Chapter 2

A faint melancholy washed over Daphne. Hadn't Wilson also put her through hell then, forcing her to quit a famous director's film to further Yvonne's career?

“Do you really have to go this far to protect her? Don't forget we're still married, Wilson. She'll remain your mistress until we're divorced!” Daphne glared at him, burning hatred in her eyes.

“You!” Wilson's expression soured. “You'll never learn to be gentle and likable!”

In the past, such words would have hurt Daphne deeply. Now, she refused to waste time on him. She checked her watch. “Are we proceeding with the divorce today? I have an important meeting this afternoon. Don't waste my time if we're not.”

“A meeting? With whom?” Wilson blurted out.

Before Daphne could answer, Yvonne interrupted. “Ms. Yeager is free to meet whomever she chooses, Mr. Farrell. Don't you want a divorce? Why are you asking?”

Yvonne's voice trembled with what sounded like resentment. Wilson realized his blunder, gently stroking Yvonne's hair to comfort her. Turning to Daphne, he offered an indifferent gaze. “Let's do it now.”

…

Leaving the courthouse, Daphne felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Wilson, however, was preoccupied. He was surprised by Daphne's unwavering resolve during the signing; she made no fuss, showed no regret. She genuinely wanted the divorce, playing no games.

He hesitated, pen in hand, but remembering this hard-won opportunity, he signed. He couldn't risk giving Daphne another chance to torment Yvonne.

“We have a one-month cooling-off period. Don't cause trouble. Stay away from Yvonne,” Wilson warned before entering his car.

Yvonne bashfully tugged his sleeve. “Please don't speak to Ms. Yeager like that, Mr. Farrell. She's your ex-wife. I believe she won't bother me…”

“I can't guarantee anything,” Daphne smirked. “I might make things difficult for you in the industry, who knows?”

Yvonne's repeated emphasis on Daphne's status as his "ex-wife" revealed her true feelings. She no longer hid them. Only Wilson remained oblivious.

Daphne's words left Yvonne pale, her gaze filled with grievance. “Mr. Farrell…”

Wilson frowned. “Must you always be so sharp-tongued, Daphne?”

The irony was palpable. Hadn't he made her this way? On their anniversary, he'd left her for a wrap party with Yvonne. When Daphne was injured filming, he'd supported Yvonne against the director. When stalker fans kidnapped her, he’d been holidaying with Yvonne in Marindale. Their love and trust destroyed, they'd become cruel to each other.

Unable to bear their public display of affection, Daphne turned to leave. “Think what you want!”

She felt his intense gaze, but unsure, turned back to see him comforting Yvonne. The scene was too much. Even reborn, she couldn't accept his infidelity. She turned and drove away.

Her mention of an important meeting wasn't a provocation; she’d made plans with someone—Sebastian Turner, the eldest Turner son and Wilson's nemesis.

In her past life, Wilson had drugged her and left her with Sebastian, resulting in a night of intimacy. Sebastian claimed he'd protected her. The police arrested him, the scandal plummeting Turner Group's share prices. He was dismissed from the board, his father stripping him of his inheritance. Wilson seized Sebastian's projects and released a secretly recorded video to pressure Daphne into divorce. The video showed them tangled in bed—irrefutable proof of "infidelity."

Yvonne offered Daphne two choices: admit Sebastian forced her into non-consensual sex (sending him to prison), or admit to cheating on Wilson and leave with nothing. Refusal meant public release of the video, ruining both their reputations.

Daphne rejected both options. She was a victim and wouldn't harm another. She also refused to give Wilson what he wanted. She committed suicide, leaving a note to clear Sebastian's name and expose Wilson's schemes—the words of the dead being believed. She never knew if Sebastian recovered, only that she had a chance to prevent it all this time and leave the man who had ruined her life.

…

In Serrington's most expensive cruise ship restaurant, Sebastian, impeccably dressed, lounged. The ocean breeze ruffled his hair. His enchanting eyes could make any woman feel deeply loved, masking a cold heart. He had numerous rumored girlfriends but never officially dated.

Daphne's arrival brought his signature smirk. “Aren't you worried Mr. Farrell will be upset knowing you asked me out, Mrs. Farrell?”

Daphne rolled her eyes. The rumors about Wilson and Yvonne were everywhere; Sebastian must know. He was clearly trying to provoke her.

“You don’t need to be sarcastic. We're divorced.”

Sebastian spat out his wine. “Pardon?”

Daphne placed her bag down and sat. “We were at the courthouse this morning. After the cooling-off period, we'll receive our divorce certificate.”

Understanding dawned. He frowned. “Why did you want to see me, then?”

Daphne didn't answer, pulling out a pair of rings. “I’ve taken half of Wilson’s assets. Will you marry me?”