"Have you forgotten everything I went through at the hands of your family?" I asked, my voice trembling but sharp.
"I know," Jeremy said tightly. "The past incidents affected you, but that's our family matter. It should be discussed at home."
"I'm not going back. That's your home, not mine." My chest ached with the truth of it. "Have you ever, for a single day, treated me as family? Your past behavior toward me, everything you've done—do you have any idea how traumatizing it was? I've given up on you, Mr. Gillian. The wounds I suffered because of you will take a lifetime to heal. If you don't want to be miserable forever, then stay away from me."
His jaw tightened, his voice low. "The way I treated you before… it was all because of you. Everything was because of you."
I stared at him in disbelief. Because of me?
"But no matter what," he pressed on, "this is our family's private matter. Behind closed doors, we can resolve it however we need to. But why are you now dragging an outsider—my uncle—into this?"
My laugh was bitter, humorless. "What's the meaning of this 'our family,' Mr. Gillian? You've completely lost me. I don't share a home with you. You don't deserve it."
His eyes darkened. "Audrey, I'm informing you—not asking for your opinion."
"I know," I said, cutting him off, the fire in my voice rising. "To put it bluntly, it's just another one of your orders. All these years, have you ever treated me any differently? I've gotten used to it. So get out of here. Go back to your Miss Bosten, whose name is still plastered across the top scandal tabloids."
"Look," he snapped, "without my support, you'd struggle big time."
I straightened, meeting his glare head-on. "Without you hovering over me, giving me dirty looks, making me walk on eggshells—I'm living a perfectly happy life now. Besides, my leaving clears the way for you and Adel to cozy up. A win-win, isn't it?"
His fists curled. "We were talking about us. Why bring her up?"
"Isn't this exactly what's on your mind?" I spat, my voice low but cutting. "Parading her around in broad daylight? If your heart's set on Adel, why shamelessly beg for me now?"
"Who said I care about her?" Jeremy shot back, his eyes darkening. "Audrey, stop assuming you know me so well. I hate being psychoanalyzed. That ends today."
I laughed bitterly. "Fine. Go ahead and marry your precious Adel. Live happily ever after."
His face twisted. "When did I ever say I'd live with her or marry her? Is this how a wife speaks to her husband? Where are your manners?"
"We're getting divorced," I reminded him, my voice steady, my pulse racing.
"What? Not in my book!" he snapped, voice like iron.
"Jeremy, you're clearly into Adel. I've already made room for you two—why can't you just let me go? What, is it too humiliating for you?"
"I've never once entertained that thought," he hissed. "Could you stop jumping to conclusions? Audrey, don't test my patience. Last warning. Go back home with me."
"It's not happening."
His jaw clenched. "You know what I'm capable of. What I always get. Refuse me and I've got a thousand ways to make you comply."
I stepped closer, staring him down. "Bring it on. We'll see. Let's find out what you've got, Jeremy."
His lips curled in a cold smile. "Audrey, just you wait. Sooner or later, I'll make you crawl back into the palm of my hand."
My heart pounded like a drum, but I didn't flinch. "From now on, I don't want to see you anywhere near me. If you insist on having your way, I'll make sure you learn what true regret feels like."
"They say the bond between a husband and wife runs deep." His voice dropped to a hiss. "Divorce? In your dreams. Mrs. Audrey Gillian, you'll never escape my grasp in this life."
He turned and walked away. My chest felt like it was about to burst open from rage, but I stood tall, fists trembling, refusing to crumble.
Just then, I spotted Adel and Rosemary at the mall. Adel clung tightly to Jeremy's hand as they walked ahead, smiling as if the world belonged to them. My chest tightened, but not from jealousy—only realization. He hadn't come here for me. It was nothing but a coincidence that he stumbled upon Simon and me together.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" my driver whispered after dropping off the bags he'd gone to fetch.
"Yes, I'm fine," I answered, forcing a steady voice even though irritation coiled inside me.
I watched as Jeremy, Adel, and Rosemary disappeared into a boutique. At first, I wanted to let it go. To walk away. But the bitterness was already crawling up my throat. Adjusting my glasses, I turned to my driver.
"Tell them to send every piece from the new collection—in size four—to the Anderson mansion. Everything. Got it?"
He nodded quickly, and I followed behind him into the boutique.
Through the glass, I could see them—Adel and Rosemary, laughing as they eagerly picked out dresses. I lingered just outside, arms folded, watching like a shadow.
"I'm sorry, miss," the sales assistant said politely as Adel lifted a gown. "That piece has already been purchased."
"What? But I saw it first!" Adel snapped, her voice sharp with annoyance.
"Yes, but it's already paid for."
Adel tried again, reaching for another dress, only for that too to be taken away. The look of frustration on her face was deliciously satisfying. Finally, a sliver of my anger found an outlet.
"Jeremy, do something!" Adel whined, tugging at his sleeve.
Jeremy's expression hardened with impatience. "What do you want me to do? Get something else. I don't have time for this."
He left them standing there, walking out as if she were nothing more than a nuisance. I couldn't help the small, bitter smile tugging at my lips.
But before I could savor the moment, a strong hand suddenly grabbed mine.
In a blur, I was pulled back and slammed against the cold wall of the mall corridor. My breath caught in my throat, heart hammering wildly.
"Let—" I began, but the words froze on my lips when I saw who it was.