Chapter 3 So Useless

• Maggie Wiseman, Shelby's mother, grasped her slender arms with both hands. “Shelby, go and ask Donovan for financial support. You're his wife. He wouldn't deny you.”
• “He must despise me now.” Shelby forced a smile, her expression gloomy, “Why would he give me money?”
• Maggie's hand came down in a slap across Shelby's face. “Are you just going to stand there and watch your father die? How could you be so useless?” she roared.
• Shelby's lips trembled as she looked at her mother standing before her, a chill forming in the depths of her eyes.
• When misfortune befell the Mayer family, Kyler approached her. He claimed to have evidence of her mother's infidelity. He also proposed that if she dumped Donovan, he would provide a substantial sum to help Donovan settle his debts.
• She watched firsthand as Donovan was at his wits' end over matters concerning his father.
• She could only fret, feeling completely helpless.
• Back then, she thought, as long as she could help Donovan, what did it matter if he misunderstood her?
• She had taken money from Kyler and used it to ease the Mayer family's financial burden.
• Shelby had spoken harsh words and wounded Donovan.
• She never thought that her path would cross with Donovan again.
• That day, Donovan's father had sought her out for a conversation. The man on the sickbed was so frail that even his breathing seemed fragile.
• He expressed his wish for her to marry Donovan, stating that he understood her predicaments.
• Back then, Shelby had not agreed.
• However, the very next day, her family received a substantial sum of money from the Mayer family.
• Donovan was coerced into marrying her by his father, and he deeply resented her for it.
• Shelby stepped out of the sickroom, swallowing a painkiller.
• As soon as she lifted her foot, she spotted a woman off to the side, donned in a patient's gown.
• The woman had fair skin. Her eyes were round and large, and both her nose and mouth were delicately shaped.
• She was Lila Brock, the woman whom Donovan was currently in love with, someone who used to be her best friend.
• Shelby averted her gaze, intending to walk away.
• “Shelby,” Lila called out to her.
• Shelby gritted her teeth and strode off.
• The laughter of the woman behind her echoed. “I heard the Ross family is on the brink of ruin.”
• Lila caught up with Shelby, standing in front of Shelby as she said coldly, “I didn't think you'd face this too.”
• Shelby looked at her coldly and said, “Leave.”
• Lila didn't care about Shelby's attitude. She casually fiddled with her fingernails. “You really have no shame, do you? Donovan doesn't want you anymore, yet you still stubbornly cling to him.”
• Lila looked at Shelby smugly. “You know what? Donovan has been by my side these past few days.”
• “Do you want to be Mrs. Mayer?” Shelby's lips tightened. “Then have him discuss the divorce with me.”
• Lila narrowed her eyes. “You don't actually believe that he didn't divorce you because he couldn't forget you, do you?” Lila burst into laughter. “Shelby, you're rather naive.”
• She moved closer to Shelby and said, “He's only doing this to get back at you, to let you taste your own medicine. When he grows tired of you, you'll be no different from trash,” Lila whispered into her ear. “Oh, right, he has never had s*x with you, has he?”
• Shelby's fingers tightened. She lowered her head, her cold gaze fixated on Lila.
• “Do you know why?” Lila's fingernail slowly traced across Shelby's face. “Because he thinks you're filthy. I heard that the money you used to pay off the Mayer family's debt was actually your breakup fee to Donovan. It was also given to you by your lover, Kyler.”
• In that case, how could Donovan not harbor resentment toward Shelby, the woman he loved so dearly, considering she had slept with Kyler?
• “Are you done?” Shelby brushed her hand off. “If you're done, then get lost.”
• Before Shelby realized it, Lila had heavily fallen onto the ground.
• Footsteps echoed from behind her, swiftly closing in. Soon after, Donovan had swept Lila into his arms.
• He lifted Lila up in his arms, turning back to glance at Shelby one last time.
• That single glance left Shelby chilled to the bone.