Chapter 3

Over a thousand posts spanning eight years. I read every single one, feeling as though my heart was being sliced open piece by piece.

Just three months after Justin and I officially started dating, he had already begun flirting behind my back with her.

A roaring fury rose up in my chest. *Justin, is this how you repay the eight years I gave you?*

In that instant, I wanted nothing more than to tear his life apart.

Conveniently, the day after tomorrow was my mother-in-law’s birthday. Ever since I met Justin, she had treated me like a daughter.

But this time, I was destined to break her heart.

I packed the heirloom jade bracelet she had given me into a jewelry box. Then, I bought a luxury wallet worth three thousand dollars and wrapped them both together.

Two days later, before he left for work, I reminded Justin, "It’s your mom’s birthday today. Don’t be late."

"I won't," he promised and headed out the door.

I took the day off. First, I packed all my personal belongings into suitcases. Then, I bought a heavy sledgehammer from the hardware store, took aim at the living room drywall, and swung it with all my might.

Three hours later, the apartment was reduced to absolute ruins. Dragging my luggage and holding the birthday gift, I walked out and drove straight to his mother's house.

When I arrived, Rachel was already there.

The moment she saw me, she linked her arm through mine with practiced familiarity.

"Natalie! You're finally here, we’ve been waiting forever!"

I watched her guide me to a chair and pour me water, acting as though she were the true lady of the house.

My mother-in-law sat across from us, beaming at her warmly, completely blind to how inappropriate it was.

My stomach sank even deeper. They all knew. The only person kept in the dark was me.

"Where’s Justin?"

It was already six in the evening. He should have arrived by now. Just as I pulled out my phone to text him, Rachel chimed in, "Justin mentioned he had a late meeting. He said he’d be about half an hour late!"

I forced a cold smirk. "He certainly keeps you informed. He didn't even tell me."

Rachel froze for a second, then quickly laughed it off. "How would I know on my own? I just overheard it when your mother-in-law called him earlier!

"I only came because Justin said the more people, the merrier!"

His mother chimed in, "That's right, dear. Justin’s under a lot of stress. Taking a whole month off for your honeymoon left a mountain of work on his desk. He's swamped right now.

"Natalie, you need to be understanding."

Before I could answer, Rachel wrapped an arm around my shoulder, smiling sweetly at the older woman. "Our Natalie is the most understanding woman in the world. Of course she gets it, right?"

I smiled without saying a word. Half an hour later, Justin walked through the door.

He came straight to my side, affectionately peeling an orange for me.

We all sat down at the dining table as the food was served.

I pulled out my gift.

"Happy birthday, Mom. This is for you."

She took the box and unwrapped it, revealing the designer wallet. Rachel gasped beside me. "A classic monogram! Natalie, you have great taste! That must have cost a fortune!"

"Three thousand dollars," I said evenly.

His mother immediately set the box aside. "That’s far too expensive! Take it back, Natalie. You and Justin work hard for your money, you shouldn't waste it on me!"

I shrugged carelessly. "Mom, if I don't spend his money, he’ll just blow it on another woman. I’d rather give it to you."

She frowned, taken aback. "What a silly joke to make!"

I smiled. "Take another look. There’s something else underneath."

When his mother pulled out the smaller velvet box resting beneath the wallet and clicked it open, her face went completely pale.

"Natalie... what does this mean?"

Justin instantly lunged forward, grabbing my wrist. "Natalie, what are you doing? Who gives back a family heirloom like this?!"

Rachel patted my arm soothingly. "Natalie, don't lose your mind. You can't just return something like that!"

I looked at their faces. Shock, panic, and guilt danced across their eyes.

Justin snatched the bracelet, trying desperately to force it back onto my wrist.

I jerked my hand away and stood up straight.

"That's right. I'm returning it. Because I want a divorce."