Only half a day earlier, Scarlett had told Ezra she was kidnapped. Now she stood right in front of him, back in the country as if nothing had happened.
From Ezra's point of view, she didn't appear like someone who had suffered at all.
Slowly, Scarlett raised her eyes to meet his. The warmth that once filled her gaze whenever she looked at him had vanished without a trace. "We need to end this. I want a divorce."
Shock flickered across Ezra's face before it hardened. "Do you even hear yourself right now?"
Her tone stayed steady, stripped of feeling. "I'm very clear about it. I'm asking for a divorce."
"A divorce?" He gave a short, mocking laugh and swept his hand toward the grand interior around them. "After we split, where do you plan to go? Back to the countryside? You've enjoyed this life as Mrs. Wilson, surrounded by money and comfort. What more could you possibly want?"
His words sent a chill straight through her.
In his mind, she was incapable of standing on her own, as if her existence depended entirely on a husband.
What he never bothered to learn was that long before she married him, she had already built a name for herself as one of the country's leading jewelry designers.
She had stepped away from the spotlight and given up the career she loved so she could focus on their marriage.
Looking back now, that sacrifice felt almost ridiculous.
"If anyone wants the title of Mrs. Wilson, they can have it," Scarlett said, her eyes holding nothing but cold. "The papers are on the table. Read them and sign."
Without waiting for his reply, she turned and headed for the door, dragging the suitcase behind her.
A deeper shadow crossed Ezra's face, and he gave a harsh laugh. "Scarlett, if you step out that door today, don't even think about coming back."
"Relax. I have no intention of returning." Scarlett didn't hesitate. A cold smile touched her lips as she met his eyes.
At that moment, Sylvia Wilson, Ezra's mother, descended the stairs in a silk nightgown. The suitcase by Scarlett's side made her stop short. "What is this? Are you planning to run off?"
Scarlett faced her calmly. A faint curve lifted the corner of her mouth, but her voice carried no warmth. "Yes. I'm filing for divorce. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"
From the day she entered the Wilson household, she had been met with endless criticism and quiet humiliation. Sylvia found fault in everything she did, reminded her she was an orphan, and never missed a chance to praise Roselyn, the heiress of the Lloyd family, while belittling Scarlett at every turn.
Sylvia studied her for a few seconds before letting out a sharp scoff. "You should've left a long time ago."
She then shifted her attention to her son. "She's a walking disaster. Keeping her here only invites trouble. She's an orphan with no background. How could she ever be worthy of you? Roselyn is the only one who suits you. End this marriage and clear the way for her."
A heavy look settled over Ezra's face. "Mom, that's enough."
"Am I lying? She married into this family and lives in luxury, yet she still complains. Scarlett, since you're the one asking for a divorce, don't you dare come begging to return later," Sylvia replied without hesitation as she folded her arms.
Scarlett watched the two of them and felt nothing but disbelief.
This was the family she had cared for over the past three years, the people she had tried so hard to please.
A hollow laugh slipped from Scarlett's lips. She squared her shoulders and met their eyes without flinching. "Marrying into this family was the biggest mistake I've ever made. From today on, we have nothing to do with each other. I don't want to see any of you again."
She gripped the handle of her suitcase and walked out without once turning her head.
"Scarlett! Get back here!"
Ezra moved on instinct, ready to follow her, but Sylvia caught his arm and pulled him back.
"Why are you running after her?" she said with certainty. "She's putting on an act to gain the advantage. Just wait. When she realizes she can't survive out there, she'll return on her own. And when she does, make sure she understands her place."
Ezra stood frozen as Scarlett's figure grew smaller and finally vanished into the night. A sharp ache tightened around his chest, as if something he should've held onto had slipped through his fingers.
...
Beyond the gates of the mansion, the wind moved through the trees, and their leaves rustled under the dark sky.
With her suitcase rolling behind her, Scarlett walked along the quiet road and drew in the cool air. For the first time in a long while, her mind felt clear.
Headlights appeared in the distance, and a black luxury car slowed before stopping in front of her.
The rear door opened.
A long leg stepped onto the pavement.
Dressed in a tailored black suit, the man carried himself with steady confidence. His sharp features and composed stance spoke of power and status.
He walked straight toward her. The moment he noticed her pale face and the mud staining her dress, something shifted in his usually decisive gaze.
"Scarlett," he called out, his deep voice unsteady despite his effort to control it. "I'm your brother. I've spent the last year searching for you. I finally found you."