Chapter 3

Alexander couldn't believe it. He searched everywhere for Elizabeth, but found no sign of her. Even her belongings were gone. He trudged downstairs, noticing the empty space behind the sofa. Then he saw the damaged painting in the trash. His breath caught in his throat.

It was Elizabeth's birthday. She had come to his office and asked, "Alexander, can you spend my birthday with me? Even half an hour would do." Feeling sorry for her, he agreed. He expected fancy gifts or a perfect dinner, but she only wanted his company while shopping, asking, "Alexander, can I hold your hand?"

They went to a craft store, where she chose a painting for them to do together. He found it childish and mostly watched, taking a few calls from Esme. Elizabeth said nothing. When they returned home, she was thrilled, hanging the painting in the living room. But afterward, she never again asked him to go shopping or celebrated her birthday.

Just as Alexander was about to retrieve the painting, he noticed divorce papers on the table. Both their names were on the signature page. Alexander's throat tightened, his eyes wide with shock. Elizabeth had actually agreed to the divorce!

At that moment, he received a message from his family: "[Alexander, Grandma says you and Elizabeth must be at her seventieth birthday banquet on time!]". A wave of frustration washed over him. This birthday party couldn't have come at a worse time.

At the Percy family villa in Lisbun, Grant raised his glass, grinning. "Congrats to Elizabeth for escaping her misery!"

Declan Percy pleaded, "Elizabeth, now that you’re back, you should take over my company! I want to retire!" He wanted her to inherit the billion-dollar estate.

Celine Percy firmly declared, "No way, Elizabeth has to keep going to the hospital with me. Your amazing medical skills shouldn’t go to waste!"

Rose added, her face lighting up, "Or Elizabeth could come with me to learn jewelry design!"

Elizabeth looked around the table, a pang of bitterness hitting her. She had hurt them deeply, yet they never mentioned it. Surrounded by their love, she almost cried.

Suddenly, a motorcycle roared outside. Elizabeth knew her best friend, Lila Parker, had arrived. "Hey fam, I’m off to have some fun. When I’m done, I’ll take over everything, one step at a time!" With that, she dashed out.

The billion-dollar estate and saving lives were tempting, but happiness was her top priority. She had to make up for three wasted years.

At Sk nightclub, Elizabeth, in a tight red dress, shone under the lights, her butterfly tattoo highlighted. Countless men stared, whispering, "Ms. Percy is a total knockout!" and "Alexander's one lucky guy to have such a gorgeous wife!"

Her gaze swept the crowd, her voice low, "On a night like this, isn't it gross to bring up Alexander?"

"I've booked the place tonight! Anyone who mentions Alexander can get out!" The crowd roared its approval.

Unseen in a dark corner, Alexander nearly crushed his glass in his hand.

"Hahaha, Alexander, looks like your wife's really cut loose after filing for divorce, huh?"

"How did I miss that tattoo before? It's something else!" Alexander remained silent, feeling irritation and disbelief. This was just one of Elizabeth's stunts; she'd be back in less than three days.

His eyes locked onto Elizabeth, turning icy. She was cozy with a man, whispering in his ear, casually accepting drinks from everyone.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Ms. Percy and Mr. York look perfect together!"

Elizabeth swirled her wine, teasing, "Mr. York, they say we look good together. Are you married?"

Colin York, surprised, retorted, "I'm single. You got the guts to marry me?"

"Why not? I'm single too," Elizabeth grinned.

Alexander tried to appear calm, but couldn't stop glancing at Elizabeth. He felt strangely unsettled.

A man began, "You and…" but Elizabeth cut him off, pressing a finger to Colin's lips. "Don't mention that person. Total buzzkill."

Alexander's grip tightened on his glass, anger rising. 'A buzzkill? Elizabeth, who always said she loved me, is now flirting with others. Wasn't she the one who wanted to marry me?'

Elizabeth unbuttoned Colin's shirt, mischief in her voice. "You up for a big game?"

"What's the game?" Colin asked eagerly.

"Get a room," Elizabeth replied bluntly.

The club was wild, but Alexander's face darkened.

Colin chuckled, "Ms. Percy, I'm dead serious."

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Elizabeth shot back, cool and composed.

Colin stood, hand outstretched. "Shall we?"

A girl screamed, "Alexander?!"

Alexander seized Elizabeth's wrist, yanking her up. He glared at Colin before dragging Elizabeth toward the restroom.