Warren cradled Gladys in his arms, his gaze dripping with affection. They looked every bit the lovestruck couple.
"Warren, when are you going to divorce that old hag at home?"
"You've said yourself your marriage is loveless. You've wanted out for ages, and I'm the one you really love. I just want us to be together—officially."
Something flickered behind Warren's eyes. Evasion.
"Just... give it a little more time. That woman refuses to agree—"
"Who says I don't agree?"
I stepped forward, a flawless smile fixed on my face.
"I've always been willing, Warren."
Both of them went rigid, their expressions curdling as they looked up at me.
Warren's jaw clenched. "Jade! Who told you to come here? What the hell do you want?"
I held out the divorce papers, the picture of innocence.
"Your little girlfriend is practically begging you to sign. Why are you still dragging your feet?"
I tilted my head. "One signature, and you're both free. You could be at the City Hall Registry Office by this afternoon."
Gladys's eyes lit up. She tugged at Warren's arm. "Warren!"
"Don't listen to her, Gladys." Warren didn't budge, but his stare bored into me. "She's putting on a show for you. She doesn't actually want a divorce."
He pulled Gladys away, his face tight with barely concealed panic.
But I caught every backward glance Gladys threw my way—and the hunger in her eyes.
A few days later, I sought her out myself.
"Let's make a deal."
Gladys didn't disappoint. Within two weeks, she'd slipped the divorce agreement into a stack of other documents and gotten Warren to sign without a second glance.
When I finally held those signed papers in my hands, I smiled and offered my congratulations.
Then I slid the wedding ring off my finger and placed it in her palm.
"Miss Fox. You've earned this."
She thought she'd won. Thought she was the phoenix rising to claim her throne.
She slipped the ring onto her finger, admiring it from every angle, chin lifted in triumph.
"Jade, I have to admit—I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd actually go through with it."
She gave me a magnanimous look. "But since you've been so gracious about this, I won't make things difficult for you."
She wasn't even married to Warren yet, and she was already playing the role of Mrs. Gilbert.
I finished the last of my coffee and rose, my smile serene.
"Miss Fox, I really should thank you. You threw yourself into the fire just to rescue me."
Gladys froze. Her head snapped up.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
