Chapter 2

Ronald didn't come home again last night.

It was like nothing had happened.

After a two-month cooling-off period, Elsie had regained her composure.

The performance was set for the next day.

She changed into her gown in the dressing room. A golden spaghetti strap dress perfectly highlighted her swan-like neck and sharp shoulders. Her light yet exquisite makeup accentuated her beautiful bone structure.

Elsie's emerald green eyes sparkled like gems, vibrant and captivating, with her full lips painted a soft pink.

She swallowed two painkillers and slowly walked onto the stage.

This was the last award of her life, and she had to win it—not just for a promise, but to give a perfect farewell to her years of career!

Elsie was already well-known in the piano world, so the audience seats were completely filled.

She immediately spotted Missy and Ronald in the front row.

Missy was leaning affectionately on Ronald's shoulder, whispering something to him. Ronald had a faint smile on his lips.

His face was similar, but not the same as the gentle boy she once knew.

Ronald rarely showed emotion, often appearing cold and formidable.

In their four years of marriage, Elsie had seldom seen him smile.

At this moment, his slight smile reminded her of that boy.

Yesterday, she had sent a text: [Let's get a divorce.]

Ronald hadn't replied, which she took as silent agreement.

Elsie suddenly felt a pang of regret and a dull ache in her heart.

If only Ronald could smile more often, she wouldn't mind if he got his mistress pregnant.

Just seeing his smiling face would be enough.

But she knew, even if she was willing, Ronald wouldn't be.

After all, his greatest loathing was for his mute wife, and being forced to marry her had become the lifelong bane of his existence.

In public, he never spoke to her intimately, treating her like a stranger.

When asked by reporters if he was married, Ronald always denied it.

And now? He was openly affectionate with his mistress in public.

A hint of sarcasm flashed in Elsie's eyes.

The lights dimmed, and a spotlight focused on Elsie.

The performance began, and Elsie sat gracefully, her fingers dancing on the keys like butterflies, producing a melodious sound like a flowing stream.

She was fully immersed in the music.

In the spotlight, she looked like a goddess who had wandered into the human world. The audience was silent, each person captivated, some even holding their breath to avoid disturbing her.

Elsie maintained a perfect smile, even though her fingers trembled with pain.

The painkillers she took were prescription drugs. Though effective, they were highly addictive and had diminishing returns.

Since the tour began, she had relied on them to perform, but now they were gradually losing their effect.

Ronald watched Elsie intently, his brows furrowed with displeasure.

The first piece ended perfectly.

Elsie lifted her dress and nodded in thanks.

Next were other performers, giving her an hour to rest backstage before her second performance.

But as soon as she reached backstage, a large hand forcibly pulled her into the dressing room. Ronald's grip was like a shackle, impossible to shake off.

Elsie stumbled behind him.

The door was locked behind them. Elsie was thrown onto the couch.

Ronald's face was dark, his eyes filled with anger.

"Elsie, are you crazy? Your fingers are in sucha grave condition, and you still dare to perform? Is fame more important to you than your health?"

Elsie met his gaze calmly. Her eyes, once filled with love and gentleness, now seemed frozen, devoid of emotion.

Ronald was momentarily stunned, then dismissed it as his hallucination.

How could Elsie, who loved him deeply, be indifferent towards him?

Elsie didn't respond to Ronald's anger. She stood up, adjusted her dress, and turned to leave.

Ronald blocked her path, his anger intensifying, his gaze like an invisible knife. "Answer me! Is fame really more important to you? Are you planning to ruin your hands?"

Elsie exhaled slowly.

Her eyes showed fatigue as she signed, "Ronald, I need to prepare for my second performance."

"No, you can't!" Ronald commanded.

Seeing Elsie's expressionless face, his anger was barely suppressed. He stepped forward and grabbed her wrist.

He kissed her forcefully.

His kiss, like him, was like a storm, full of aggression.

Elsie couldn't break free.

The strength difference between men and women was natural, and her pain left her without the courage to resist.

Ronald's kiss was fiery, but Elsie was cold as ice.

She stopped struggling, letting him have his way, her eyes coldly fixed on him.

Ronald kissed her, speaking indistinctly, "You always listened to me before. Do it this time too."

His eyes filled with desire as he lifted her dress and entered her slowly.

The moment their bodies joined, he let out a hot, sensual sigh.

Aside from the first time when he was drugged with an aphrodisiac and they had sex, every subsequent sexual intercourse was initiated and willingly pursued by Ronald himself.

He was addicted to her body, like a drug.

Elsie smiled bitterly, her heart numb, but her body responded instinctively.

He took her passionately, while she felt like a soulless doll, beautiful but desolate.

After an unknown amount of time, there was a knock on the door and Julie's voice.

"Elsie, you have 10 minutes before you go on."

The words snapped Elsie out of her daze.

She mustered all her strength to push Ronald away.

Ronald's eyes flashed with anger, but seeing Elsie's flushed face and tear-filled eyes, he softened, helping her adjust her dress.

He warned her, "Don't go on stage. Come home later."

Elsie took a deep breath and signed, "I want a divorce. That is not my home."

Ronald frowned, his voice cold, "I know you're upset about me ignoring you two months ago, but haven't you reflected on your own mistakes?"

To Ronald, Elsie's desire for a divorce was as absurd as the world ending tomorrow.

Everyone who knew Elsie knew she loved him deeply.

She had given him her entire inheritance, forcing their families to make him marry her. She had nearly killed Missy out of jealousy, declaring her ownership in front of everyone. How could such an Elsie want a divorce?

Elsie was expressionless, "I'm serious."

"Even if you're throwing a tantrum, look at what you've done!" Ronald's patience was wearing thin, but he softened his tone. "Apologize to Missy, and we'll call it even."

Elsie was confused, looking at him blankly.

What had she done that required an apology to Missy?

With little time left before her performance, Elsie had no patience for Ronald's nonsense.

She didn't even want to communicate, turning to leave when Ronald's warning voice stopped her.

"Stop making a scene!" His eyes were filled with frustration.

Elsie turned to him, her gaze calm. "I'm not causing trouble. I've already informed you that I want a divorce."

Her cold, almost dismissive eyes left Ronald frozen in place.