I turned around just in time to catch Anya curling her lips into a triumphant smile.
That smug expression made something snap inside me.
"Wait."
My voice was calm, but firm.
Franklin stopped in his tracks, looking back at me with an expression that clearly said, I knew it. He thought I was backing out, that I would take back my words at the last moment and beg him to stay.
His lips curled into a mocking smirk. "What? Changed your mind already?"
I met his gaze without hesitation. "We need our marriage certificate, household registration book and the divorce agreement."
Franklin's smirk faltered for a split second before he sneered. "Fine. Let's see how long you can keep up this act."
Without wasting another second, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant. "Bring a divorce agreement to the City Hall. You have thirty minutes." Then, as if to provoke me, he raised an eyebrow. "Go get the documents."
I didn't respond. I simply turned and walked upstairs.
Inside the bedroom that had once been ours, I went straight to the safe. I retrieved all the necessary documents and made my way back down.
Anya, as if afraid that something might go wrong, clung to Franklin's arm. "I'll go too," she said softly.
Franklin didn't even hesitate. "Alright."
Of course, he indulged her.
The car ride was silent, apart from the occasional sigh Franklin let out, as if he were waiting for me to crack under pressure. His gaze lingered on me, searching for any hesitation.
I ignored him.
Instead, I scrolled through my phone, only to be met with a storm of online gossip.
In the two days I had my phone turned off, rumors had exploded across social media. Intimate photos of Franklin and Anya were everywhere. Someone had even written elaborate stories, painting the affair between the foster brother and sister.
The comment section was ruthless, filled with insults targeting Anya.
No wonder Franklin was furious. But I didn't care.
When we arrived at the City Hall, his assistant was already waiting. The man handed Franklin a document, which he skimmed through before shoving it at me.
"I'm not being unfair to you," he said, his tone almost arrogant. "I'm giving you twenty percent of my assets. It's not much, but it's more than enough for you to live an ordinary life."
He thought I'd be dissatisfied, that I'd argue and drag this out. That I'd use this as an excuse to cling to him.
Instead, I took the agreement without hesitation, signed my name and even said, "Thank you."
Franklin's face stiffened. He clearly hadn't expected that.
Before he could react, I had already walked into the office.
Behind me, Anya's soft, syrupy voice floated through the air.
"Franklin, do you think she's really serious about this?"
Franklin scoffed. "Serious? Without me, how will she survive? She's just putting on a front."
Yet, when the divorce was finalized, when the official red-stamped certificate was placed into his hands, Franklin didn't look triumphant.
He looked... unsettled.
As we stepped out of the building, he kept staring at the divorce certificate, as if he couldn't quite believe it had actually happened.
"Quincy." His voice was low, measured. "If you admit your mistake and beg me now, I might consider giving you a chance to remarry me."
I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head.
"No need."
I didn't bother looking back. I simply turned and walked away.
Franklin took a step forward, as if to stop me—but before he could, Anya suddenly clutched her head and collapsed into his arms.
"Franklin, I feel dizzy..."
His attention snapped away from me instantly.
"Anya!" He scooped her up without hesitation, his face twisting in concern. "What's wrong? I'll take you to the hospital."
And just like that, he was gone.
Back at the villa, I wasted no time. I packed my belongings, ignoring the emptiness that crept into my chest. There was no reason for me to linger here any longer.
Within the hour, I was in a cab, heading straight to the airport.
Just as I was about to board my flight, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.
[Miss Quincy, regarding your father's death, I believe there's something you need to see.]
