incessant chatter immediately came to a halt.

He took a moment to react, as if trying to process what I had just said.

"Pearl, what's wrong with you?"

Garrison's voice carried a sense of urgency,

"I don't agree. Who made you angry? Let's go deal with them, okay? Don't say such things out of anger."I look at him coldly, realizing for the first time how convincing his act had been all along.

The man everyone praised as a model husband turned out to be a sentimental fool, secretly collecting photos of his first love.

"Garrison, I found that basement room," I say.

His expression freezes completely at my words, his face turning indescribably ugly.

"Didn't I tell you not to go into the study?" he snaps.

You see, this man I've been infatuated with since my youth - even now, when everything's been exposed, his first reaction is still to angrily blame me.

In this moment, all the little details from our past come flooding back into my mind.

Without exception, they're all memories of Garrison's disdain and subtle contempt.

Of course, for new money like my family, marrying into his educated class was really moving up in the world, wasn't it?

Thinking of this, I can't help but recall all those past incidents.

"You should go now. Next time, bring a lawyer. I won't shortchange you on what you're owed," I say.

I place both hands against the doorframe, clearly showing him out.

Garrison's face is extremely unpleasant to behold.He furrowed his brow, "Pearl, everyone has a past. Can't you just let go of all these old issues and stop bringing them up?"

"Besides, we're not young anymore. Nothing could possibly happen between Myra and me."

"And at our age, if we talk about divorce, people will laugh at us. You'll be the subject of gossip."

Throughout Garrison's words, he seemed to be considering my welfare.

Yet, at every turn, he was criticizing my immaturity.

"It's not necessary anymore, Garrison."

"You should go."

"I've already told you, there's nothing between Myra and me. Why won't you believe it? Why don't you think it over carefully?"

Garrison left with a stern face.

I had seen him off as he boarded ships to study abroad.

I had bid him farewell as he boarded planes for countless research trips.

Every morning, I had sent him off to work.

And now I watched his angry figure walk away once more.

My heart was a whirlwind of emotions, an indescribable pain.

Yet, strangely, I felt incredibly light.

I had brought all my things back home. He should understand my determination this time.

I'm waiting for the lawyer to arrive.

After all, his company was built on my parents' blood, sweat, and tears - those "merchants" he speaks of.I waited and waited, but what I got instead was my son's family showing up at the door.

As soon as they entered, my son covered his nose and mouth in disgust.

"Mom, it smells musty in here. How can anyone live here? There's dust everywhere. Why don't you come back with us?"

My four-year-old grandson Nolan mimicked his father, covering his nose as well.