In an upscale mansion in the affluent district of a major city, what was once a stylish, well-appointed living room now appeared to have been struck by a violent storm. Amidst the disarray of broken furniture and scattered debris, a figure slumped beside the sofa stirred.

A slender, pale hand grasped the edge of the couch, struggling to push herself up.

Alyssa managed to steady herself, swaying as she rose unsteadily. Her gaze swept over the destruction around her, her face devoid of emotion. Suddenly, a sharp pain gripped her chest. She coughed, her body trembling with the intensity of the ache.

Dragging her feet, she numbly walked through the mess and toward her bathroom.

She saw her reflection in the mirror—a portrait of misery.

She splashed cold water onto her face, trying to quell the pain. After wiping away the blood from her lip, she stared at herself and forced a bitter smile. "Alyssa," she whispered to her reflection. "Haven’t you had enough?"

She changed into fresh clothes, put on dark sunglasses and a face mask, and picked up the divorce papers. With no further hesitation, she left the house and hailed a cab to the city’s financial district.

The towering glass buildings of the business district loomed around her. The headquarters of Apex Corporation stood tall, its name associated with power and wealth.

Alyssa didn’t waste time with pleasantries. She headed straight to the CEO’s office.

As she approached the door, muffled sounds of moaning from within reached her ears. Alyssa’s chest still burned from the brutal confrontation the previous evening. She wasn’t sure if she had broken ribs, but the pain was overwhelming.

Without waiting for a response, she knocked on the door and stepped inside.

What she saw hit her like a slap. A stunning woman, with a model’s figure, was hastily trying to button up her blouse, clearly flustered. But James Parker, CEO of Apex Corp., remained calm, casually leaning back in his chair. He pulled the woman into his arms with a smirk, locking eyes with Alyssa. "What’s this? Can’t stay away?"

Alyssa, her body aching with every movement, walked forward. She placed the divorce papers on his desk without a word.

"The divorce papers. Sign them," she said flatly.

Thomas's face went from a smug grin to a fury. He shoved the woman out of his lap, snatched the papers, and flung them at Alyssa. "You want to divorce me?!"

Alyssa stood tall, facing him across the desk. "Yes."

Thomas glanced at the woman, still lingering nearby, then snapped, "Get out!"

The woman barely had time to dress before hurrying out.

Now alone, Thomas grabbed the divorce papers from his desk, throwing them straight at Alyssa’s face. The papers knocked off her sunglasses, revealing swollen, bruised eyes. She didn't flinch. Instead, she removed her mask and faced him without fear.

"Living like this... it’s pointless," she said softly.

Thomas rounded the desk, grabbing her roughly by the shoulder. His teeth were clenched in anger. "You’re the one who came into my life, stirred everything up! You killed my family... I haven’t even begun to make you pay for that! Want to walk away from me? Not that easy!"

With a violent shove, he knocked her to the floor, advancing toward her. He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Is this meaningless? Didn’t I give you everything you ever wanted?"

Alyssa lay there, staring at him with empty eyes, as he began tearing at her clothes.

But she didn’t resist. Instead, silent tears slipped down her face.

This was the first time Thomas had seen her cry. She had endured his cruelty silently for years, but now, in the midst of his brutality, her tears told him everything.

"Why are you crying?" he demanded.

"I don’t love you anymore… is that okay?" Alyssa whispered.

Thomas staggered back, as if struck by a blow. Then, he laughed—dark and bitter. "You think you can do this? Just walk away from me?"

"If I couldn’t, I wouldn’t be here," she replied, her voice steady.

"You…" Thomas's voice dropped low with menace. He glared at her, his hatred mounting. "You think you’re so special? I’ll make sure you pay for everything you’ve done to me. You owe me, and I’ll collect what I’m owed."

Alyssa, now sitting up on the floor, spoke calmly. "The police couldn’t prove I killed your family. What right do you have to accuse me?"

The rage in his eyes flared again, and he reached for her throat, squeezing tightly. "How dare you deny it? You were the only one there when my Lily fell into the water! You pushed her! How could it not have been you?"

"I don’t know…" Alyssa gasped for air. "If you won’t sign the papers… I’ll file for divorce in court."

Thomas hesitated, loosening his grip as he considered her words. If this went to court, the public might learn of the violence she had endured. It would ruin his reputation, and the Parker family’s as well.

He had always been violent towards her because he had been relying on her guilt for Lily's death and her love for him. But now that she had personally admitted that she didn't love him, she naturally had no reason to tolerate his violence.

He glanced down at the divorce agreement, then flipped to the section about property division. She had kept only the few assets she brought into the marriage, leaving all their joint wealth behind.

He scowled, fury bubbling up. "You’ve got guts, Alyssa."

With a growl of frustration, he signed the papers and tossed them back at her. "You think this is the end? You’ll regret this. I’ll make you pay for everything you owe me—everything you owe Lily! I will get revenge for her"

Alyssa carefully placed the signed papers back into the folder, standing slowly with effort. She put her sunglasses and mask back on and turned to leave.

She paused at the door, glancing back at his angry, twisted face. "Thank you for signing," she said quietly. "Goodbye."

And with that, Alyssa walked out of the office, free.

After Alyssa left the office, James's brain went blank, and he suddenly stepped back, a feeling of immense loss surging within him. He had sworn to make Alyssa's life a living hell, but she was the one who first declared that she didn't like him anymore! This woman... How dare she be so headstrong!

She killed Lily, let her lose their child, and she thinks she can escape

punishment just because there's no evidence?! James swung his head fiercely, looking at the scattered papers on the ground. There's no escape for her. Even if they are divorced, he will not let her off the hook!

As Alyssa exited the building, her chest tightened in pain, the weight of her broken marriage finally starting to lift. But the physical pain was unbearable. She coughed violently, the taste of blood filling her mouth, her vision darkening around the edges.

She reached for the elevator, her hand trembling, and as the doors opened, she collapsed into the arms of a man stepping inside.

"Mr. Ray!" someone from his entourage shouted, rushing to protect him.

The man’s sharp eyes scanned the scene, and noticing the blood staining her clothes, he immediately made a decision. "Get her to the hospital," he ordered.

"Yes, sir!" his team replied, quickly springing into action.