Chapter 4 Really Want to Get a Divorce

• Dean's POV:
• A few days ago, my wife, who usually remained in the background, suddenly brought up the topic of divorce.
• I didn't take her seriously. She was clever—after all, she worked hard to get into the Murrays' social circle. It was hard to believe she would willingly give that up.
• I assumed it was just another tactic to draw my attention.
• Normally, when I left her alone at home for a few days, she would settle down. But this time, the divorce papers reappeared on my desk at the office. Her signature at the end seemed to mock me.
• I stared at the document, my expression growing colder by the moment.
• My assistant, Ted Woods, approached. "Mr. Murray, I've just confirmed with Starhaven Manor. Mrs. Murray moved out last night. She only took her personal belongings."
• I closed the divorce papers and set them aside. "She's leaving with nothing. What do you think, Ted? What new game is she playing now?"
• Ted didn't answer, lowering his gaze.
• Not expecting a useful response, I dismissed him. "You can leave now."
• Ted took a few steps but then turned back. "Mr. Murray, the anniversary gift you ordered for Mrs. Murray has arrived. What would you like us to do with it?"
• "Dispose of it," I replied coldly, showing no emotion.
• "Understood."
• After Ted departed, I picked up the divorce papers once more, staring at the signature line with a contemptuous smirk. My face was set in a stern scowl.
• In the past, she had begged me at Twilight Lounge, pleading for my help. Then she used pregnancy as leverage to force a marriage. A woman who resorted to such manipulative tactics—how could she suddenly change her mind?
• She must have a new motive.
• My suspicion was confirmed when I overheard her conversation with Cynthia at the Twilight Lounge entrance.
• Suing me? Claiming all my assets? So that was her scheme.
• "Do you need me to recommend a lawyer?" I asked Rachel, my gaze icy and my tone devoid of warmth.
• Cynthia ran to my side, covering her bruised face with one hand while sobbing pitifully.
• I glanced at her briefly before returning my focus to Rachel.
• The confident woman I had known now looked down, murmuring, "No need."
• I stepped closer to Rachel, and spoke in a tone meant just for the two of them us. "So, what you mean by ‘leaving with nothing' in the divorce agreement refers to this."
• Rachel looked up abruptly. "No, I … "
• "Money alone can't fulfill your ambitions; you must be after the Murrays' fortune. Am I right?"
• Before she could answer, I continued, "Otherwise, what's the point of this elaborate divorce charade?
• "Rachel, are you overestimating your position? If I sign, won't you end up worse off?"
• Rachel met my gaze but replied with a bright smile. "Then I'd appreciate it if you would sign quickly so we can finalize the divorce, Mr. Murray."
• I gritted my teeth. "What's your plan once I sign? Are you going to use the divorce papers as a basis to sue me?"
• "Mr. Murray, you're overcomplicating things. Can't we just wrap this up quickly? If you're still worried, I can provide a written assurance. I'll promise that after the divorce, I won't use any excuse to demand money from you. I'll even stamp it with my handprint—legally binding, if that makes you feel better." Her smile was unshakeable.
• Her tone seemed to reflect a desperate eagerness to be free of me.
• My brow furrowed in response.
• Cynthia suddenly interrupted my thoughts. "Mr. Murray … let's go. I'm feeling a bit unwell."
• "Ms. Dawson, you might want to reconsider wearing such high heels, heavy makeup, and strong perfume in the future. Dressing like that might attract unwanted attention, but it's only you and your baby who will suffer." Rachel's words carried a hint of concern as she shot me a significant look before leaving with a flourish.
• I watched her departing figure with irritation.
• Who was she implying?
• As soon as Rachel left, the chatter around me resumed.
• "Cynthia, Mr. Murray is so protective of you. That woman's reaction was priceless."
• "Exactly, Mr. Murray is so cool. I envy Cynthia for having a boyfriend who stands up for her so fiercely."
• "I agree with Cynthia. That woman has no shame. Even with Cynthia pregnant, she still doesn't want a divorce … "
• I slowly shifted my focus back to the group in front of me, furrowing my brow. I hadn't noticed them before.
• "Pregnant? What's going on?" I asked, my eyes narrowing at Cynthia's midsection.
• Cynthia nervously clutched her dress, looking down and finally stammering, "Mr. Murray, I-I heard didn't like that woman, so I … I used it as an excuse to try to get her to divorce you—"
• "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Rachel is enough of a schemer; I don't need another one." I cut her off, "If I hear such rumors again, you'll face the consequences."
• Despite my feelings about Rachel, she was still my legally recognized wife. I would not father an illegitimate child.
• Cynthia's face went pale. She lowered her head, biting her lip, unable to speak.
• I turned away and quickly left the place.
• Once I was in the car, I closed my eyes in frustration.
• Cynthia's situation was indeed troubling, but my thoughts kept drifting uncontrollably to someone else.
• Rachel … seemed to really want to get a divorce.
• No, that couldn't be right. I quickly dismissed the idea.
• Then why did she say those things earlier?
• Could it be related to Cynthia's alleged pregnancy?