Chapter 3

John Davis, Rachel's buddy and a guy with some serious cash, shot her a worried look as she hopped into the Ferrari. "You sure about this?" he asked, sounding kinda unsure.

Rachel, who'd been grinning ever since she left the Smith house, nodded with more confidence than she'd felt in ages. "I've never been so clear-headed," she said, her smile lighting up her face and wiping away years of misery.

John sighed, watching her glow. "I thought you'd never leave him. I've been stressing about you for the past six years. Why'd you have to fall for that jerk?"

Rachel shrugged. "Yeah, what was I thinking?"

"Good thing you woke up before it was too late. Another six years and you'd be old and worn out," John joked, trying to lighten the mood. "I was even thinking, if you got kicked out when you were old, I'd reluctantly marry you. After all, we've grown up together."

Rachel rolled her eyes at him, "Nice try."

"By the way," John continued, reaching into the glove compartment. "Here's the divorce papers you asked me to get ready. Take a look."

Rachel grabbed the stack of papers from John and casually flipped through them. "I'm not taking anything from Michael. I never owed him anything before, and I won't owe him anything in the future." Without a second thought, she signed her name with a flourish.

Seeing her decisiveness, John couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, very decisive."

Rachel put the pen away and raised her eyebrows slightly. "Let's head to General Hospital."

John said, "Alright."

The top floor of the hospital, where the VIP patients were treated, had a quiet, subdued vibe. Finding room 1203, Rachel knocked on the door and walked right in, her strides strong and purposeful.

On the bed, a delicate woman looked startled by Rachel's entrance, nervously pulling the covers up to her chin, tears welling in her eyes. Her fear was obvious.

Michael's face darkened. "What are you doing here?"

Rachel, unfazed by his icy reception, calmly pulled the divorce papers out of her bag and handed them to him. "Sign this, and I'll leave immediately."

Michael glanced at the papers, his expression souring. "You want a divorce?"

Rachel tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled gently, her tone distant. "What else? These six years have really been a hassle for you. Sign it, and you'll be free, won't you?"

Michael frowned, his expression serious, unsure of what she was up to.

At this moment, Mandy, the woman on the bed, weakly called out, "Michael."

Her voice seemed to break through Michael's hesitation. He glanced at Mandy, then back at Rachel. "We'll talk about this later. You should leave now and not disturb Mandy."

Rachel's smile widened, but her eyes were ice cold. "I'm serious. Since you're going to take Miss Brown back, isn't it perfect if I leave? So I won't be in your way."

"Rachel!" Michael's voice was filled with anger as if he had reached his limit with her.

She tossed him a casual yet poignant smile. "Miss Brown is watching. Could it be that you've fallen for me and don't want a divorce?"

Mandy looked pitifully at Michael, testing his thoughts, "Michael, what's wrong?"

Rachel coldly watched Michael, waiting for him to make a decision.

"Fine, I'll sign!" Michael said, pursing his lips, his face cold.

Rachel took the signed divorce papers, her smile victorious, and walked out gracefully without a backward glance.

But as soon as she was out of the room, the tears she had held back for so long began to flow uncontrollably. Six years of marriage and eight years of affection had all come to nothing.

Her heart ached as though a thousand needles were pricking it, causing a pain she couldn't describe.