This kind of double standard had long become routine ever since Sienna reappeared in my life.
Terrence bought her luxury bags and watches, yet he forgot my birthday.
Because she was harassed, he broke his own principles for the first time, even canceling a cooperation that had taken months to secure.
He even went so far as to declare war against a multinational company—just to defend her honor.
Meanwhile, I stumbled through my brother’s funeral like a walking corpse.
After scattering his ashes into the sea, just as he wished, I finally received Terrence’s so-called reply.
Seven full days had passed since the last time he hung up on me.
"Denise, don't worry. An overseas cancer specialist is already on the way. As for the medical resources that were diverted, I still have an urgent need for them right now. Just wait a little longer."
Listening to his solemn yet perfunctory tone, I laughed through my tears.
"Wasting an enormous amount of medical resources to save a damn animal—that's what you call urgent business?"
The line went silent except for the sound of his heavy breathing.
"Denise, don't say things like that. Denver is my brother too—how could I not be worried about him?"
Yes. In the past, when we were dirt-poor, Terrence would secretly fight in underground rings just to afford a single vial of medicine for my brother.
But when Denver truly needed him most, all he could say was to wait a little longer.
Just as he finished speaking, a bright female voice chimed in, "Terrence, the kittens opened their eyes! Come look!"
Footsteps echoed as he moved, probably searching for a quieter spot.
But I had already heard everything—both what I should and shouldn't have.
"You don't need to explain." I cut him off, unwilling to endure another word of his hypocritical excuses, and ended the call.
Back in my bedroom, I retrieved the locked divorce agreement.
When we married, in a show of devotion, Terrence had signed it and placed it in my hands.
"You will always have the right to leave me."
At the time, I laughed at his paranoia, believing it was a document that would never be used. But now, that very agreement became the courage I needed to walk away.
I signed my name with steady strokes.
Through special channels, the divorce certificate would be finalized within twenty days.
After submitting the papers, I found a spare moment to return to my old rental apartment.
Many of my brother's belongings were still there.
The dead deserve to leave behind something tangible for the living to remember them by.
What I hadn't expected was to see Terrence's exclusive Maybach parked outside.
I froze, about to step forward—until I noticed the car rocking.
Nausea surged up from my stomach.
When the door finally opened, I instinctively ducked into the alleyway like a guilty child.
Inside, I saw Sienna. Her clothes were disheveled, and she was whining about wanting to get out.
Terrence's cold voice barked at her to wait. Only after fastening the buttons across her exposed chest did he allow her to step down.
And to keep her shoes from touching the dirty water, he even took off his suit jacket and laid it on the ground for her.
Clinging to his arm, she pouted playfully. "Why did you bring me here of all places?"
He rubbed her head with indulgence. "Didn't you say you wanted to start your own business?"
"This is an urban village. Once it's redeveloped, the profit is guaranteed."
Excited, Sienna tiptoed to press a kiss to his lips.
But this so-called "urban village" was more than crumbling buildings to me. It held seven years of memories—my entire life with him. And yet, to please her, Terrence never even mentioned the redevelopment to me.
If I hadn't come today, I might never have been able to keep even my brother's belongings.
A sharp pain tore through my chest, as though the wind had ripped a gaping hole in my heart.
I turned to leave, desperate to escape—but my foot crushed a plastic bottle with a sharp crack.
The sound sliced through the alley, interrupting their embrace.
