Lisette signed the divorce papers, and the following morning, a lawyer arrived carrying a substantial folder. “This is Mr. Preston’s alimony package for you,” he said, handing her the document. “It contains real estate, funds, stocks, and luxury cars. Please review it.” Lisette stared at the folder for a long moment before pushing it back to him. “No, thank you.” She had never played a role in his success before their marriage, nor had she contributed afterward. She didn’t feel she deserved these assets. The lawyer responded, “Madam, this is Mr. Preston’s explicit instruction.” Lisette hesitated before asking, “Where is he?”

“Mr. Preston is currently on a business trip and won’t be back for a week. “Mr. Preston asked to transfer these assets within the week and for you to return to City Hall after his return.” Lisette nodded and took another look at the folder. After a brief pause, she accepted it and began flipping through the pages. The lawyer began explaining the contents. “There’s a villa in the northern suburbs registered in your name, valued at 14 million dollars. You also have an apartment in Lincolnville’s luxury district, worth 7 million dollars. Additionally, you own three commercial properties each on East Street, West Street, South Street, and North Street, valued at 85 million dollars, and—” “Mr. Bush,” Lisette interrupted. Stanley Bush looked at her. “Yes, Mrs. Preston?” “I don’t want any of this. I only want the villa where I currently live. Is that possible?” That villa held their shared memories; it was the only place she truly wanted. Stanley called William, who was currently two thousand feet in the air, seated beside Mabel Burrows on their overseas trip. Upon receiving Stanley’s message, William looked up. His dark eyes were deep and unreadable. He spoke coldly into the phone and said, “Let her have it.” “Understood, Mr. Preston.” When Mabel saw William hang up, she gave a slight smile and linked her arm with his. “I hope I’m not causing you any trouble.” “No trouble,” William replied, setting his phone aside and returning to his magazine. Mabel, noticing his lack of enthusiasm, could tell he wasn’t in the best mood. She took the magazine from him and asserted herself. “William, look at me.” William turned his gaze toward her, his eyes dark，unyielding and intimidating. But Mabel was not intimidated. After being with him for five years, she understood him well.

If it weren’t for her mistake, he wouldn’t be marrying someone else! “I’m back now. If you don’t appreciate that, then no matter what you do, I won’t be coming back. Understand?” Her tone was as assertive and commanding as ever—this was Mabel, the woman William loved. William lifted her chin, his fingers gently brushing her face. His eyes, dark and calm, conveyed a subtle message. “Mabel, this is your only chance.” The paperwork was processed quickly. Stanley left, but Lisette called out, “Mr. Bush.” Stanley turned around. “Yes, Mrs. Preston?” Lisette instinctively clutched the villa contract in her hand, her eyes reflecting a mix of caution and hope.

“Will he be there with me when we go to the courthouse?” She wanted to see him one last time, to have a clear memory of him forever. “Yes,” Stanley confirmed. That afternoon, Lisette rented an apartment in the city center and began searching for a job online. She had been a stay-at-home wife for the past year. Now, it was time to re-enter the workforce. She didn’t have a degree and had only attended night school, so she wasn’t qualified for many creditable jobs. Nevertheless, she knew she had to start somewhere, and she didn’t expect too much. She found a position as a sales representative at a cosmetics company. She submitted her resume and was invited for an interview the next day. A smile spread across Lisette’s face, her eyes softening. She knew she would live just fine on her own. She had to keep moving forward; she couldn’t afford to dwell on past sorrows.