Category: Sir Your Wife Already Signed the Divorce Papers by Josie Johnson Free Online (Imogen Forbes and Troy Marshall)

Sir Your Wife Already Signed the Divorce Papers novel Chapter 30 I Will Compensate You

Imogen hesitated, her lips parting to speak, yet words eluded her.
Taking a deep, measured breath, her emotions churned with bitterness.
She couldn’t do it.
She couldn’t take that gamble.
She had long realized that in Troy’s eyes, she paled in comparison to Sarah.
If Troy could sacrifice her to shield Sarah from harm, what would stop him from doing the same to protect Sarah from mere rumors?
After all, these were only whispers on the internet, lacking any real sting.
Charlene’s confidence only grew in the face of Imogen’s silence. “Director Forbes, are you brave enough to take this wager?”
Without a word Imogen ended the call.
Deep down, s
new that wagering was a lost cause. Even if Troy was in the dark
about all this, and even if he did find out, he might still condone it.

She couldn’t just accept defeat; she deserved an explanation.
The studio manager had already forwarded her the soundless surveillance footage from that day in the dressing room.
group of
The video might have been mute, but the actions spoke louder than words. Casually, Imogen clipped a portion of the video and shared it in the Facebook Sarah’s team, along with several fan group screenshots. [Apologize on Instagram, or brace yourself. If I release this video, ponder the fallout.]
The Facebook group fell silent.
No one stepped forward; no one accepted blame.
Five minutes had gone by.
Realizing that no response was forthcoming, Imogen reached out to several influencer accounts she had collaborated with.
If this would cause a stir, she was ready to amplify it, leveraging both positive and negative publicity from this endorsement. At least it would be trending.
As she was navigating this storm, her phone rang.
The screen displayed Troy’s name.
A flicker of hope ignited within Imogen. Could he have noticed her post on Instagram and was now reaching out in concern?
She picked up and greeted, “Hello, Troy.”
“Imogen, don’t release the surveillance footage.”
Troy’s first words hit her like a cold wave, causing the smile that had been playing on
her lips to fade instantly.
She should’ve known better.
She shouldn’t have harbored any illusions regarding Troy.
Drawing a shaky breath, she found even the act of breathing felt like an ordeal.
Now it made sense why Sarah’s team was so defiant and self–assured.
With Troy’s backing, her threats were rendered impotent..
Perhaps sensing her silence, Troy continued, “I regret what happened during Sarah’s shoot. I misunderstood you, and I’m sorry.”

Imogen’s response was a bitter laugh.
The absurdity of it all was overwhelming.
Would he have felt remorse about that day if not for the current circumstances? If Sarah wasn’t involved, would he even have considered apologizing?
She knew th wer was a resounding ‘no‘.
“Troy, I don’t want your hollow–apologies. I just want the online hatred directed at me to stop.”
“Imogen, I understand your pain. I’ll ensure this issue is suppressed. Just refrain from releasing the video.”
A realization struck her, a silver lining in her moment of despair: it was fortunate she hadn’t taken up Charlene’s wager.
“So, I’m just expected to take the fall? To be the scapegoat and bear the brunt of the blame, to face unwarranted criticism?” Imogen’s voice cracked as she all but shouted into the phone.
“I’ll make it up to you.”
“Make it up? What exactly can you offer besides money? Can you give me back what truly matters?” Imogen retorted, emphasizing each word. “Unless you’re saying you won’t divorce me, is that it?”
There was a long pause from Troy’s end before he finally spoke, “What do you want?” Imogen scoffed.
He truly wanted it all. He desired to leave Imogen for his past love while expecting her to bear the weight of everyone’s scorn, all to shield his beloved..
“If they aren’t content with me as the director, perhaps I should just resign?”
“No, I won’t accept that condition,” Troy responded with finality.
Exhausted, Imogen realized there was nothing to gain from this conversation. Troy might have had wealth to offer, but that was far from what she sought. Over the past three years, her earnings and bonuses have provided her with more than enough. “Enough, Troy. Let’s end this discussion. Goodbye.”
With a click, she hung up, then lay down, enveloped in a sense of desolation, uncertain of her next step.
Her phone buzzed again.
She answered irritably without looking at the caller ID, “I meant it when I said goodbye. Don’t bother calling back.”
“Imogen, it’s Liam,” came a familiar voice.
Caught off guard, she quickly glanced at the screen. “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought it was someone else.”
“I figured. I saw the commotion on Instagram. How are you holding up? Everything okay?”
“It’s manageable,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “Just a few hateful comments, that’s all.”
The digital hatred didn’t cut deep.
Only Troy 1 at power.
Liam responded, “Alright, just so you know, there’s already a trending topic related to this. It looks like your Mr. Marshall is behind it.”
Hearing Liam’s prompt, Imogen questioned, “How can you be sure it’s his doing?”

“Just check the trending topics, and you’ll see for yourself.”
Taking Liam’s advice, Imogen quickly browsed Instagram’s trending section on her iPad. To her surprise, a new headline had risen to prominence, marked with the word “Breaking.”
The headline read: [Official Cast Reveal for Cloudwater City.]
Further down the list, she saw related entries highlighting Sarah’s selection for the role of Beryl and Liam’s casting as Lawrence.
Intrigued, Imogen tapped the primary trending topic, leading her to the official Cloudwater City page that had unveiled the main cast.
Sarah was to star as the lead character, Beryl, with Liam opposite her as Lawrence. The announcement also detailed the ensemble cast.
Various actors had already commented and shared this news on the official page. The reveal seemed rushed. During such announcements, series would typically release promotional photos of actors in their respective roles. But Cloudwater City had none, only a basic textual introduction. The most likely reason? The final decisions on the actors had just been made, leaving no time for promotional shoots.
Yet, for budding actors, even a hurried announcement for a project of this magnitude was a boon.
Directed by the acclaimed Rafael Balmont and penned by the original author, a highly respected screenwriter, the project’s production and supervisory teams held
significant clout in the industry.
Securing a role in Cloudwater City was a coveted achievement, attracting numerous auditionees. Given its popularity, it was natural for investors to angle for their preferred actors to land roles. Finalizing and disclosing castings swiftly was crucial, lest negotiations become even more complex and problematic.
Many online observers speculated that this abrupt casting announcement was a strategic move to divert attention from some other matter.
The exact nature of that ‘other matter‘ was a subject of debate. While many speculated it was related to Sarah’s recent endorsement, Imogen’s involvement was, overlooked.
for now,
The diversion tactic seemed to work wonders, as the barrage of hateful comments on Imogen’s Instagram had notably diminished. And the reason?
Sarah’s fervent supporters had shifted their focus to Cloudwater City’s official page, rallying bel
heir idol.
In the grandeme of things, a major TV drama overshadowed a mere endorsement deal.
After showing support for the star, a fan hurried to Imogen’s Instagram account and commented, “Look at this script that Mr. Marshall endorsed for our sister. How dare an adopted daughter flaunt her influence? Once our sister becomes Mr. Marshall’s wife, you’ll still need to address her as your sister–in–law!”

Sir Your Wife Already Signed the Divorce Papers novel Chapter 29 Dare To Make This Bet?

The contents of the box sprawled out onto the floor.
A grotesque mixture of red and white–blood muddled with flesh–lay in a gruesome puddle. The pungent stench it emitted was revolting.
The servant, equally startled, reassured Imogen, “Madam, don’t worry. I’ll take care of this mess.”
“No, don’t touch it. Contact the police immediately,” Imogen said, covering her nose as she carefully moved away from the spot.
“Of course. Should I also inform your husband?”
After a brief hesitation, Imogen replied, “He’s away on business. There’s no need to disturb him right now.”
“Understood.”
The servant p
tly notified the police. Responding swiftly, they arrived to gather evidence and took statements from both Imogen and the servant, assuring them they’d get to the bottom of the issue.

Once the officers departed, the servant thoroughly cleaned the affected area, spraying disinfectants and air fresheners to mitigate the horrid odor.
Their investigations progressed rapidly. Surveillance footage helped identify the courier, leading them to the package’s origin and its sender.
Based on the available data, the sender was identified as a college student, still a minor.
Upon his arrest, he initially denied any involvement. However, his youthful naivety was no match for the seasoned investigators, and he soon confessed.
His motive was surprisingly simple: he was an ardent fan of Sarah and believed she was being unfairly treated by Imogen.
Imogen enlisted a trusted attorney from the Marshall Group’s Legal Department to oversee the matter.
After returning from the police station, the servant shared a sigh with Imogen. “The youth nowadays don’t understand the meaning of fandom.”
Imogen inquired, “Did he mention how he knew my address?”
“It seems his grandfather works as a cleaner in our community.”
“We should inform the property management and consider relocating him. It could pose a potential threat.”
“Understood. I’ll speak to the property management about it.‘
Once Imogen had regained her composure, she decided to assess the public relations situation. She was taken aback to discover numerous replies and direct messages on
her Instagram account.
Opening her phone, she tapped on the app. The sight of over 999 unread messages left her momentarily stunned.
The first comment that stood out on her recent post read: [What kind of director is she? Haphazard creations. She should really pay attention to the result.]

The next one stated: [It’s Director Forbes. How long have you two worked together and still no response from you? Your standards seem too high; neither McKesson nor Sarah meets them. Maybe it’s time to consider another job and let Sarah be. What do you think?]
Another comment pleaded: [If we’ve done something wrong, let the law decide our fate, not this portrayal of Sarah. Spare the fans and Sarah. Haven’t we been punished enough?]
A fourth simply read: [I am blind.]
These comn
left Imogen’s head spinning.
As she scrolled further, she noticed that most comments carried the same
condemning tone.
Her Instagram was just a personal account without any official verification. Yet, it was baffling how she received such an onslaught of messages so suddenly.
Among the multitude of new comments, those from her old friends were buried underneath. The top comment garnered over a thousand likes, while the subsequent ones also received significant attention.
Furthermore, the influx of comments showed no signs of slowing down.
From the remarks, Imogen discerned that she was being blamed for the makeup debacle. The narrative painted her as the one who had recklessly changed Sarah’s makeup, leading to the current uproar.
Imogen delved deeper into Instagram and soon traced the origin of the commotion. On Sarah’s trending topic, there were screenshots of discussions from a fan group. The person labeled as “group manager” was clearly a part of Sarah’s team. In the group, the manager advised: [I urge all fans to remain composed and refrain from posting inflammatory remarks on McKesson’s official page. Such actions could adversely affect Sarah. We’re all disappointed about the situation. Initially, Sarah’s makeup was just right. However, Director Forbes adamantly wanted changes! But given her role as project leader, Sarah felt compelled to comply.]
A group member inquired, [Isn’t Sarah close to Mr. Marshall? Can’t something be done?]
details
The manager responded with a hushing emoji: [I shouldn’t divulge much.] Another screenshot from the same fan group revealed a fan who had dug up about Imogen: [It’s clear now why Sarah couldn’t stand up to Director Forbes. Turns out, she’s the adopted daughter of the Vice Chairman and holds a significant position within the Marshall Family. And she’s only twenty–five! How could someone that young become a director without influential backing?]
Fan A commented: [It all makes sense now.]

Fan B added: [I’ve heard she’s quite self-assured.]
Fan C quipped: [Just look at the makeup disaster she created, yet she probably believes it’s a masterpiece.]
Fan D questioned: [Does anyone have her Instagram handle?]
Fan E quickly responded: [I’ve found it.]
The post, though only featured on Sarah’s trending topic, accumulated over a thousand comments. The chatter from this sizable audience seemed to gravitate towards Imogen’s Instagram, inundating her account with messages and comments. The comme tion tends to be more civil compared to private messages, where one might encount abusive content.
After skimming a few words, Imogen decided to delete all her private messages. Is this the solution Charlene discussed with Team Sarah?
Blaming everything on her?
Imogen archived the photos and evidence, then logged out of her account. First and foremost, she reached out to the studio head to ensure they identified whoever was responsible for the photo leak and to check the surveillance footage.
Imogen dialed Charlene’s number.
Charlene seemed to anticipate the call. As soon as her phone rang, she answered, “Hello? It’s Director Forbes. How are you? Enjoying your time at home?”
“Charlene, don’t play innocent! Was it your doing on Instagram?”
“Director Forbes, calm down. I’m only doing what I was told. Mr. Marshall gave me the task of quelling rumors about Miss Page by any means necessary, without tarnishing the brand’s reputation. If that means sacrificing you, then so be it.” There was a hint of arrogance in Charlene’s voice.
Mention of “Mr. Marshall” made Imogen’s heart skip a beat. She collected herself and responded, “Did Mr. Marshall really ask you to do this, or was it your own initiative?”
“It was my decision. However…” Charlene’s voice shifted, “Even if I acted without Mr. Marshall’s approval, he knows about my actions, and he won’t reprimand me. Director Forbes, are you willing to take that bet?”

Sir Your Wife Already Signed the Divorce Papers novel Chapter 28 Crazy

Troy’s expression hardened a hint of mockery in his voice. “You think I have no right to be concerned? You’re not just my wife but also my sister–in–law. Do you ever consider why he wants to take you abroad? Once there, you are on your own, without family, what then?”
Imogen was at a loss for a response.
All she knew was that her anger was reaching its boiling point.
In frustration, she kicked at the blanket.
A sharp sting followed as her injured ankle struck something hard. The intense pain forced a gasp from her, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Troy quickly pulled back the blanket to inspect her ankle. “What happened? Did you hurt it again?”
Tears streamed down her face as Imogen nodded.

Gently, Troy fo
i the medicine, unwrapped the gauze from her foot, and cleaned the wound. He then applied a soothing ointment that significantly alleviated the pain. Setting the medicine aside, his expression grew stern. “Imogen, I won’t accept your resignation. Don’t bring it up again.”
Defeated and exasperated, Imogen averted her gaze.
Troy took a seat beside the bed, “We’re still married. Don’t invite strangers into our home.”
She challenged him, “Even my friends?”
“Is he truly just a friend?”
Imogen turned away in frustration.
Troy has lost his mind.
“I don’t want to discuss this anymore.”
Her mind was in turmoil.
Later, after dinner, she headed upstairs and noticed a document on her bedroom table. It wasn’t from Sarah’s house, but from the office. Or was it? On closer inspection, it was a thick medical file from Mount West Hospital, with Sarah’s name prominently displayed on the front.
What was Sarah’s diagnosis?
Curiosity tugged at Imogen.
She almost opened the file but hesitated at the last moment, choosing instead to head to the bathroom for a refreshing shower.
When she returned, the file that was on the table had disappeared.
The next morning, Imogen made her way downstairs with a limp for breakfast. Over the meal, she inquired, “Will you be filing for divorce today?”
Troy glanced at her, then at her ankle. “Are you certain you can manage with your foot?”
“I have a cane,” Imogen gestured to the stick resting beside the table. “It aids me in walking.”
Shaking his head, Troy replied, “I’ve got a business trip scheduled today and won’t be able to. We’ll address it once I’m back.”

Puzzled, Imogen furrowed her brow. “A business trip? What’s it about?”
“It’s a meeting requested by your department. Considering the circumstances, want to accompany me?” Troy teased.
She quickly retorted, “No, thank you.”
“In that case, wait for me here.”
The exchange mogen’s emotions in turmoil. On the surface, they might seem like any loving coup, but the truth was that their relationship was fragmented. After Troy departed, Imogen spent the next two days recuperating at home. While at home, she often browsed the news. Thanks to big data algorithms, she frequently received personalized news recommendations.
One day, a headline caught her eye. Controversial photos of Sarah surface, with a headline: [McKesson Employee Exclaims: That’s My Boss’s Wife!]
Initially, Imogen dismissed it as clickbait. But upon opening the link, she realized there was more to the story.
The article showcased several clandestine photos of Sarah, taken during a McKesson promotional shoot.
Judging by the angle and clarity of the images, Imogen deduced that someone from the inside was responsible.
The primary critique from the marketing account holder was about Sarah’s peculiar makeup in the photos.
The makeup, designed to accentuate Sarah’s demeanor, had a counter effect. Her pronounced cheekbones shifted her appearance from regal elegance to a fierce, almost menacing look. The intentionally plump red lips, with sharp edges, exaggerated a dominant aura, yet ironically made the gap between her upper lip and the philtrum appear juvenile. The overly straight eyebrows only added to the mockery from fans.
With these photos as evidence, the marketing account holder confidently predicted that McKesson’s endorsement would be a flop.
Criticism inundated the internet.
Leading the jeers were fans of Xena Wilson, gleefully celebrating Sarah’s blunder. They flocked to McKesson’s official blog, commenting, [You’ll regret not picking our Xena.]
Many uninformed onlookers and rival fans joined in on the criticism.
Boosted by these factions and influential marketing accounts, the topic snowballed, igniting a firestorm of discussions.
A flood of comments appeared on the official blog, with fans demanding Mckesson and the Marshall Family address Sarah’s portrayal.
[The makeup’s horrendous. It ruins my sister’s beauty.]
[Did someone apply the makeup blindfolded? Have you seen my sister’s previous photoshoots? Can’t even replicate that!]

[I’m astounded. She’s your boss’s wife, and this is how you represent her?]
[Figures Local makeup artists can’t compare to international talent.]
[She shouldi industry.]
ve returned. This just shows the state of our domestic entertainment
Amid the outcry, fans of both Xena and Sarah clashed, intensifying the situation. The comment section of McKesson’s official blog exploded with activity. Alarmed, Imogen quickly called her assistant, instructing, “Has the PR team seen this? Get them to mitigate the situation immediately.”
Soon after, Imogen received a call from her assistant, who relayed in a concerned tone, “Director Forbes, the PR department informed me that Director Johnson has already consulted with Mr. Marshall. Together with Sarah’s team, they’re addressing the issue.”
Imogen remained silent before ending the call.
In the past, both Troy and the vice president overseeing McKesson had entrusted her with full autonomy. Any news or public relations issues concerning McKesson were exclusively under her domain, without interference from the PR department.
But ever since Sarah took on the spokesperson role, Troy’s confidence in her seemed to wane, and he handed over the McKesson PR responsibilities to Charlene Johnson.
A bitter smile crept onto Imogen’s face.
All she could hope for was that Charlene would handle the situation well, without -creating further complications for her.
Suddenly, a servant approached her, announcing, “Madam, a package was just delivered for you. Would you like to check its contents?”
“A package?” Imogen was puzzled. She hadn’t ordered anything online recently, and the idea of Troy doing so seemed even more unlikely.
Noting her bewilderment, the servant added, “Aren’t you expecting anything, Madam?
I double–checked the, contact details on the parcel and it’s definitely addressed to you.”
Chuckling, Imogen replied, “Perhaps it’s a gift from someone. Let’s see what’s inside.”
The servant handed over the package to her.
Gently slicing through the tape with a knife, Imogen opened the box. Her expression transformed from curiosity to sheer horror as she hastily flung the contents aside, collapsing beside the bed and gasping for breath.

Chapter 27: Coming Away With Him

After returning to the bedroom, Imogen decided to take a nap to rest her weary mind. Around three o’clock in the afternoon, Troy hurriedly returned home. He went straight to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. In the corner, he noticed a pile of gifts and asked the aunt, “Has anyone been here today?”
The aunt replied truthfully, “One of Madam’s friends came by earlier.”
Troy raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to the story. “And then?”
“Madam asked me to refer to her as ‘Miss‘ in front of her friend.”
Troy furror is brow, understanding that Imogen’s friend was a man. He had a gut feeling that
person was the one Imogen had feelings for. Pretending to be unmarried in front of him suggested that she must have genuinely liked him, fearing that her past marriage might be a turn–off.
Troy took a sip of water, then inquired further, “Tell me about the man’s appearance.” “He looked like a celebrity on TV,” the aunt replied, recognizing Liam but not being able to recall his name.

A star, Troy thought, recalling how Liam had disguised himself during their last encounter at the studio entrance.
It confirmed that Liam was indeed the person Imogen liked.
Troy finished his water, put down the glass, and headed straight upstairs.
Imogen had just woken up and was still lying in bed, feeling lethargic. As she gazed at the ceiling, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. The door opened, and Troy walked in.
If this were the same time yesterday, Imogen would have been overjoyed by Troy’s return. But now, after waiting for so long, his arrival didn’t cause much excitement in her heart; it was more of a confirmation..
She understood that he was probably here to finalize the divorce tomorrow.
It seemed that he couldn’t wait any longer.
“Wake up.” Troy approached and sat by the bed.
“Hmm” Imogen let out a hesitant grunt and sat up from the bed, her mind filled with questions about why Troy hadn’t returned the night before yesterday or last night.
However, as she was about to voice her concerns, her attention was immediately drawn to Troy’s disheveled clothes, particularly his shirt, which had numerous. wrinkles and a faint lip print on the collar.
She slowly approached him, taking a careful sniff and recognizing the scent of the woman’s perfume on his body – the same perfume Sarah frequently used. In an instant, Imogen felt as if her world had collapsed, leaving her stunned, and speechless.
She had suspected that Troy and Sarah might have a close relationship, but seeing the evidence with her own eyes was something she couldn’t bear.
Her nose tingled, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
That man was her Troy.
He was the only man she had ever loved.
The lip print on his collar seemed to taunt her nakedly, mocking her pain.
In an outburst of emotion, Imogen couldn’t hold back any longer and shouted, “Don’t come near me!”
Overwhelme her nausea.
her emotions, she retched and lay by the bed, struggling to control
Troy rushed to her side, holding out a trashcan to help her. As he approached, Imogen’s reactions intensified.
He quickly realized what was happening and, turning his head away, he said to her, “I’ll go change my clothes.”
Imogen continued to retch for a few minutes but couldn’t bring herself to vomit. Instead, she shed tears of frustration.
After showering and changing into fresh clothes, Troy returned to the bedroom, finding Imogen’s temperature had seemingly returned to normal.
He felt the need to explain himself, saying, “You misunderstood me. I didn’t have anything to do with her.”
“Troy, I need to talk to you,” Imogen finally managed to say, her voice trembling with emotion.
Imogen interrupted him calmly, her emotions now under control. She realized that dealing with Troy’s volatile temperament meant avoiding any involvement with Sarah until the formal divorce was complete. Otherwise, the evidence of their affair would be more than just a lip print on his clothes.
However, at this moment, Imogen no longer seemed interested in listening to his explanations. After all, what was the point? They were both getting divorced, and it was evident that he would eventually be with Sarah.
“Go ahead.” Troy’s revelation broke the silence in the bedroom.
“After we finalize our divorce tomorrow, I want to resign.”
Imogen nodded earnestly, confirming her decision, “Yes, I want to.”
Troy seemed puzzled and asked, “What are you going to do after resigning? Isn’t being the brand director of McKesson a good position for you?”
Imogen replied confidently, “I have my plans. You’ve left me enough money in the divorce agreement; I don’t need to work.”
Troy was taken aback by this unexpected reason. Although her grandparents had provided her with a comfortable life and enough pocket money, Imogen had always been a hardworking individual who preferred to be self–reliant.
Troy hesitd, “If you don’t explain your plan clearly, I can’t And beliagree to e, if Grandpa finds out about this, he won’t let me agree either.”
your resignation. Imogen took a moment to gather her thoughts and explained, “I understand your concerns, but I’ve thought this through. After the divorce, I plan to focus on pursuing my true passion, which is starting my own business. I’ve always dreamt of having a small boutique where I can curate and sell unique and artistic items that I’m passionate about. It’s something that excites me, and with the financial security from the divorce agreement, I believe I can make it a reality.”

Troy listened intently, finally starting to understand her perspective. He knew that Imogen had always been a driven and ambitious person, and now he could see the determination in her eyes.
“I had no idea about your plans,” he admitted. “But if this is what you truly want, I won’t stand in your way. I’ll support your decision and help you in any way I can.” A sense of relief washed over Imogen as she realized that despite their impending divorce and the pain it brought, she could still count on Troy as a friend. It was time for both of them to move on with their lives, and with newfound clarity, Imogen was ready to take the first steps toward building her own future.
“I don’t have any plans either,” Imogen confessed, her voice tinged with weariness. “I’ve been feeling a bit drained over the past few years, and I want to take this opportunity to travel abroad and find some relaxation. Staying here, even after the divorce, would mean we’d have to keep pretending to be a couple in front of our grandparents. It’s like a chain holding us back.”
Troy raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on her. “Is it because working with Sarah has become tiring for you?”
He knew how much effort Imogen had put into building McKesson, and her sudden decision to quit the job surprised him. She had been managing well before, so why the sudden desire to give up her career?
Imogen pursed her lips, silently acknowledging that his assumption held some truth. “Stay a little longer. Once Sarah’s endorsement contract is over, I’ll give you a break,” Troy suggested.
However, Imogen remained firm in her decision. “I don’t want a break; I want to
resign.”
Troy’s voice grew deeper, a mix of concern and frustration evident. “Imogen, don’t play games with me.”
“I’m not playing games,” she replied, trying to convey her sincerity.
A moment of silence passed between them as Troy seemed to be contemplating her words. Then, he brought up a topic that caught Imogen off guard.
“Your friend came home today.”
Confused, Imogen asked, “Hmm? Who are you referring to?”
“He,” Troy c ed: “The guy who visited you..”
“Well, I hurt my foot. He came to see me.
Realizing he meant Liam, Imogen found the situation amusing. “What are you
suggesting? It has nothing to do with him. I want to leave for myself.”
Troy smiled, pointing out, “I heard you asked the servant to address you as ‘Miss‘ in front of him. Are you afraid he might find out you’re married?”
J
Noticing Imogen’s quiet demeanor, Troy said, “Someone who truly cares for
you won’t judge you for being divorced. And if someone doesn’t like you, marital status won‘ change that. If he judges you for your past, then perhaps you should consider if he’s the right person for you. Don’t let yourself be deceived or dictated by another.” Imogen gave a faint smirk upon hearing him.
His tone was akin to a parent coaxing a defiant child.
How could he speak those words with such detachment?
When it came to deception or manipulation, he was the last person who should be giving advice.
“It’s not his concern,” she retorted.
“You’re still defending him. How deep are your feelings for him?” Troy’s voice carried a hint of anger.
It was only then that Imogen understood she shouldn’t have tendered her resignation when Liam had appeared. “I just wanted to quit.”
“I don’t approve of your resignation.”
Anger flared within Imogen, and she shot back, “You’re right. I wanted to leave with him. Who are you to control my decisions? You found solace with Sarah, so why can’t I be with someone I like?”

Chapter 26: Qualifications

“I’ll do my best,” Troy said.
Imogen mustered up her courage and asked, “What’s wrong with Miss Page?”
Ever since Troy left, she had a premonition in her heart that he wouldn’t return soon, just like yesterday. She couldn’t fathom why Sarah had called him away for two consecutive days.
Troy glanced back at her, his face showing a frown. “Imogen, you didn’t used to ask so many que
S.”
Imogen turned pale and said, “My feet are excruciating. Could you…”
“The injury on your foot isn’t serious. If necessary, you could call the servant for help.” Troy’s tone was cold, and he left without looking back.
Imogen watched him leave and felt an overwhelming bitterness inside. She rarely let her guard down, but when she did, he dismissed her as a burden.
When someone isn’t interested in you, showing vulnerability won’t change their mind.
They were on the verge of divorce. Did she have any right to interfere in his affairs? She felt lost. Troy had merely done her a favor, yet she had deluded herself into thinking she was special to him.
Once again, she humiliated herself.
Imogen didn’t anticipate that not only did Troy not return that night, but he was also absent the next day and the following evening.

She sat on the bed, unwilling to accept the situation, boringly scrolling through her phone until sleep overtook her, leaving a bright light by the bedside.
In the morning, she woke up to find the bed sheets neatly arranged, and there were no signs of anyone’s presence.
Imogen lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, and sighed deeply.
‘What was the point of all this?‘
person
As the morning light filtered through the curtains, Imogen lay in bed, contemplating why she still clung to hope despite the impending divorce. Troy had been the she had longed for over the past ten years, and they had spent three years together as husband and wife. How could she reconcile the conflicting emotions within her?
With each passing moment, Imogen felt her hope waning. Perhaps as Troy’s disappointment in her increased and her love for him dissipated, she would find it impossible to hold onto any glimmer of optimism.
Struggling, she finally managed to rise from bed and wash her face. Today was Sunday, and tomorrow marked the day she and Troy had agreed to receive their divorce certificate. After obtaining the official document they would be legally unrelated.
However, they still had to live together without the formal constraints of marriage. Despite how close Troy had become to Sarah, Imogen knew she had no grounds to argue. All she could do was watch as her husband embraced another woman after their divorce. The days ahead seemed fraught with challenges, and she feared the emotional toll it would take.
cane,
Imogen refused to accept a life filled with bitterness and didn’t want to become resentful. Seeking a moment of solace, she made her way to the balcony, leaning on a and settled into a rocking chair to bask in the warmth of the morning sun. Her phone n chimed, signaling a new message on Facebook. Imogen picked up the phone and saw a message from Liam.
Fat Cat (Liam’s online nickname): [Didn’t you say you were coming to my house for two days? It’s the weekend today; why don’t you come?]
Imogen recalled her promise to Liam a few days ago and quickly replied to the message.
Hot and Cold (Imogen’s online nickname): [I’m sorry but I can’t make it. Please apologize to your parents for me. I’ll definitely come and see them when I have time in the future.]
Fat Cat: [What’s the matter? Is work keeping you too busy? I haven’t seen you in the studio these past two days.]
Hot and Cold: [It’s a long story. The last time I went to the studio, I was hit by a falling frame and twisted my foot. I’m still confined to my home for now.]
The messages from Fat Cat paused for a moment before a sudden video call came through. Imogen clicked to connect, and Liam’s handsome face appeared on the screen. He looked genuinely concerned as he asked, “How is it? Is it serious? Have you seen a doctor? What did they say?”
Imogen reassured him, “Don’t worry, I went to the hospital right away. The doctor said it’s not too serious; I just need a few days of rest at home.”
As she spoke, she switched the camera to show Liam her wrapped right ankle, visibly swollen and elevated.
Liam was taken aback. “Isn’t this serious? How did it happen?”
“Perhaps it’s just a run of bad luck. I’ve been experiencing some unfortunate events. recently,” Imogen replied with a smile.
“I’m taking a few days off. My mother happens to be going to the temple. How about I ask her to find a safety token for you?” Liam offered kindly.
“Thank you so much! That would be really kind of you,” Imogen said, switching the camera back to the front.
“Hey, where do you live? Since you can’t come over, why don’t I go and see you? What would you like to eat? I can bring something for you,” Liam said impulsively.
Imogen and Liam were childhood friends but only reconnected officially last to Liam’s busy work schedule, they hadn’t seen each other much in private. Most of
year. Due their meetings were arranged to eat out or when Imogen visited Liam’s parents‘ home. Liam was unaware of Imogen’s current situation and only knew that she had been adopted by the Marshall Family.
Imogen naturally wouldn’t refuse Liam’s offer to visit. After all, Troy was not at home at the momt/She agreed with a smile, “Sure, come to the Midtown Villa area. When you reach
,uard, let me know. Oh, and when you come, could you bring me some Roast beef from San Jose Road and a piece of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte cake from the bakery on the first floor of Times Square?”
“Brother, those two places are quite far away,” Liam protested.
Imogen playfully teased, “Can’t you make a detour? Since you want to come and see me, you should show some sincerity.”
Liam laughed, saying, “Okay, okay, I’ll come right now,” with a hint of indulgence in his tone.
By the time Liam arrived, it was already approaching noon.
The guard at the community entrance called for a video call to confirm Liam’s entry before allowing him in. By this time, Imogen had already been assisted to the first floor, where she sat in the living room, waiting for Liam.
Liam located the villa based on the house number Imogen had provided. Upon entering, he remarked, “The housing prices here must be quite high, right?”

Imogen smiled, not directly responding to the question as her mind was preoccupied with work matters. She was on a call with her assistant discussing the release of photos for the two teams‘ restaurant cooperation.
As they finalized their conversation, Imogen added, “Listen, you have yesterday’s group photo, right? Pick one where Mr. Marshall and Miss Page don’t appear too close and prepare it for release.”
“Sure, I’ve got it covered,” the assistant replied.
After hanging up, Imogen quickly freshened up before Liam’s arrival.
When she reached her company, her assistant greeted her, saying, “Director Forbes, have you contacted Sarah’s team? What did they say?” Imogen entered the elevator and -asked.
“Mr. Marshall has already handed this matter over to the public relations department?”
The assistant hesitated and replied, “Yes, that’s correct.”
Imogen pursed her lips tightly, keeping her emotions in check.
As the elevator doors opened on the corresponding floor. Imogen stepped out and
came face–to–face with Charlene.
The moment Charlene saw Imogen, her face lit up with a smug smile and a hint of mockery. “Oh, it’s our Director Forbes. Yesterday, Miss Page and Mr. Marshall came together. Did you see that? Someone desperately tried to seduce Mr. Marshall, but he didn’t seem interested in her. He even personally stated that he wasn’t familiar with her. I wouldn’t have the face to stay at Marshall Group of Companies if I were you. It’s really embarrassing.”
Imogen remd composed, seemingly unperturbed by Charlene’s comments. She simply igno. er and walked past her without saying a word.
Upon hearing Charlene’s taunts, Imogen couldn’t help but pause her steps, her curiosity piqued. Charlene approached with a smug smile and continued, “I’ll reveal the truth to you. Mr. Marshall instructed me to use the marketing accounts to disclose that he and Miss Page once had a romantic relationship. Do you understand what that means?”
A chill ran down Imogen’s spine, and her face turned pale as she felt a sense of unease settling in. Restlessly, she returned to her office.
She picked up her phone and opened the hot search interface again, only to find that the comments had taken a new direction.
Netizens naturally fantasize about a potential relationship involving money and power when a female star is linked to a wealthy businessman.
This was particularly detrimental to Sarah, who had recently returned to China for her career development.
However, the marketing account owners were now posting blogs, revealing Imogen and Troy’s past romantic relationship. They even shared posts and photos from their college days, where they were hailed as the best couple on campus, walking hand in hand, perfectly matched.
With the two reuniting, rumors circulated that they intended to continue their relationship.
Furthermore, there had been earlier rumors suggesting that the original spokesperson for the Marshall Group of Companies was supposed to be Xena Wilson, a famous new star, but the position suddenly shifted to Sarah.
It seemed that netizens had finally put the pieces together.

Chapter 25: How’s the Kid?

After some time, Imogen woke up in the dark, greeted by the smell of cleaning products.
Opening her eyes, she realized she was in a hospital room
“Imogen, are you awake? How do you feel?” Troy’s beautiful face came into view.
Imogen inadvertently placed her hands on her stomach.
“Not bad,” she replied, glancing out the window to see it was already dark
Her stomach bled twice.
“Do you want to eat? Shall I ask someone to bring you some food?”
“I’m worried that it will take too long. I’m very hungry already. Could you go to the store and buy me some food?” Imogen looked into his eyes.
Troy, seeing Imogen’s soft and compliant expression, nodded, saying, “Okay, I’ll
it for bed.
you. Stay in the room and call the nurse if you need anything. Don’t get out of go buy Imogen nodded
Once Troy left, Imogen rang the bell, and a nurse quickly arrived. “Do you need anything, or are you not feeling well?”
“Please tell me about my child, nurse…”

“The baby is fine. Based on the examination results, the fetal condition is not entirely stable, and your ankle is twisted. We recommend that you stay in bed and avoid walking for the next few days.”
Relieved with the answer she wanted, Imogen thanked the nurse.
“Thanks. Since you’re pregnant, we didn’t give you any oral medication. We only provided external medicine for your twisted ankle, which you should apply and replace regularly. You can be discharged tomorrow.”
“Alright, thank you.”
Troy returned with food he had bought from the hospital restaurant – meat, vegetables, soup, rice, a pear, and a bottle of milk.
Imogen began eating. “Why don’t you go back? The nurse is here, and you can pick me
up tomorrow. If you have any work tomorrow, call the driver to come over.”
“I’ll stay here with you. Your leg is injured, and it would be inconvenient for you to stay alone. I’ve asked the driver to bring you a change of clothes.”
“Okay,” Imogen replied, feeling her heart warm.
Troy’s phone rang suddenly.
He checked the screen, then left the room, saying, “Hello, Sarah.”
Imogen perked un her cars tryin
cedron but Trou loft before she could hear
anything.
The helper stayed with Imogen in the hospital for the night.
The next morning, after changing her medication, the driver came to take her home.
With the helper’s assistance, Imogen used a crutch to get to the car.
Troy was absent; it was only the driver.
Imogen lowered her head, pouting her lips.
In the car, she dazed out the window at the fast–moving scenery, still eagerly anticipating’s arrival.
Imogen is easily swayed.
Yet, Troy seemed unwilling to spend any time with her.
With her leg injury, Imogen couldn’t go to work, so she had the helper bring her laptop
so she could work from home and handle some daily tasks.
She stayed in her bedroom on the second floor, avoiding the stairs.
The helper ensured she had meals.
While Imogen was working, she heard the door open. Assuming it was the helper with food, she said, “Just leave it on the table, I’ll eat it soon.”
“Let’s eat first and then work. It’s not too late,” Troy said as he entered with food.
“You’re off work now?” Imogen inquired.
“Exactly.”
Imogen closed her laptop, and Troy placed the food on the table beside her bed before sitting down to eat.
After finishing, he came over to help Imogen clean up.
When he returned, he had a bag in hand containing medicines for Imogen. It included both the new prescriptions from the hospital and the ones she took earlier for gastrointestinal issues.
Imogen’s heart sank as she watched Troy take out each pill. She clutched her dress corner tightly.

Troy shook two unlabelled white bottles and asked, “These are the medicines you gave me at the hospital for stomach and bowel treatment. Why are they in these bottles?” Imogen nervously replied, “I changed the packaging myself. It’s not convenient to have separate boxes, and I might have to go on a business trip next week, so I switched to bottles and jars.”
While it was a valid reason, Troy didn’t press further, simply saying, “Your feet might not recover soon. Send someone else if it’s not necessary.”
Imogen breathed a small sigh of relief.
Troy looked at the other medicines in the bag, took out the topical ones, and inquired,
“Yesterday, the doctor only prescribed external medicine. Are there anti–inflammatory drugs or medicines to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots?”
any internal Imogen shook her head, saying, “I’ve been having stomach issues recently, so the doctor advised against those medications as they might cause stomach upset.”
Troy furrowed his eyebrows slightly, feeling something was off, but he couldn’t quite put a finger on it.
“I’ll help you change the medicine,” Troy said, moving to Imogen’s bed with a roll of gauze and the ointment he had just taken out. He sat down next to her and lifted her blanket.
“Why don’t you ask the helper to do it?”
“Just call her up?”
Imogen’s lips tightened, but she remained silent.
Troy sensed Imogen wasn’t being entirely truthful this time.
He placed his warm hand on her injured foot, causing her to instinctively want to pull away.
Carefully, he removed the bandages, revealing the swollen ankle joint and the ointment that hadn’t fully absorbed.
Troy used an alcohol–soaked towel to wipe away the excess ointment, revealing the swollen, white, bulging joint that looked like a loaf of bread.
He applied more ointment to Imogen’s ankle, wrapped it in gauze, and secured it with a knot.
“Alright,” he
making Imogen a new blanket.
She managed a small “thank you.”
Troy placed all the medications back in the box, but just as he was about to leave, his phone rang
He checked the screen and frowned slightly before picking up the call. “Hello, Sarah.” Imogen wasn’t sure what was being said on the other end, but Troy’s face turned serious as he replied, “Okay, I know, I’m coming right now.”
Troy left the room quickly without waiting for Imogen to respond.
With a wry smile, Imogen watched him walk away.
Later, the helper brought her food, and Imogen ate it while looking out the window. Her mind couldn’t help but yearn for Troy.
Imogen’s heart was easily swayed, but Troy didn’t seem to want to spend time with her.
With her injured leg, she couldn’t go to work, so she asked the helper to bring her laptop so she could work from home and take care of some tasks. She stayed in her second–floor bedroom to avoid using the stairs.
The helper took care of her meals.
While working, she heard the door open and assumed the helper was bringing her food. She said, “Just leave it on the table; I’ll eat soon.”
However, it was Troy who entered with the food.
“Are you off work now?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Imogen closed her laptop as Troy placed the food on the table by her bed and then sat -down to eat.
Once he finished, he helped Imogen clean up.
Upon returning, he had a bag containing medicines, including the ones prescribed by the hospital and those she had previously taken for gastrointestinal issues. Imogen’s heart sank as she watched Troy take out each pill. She tightened her grip on the corner of her dress.
Troy noticed two unmarked white bottles and asked, “These are the medicines you gave me at the hospital for stomach and bowel treatment. Why are they in these bottles?”
Imogen replied nervously, “I changed the packaging myself. It’s not convenient to have separate boxes, and I might have to go on a business trip next week, so I switched to bottles and jars.”
While it was a reasonable explanation, Troy didn’t push further, simply saying, “Your feet might not recover soon. Ask someone else to get them if not necessary.” Imogen bre
I a small sigh of relief.
Troy glanced at the other medicines in the bag and asked, “Yesterday, the doctor only prescribed external medicine. Are there any internal anti–inflammatory drugs or medicines to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots?”
Imogen shook her head, explaining, “I’ve been having stomach issues recently, so the doctor advised against those medications as they might cause stomach upset.” Troy sensed something wasn’t quite right, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint it.
“I’ll help you change the medicine,” he said, moving to Imogen’s bed with a roll of gauze and the ointment he had taken out. He sat down next to her and lifted her blanket.
“Why don’t you ask the helper to do it?”
“Just call her up?” –
Imogen’s lips tightened, but she didn’t say anything.
Troy felt that Imogen’s words were not entirely honest.
He placed his warm hand on her injured foot, making her instinctively want to pull
away.
Carefully, he removed the bandages, revealing the swollen ankle joint and the ointment that hadn’t fully absorbed.
Troy used an alcohol–soaked towel to wipe away the excess ointment, revealing the swollen, white, bulging joint that looked like a loaf of bread.
He applied more ointment to Imogen’s ankle, wrapped it in gauze, and secured it with a knot.
“Alright,” he said, making Imogen a new blanket.
She managed a small “thank you.”
Troy placed all the medicines back in the bag, but as he was about to leave, his phone
rang.
He checked the screen and frowned slightly before answering, “Hello, Sarah.”
Imogen couldn’t hear the conversation, but Troy’s face turned serious as he replied, “Okay, I know, I’m coming right now.”
Troy quickly left the room without waiting for Imogen’s response.

Chapter 24: Retrieving my child

Imogen closed her eyes tightly, pretending to be asleep.
“I can’t see her. I can’t see her. I can’t see her,” she repeated to herself. But her trembling body betrayed her true emotions.
The man’s footsteps drew nearer and nearer, approaching the bed.
Imogen’s heart unded in her throat.
Suddenly, she a chill, and the blanket was pulled off her.
Imogen froze in fear, keeping her eyes shut tight and her legs straight. She told herself, “I’m sleeping, I’m sleeping.”
As long as she couldn’t see his face, he wouldn’t harm her.
The man whispered in her ear, “I know you’re awake. Open your eyes and look at me, or I’ll rape you and then kill
you.”

Her mind went blank, and she opened her eyes in terror, shaking and pleading, “I’m awake, please don’t kill me.”
When she saw the man’s face halfway through, she recognized him – it was Troy. Imogen’s face froze, showing a mix of fear, confusion, and awkwardness.
She had forgotten that Troy was still at home and that the house was secure, so no intruder could have entered.
“Why did you come over?” Imogen avèrted her gaze and blinked.
“It’s thundering outside, and I thought you might have trouble sleeping.”
He didn’t know that Director Imogen, who seemed tough and determined, was afraid of thunder after they got married.
Imogen pursed her lips and replied, “I’m not having trouble sleeping.”
“Really? Oh.”
“Really,” Imogen insisted.
“I’ll leave then.” Troy made a gesture and got up from the bed.
Imogen’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything.
She turned over, curling up and muttering in a low voice, “As you wish.”
She heard footsteps leaving, followed by the sound of the door opening and closing.
He had left.
Imogen’s eyes and nose stung.
She wrinkled her nose, realizing that Troy had merely been polite and pretending to
care.
Why did he come here to give her hope and then disappoint her again?
Wasn’t this how Troy always acted?
“You want me to go, so why are you crying?”
She heard a voice, and she stiffly turned over to see Troy standing by the bed.
“You didn’t leave, did you?”
“I didn’t.”
Troy sat beside the bed and patted Imogen’s shoulder. “Okay, go to sleep. I’ll stay here
eep, then I’ll leave.
until you f
A soft “hmm escaped her lips.
Why did Troy have to be like this?
He would hurt her, then treat her kindly, making it hard for her to reject his kindness, even though she knew it was like poison, slowly corroding her heart.
Imogen eventually fell asleep.
The next morning, when she woke up, Troy was gone. All the doors and windows were tightly shut, as if he had never been there.
Imogen freshened up and went to the company after breakfast. She worked there for a while before heading to the studio in the afternoon.
As the day went on, the shooting picked up pace, and Sarah gradually improved. During a break, Alex showed Imogen some of the shots he had taken that day while holding the camera.
Despite having to change locations, the shots were turning out great.
Sarah looked stunning under the spotlight, with her beautiful hair and makeup. Imogen had to admit that, even in her eyes, Sarah appeared somewhat mesmerizing. The shooting for the day was complete, and they wrapped up work.
Alex and Imogen gathered around the camera, looking at the pictures together.
Sarah also joined them to check everything was alright.
“Sarah, do you know who’s coming?” Ylah called out.
Sarah’s eyes lit up, and she exclaimed joyfully, “Troy!”
Troy approached, and his expression suddenly changed. “Be very careful.”
Imogen looked up when she heard the sound, and she saw Troy give her a strong push.
Bang-
The shelf fell, making a loud noise as it hit the ground.
Imogen tumbled to the floor, feeling a sharp pain in her ankle.
Troy hugged Sarah and asked, “Are you hurt?”
“Troy, I was so scared. You came just in time, and it’s a good thing you did. Thank you
for pulling me away just now; otherwise, I would have been hit for sure,” Sarah said, burying her frightened face in Troy’s arms
“It was close; the shelf was just a few centimeters away from you,” Ylah remarked. “Thank goodness Troy was quick. Without him, Sarah would have definitely been hurt.”
Imogen’s eyes hurt from what she saw.

She felt numb all over, and despite her painful ankle, she couldn’t feel it.
In Troy’s e arah was everything. He only cared about Sarah’s safety and put Imogen in harm’s way.
But Troy, if you care so much about Sarah, why did you come last night? Why do keep reopening her wounds just when they start to heal?
you
“Imogen, what’s wrong?” Alex was shocked by the loud noise and couldn’t prevent the shelf from falling in front of him. He quickly put down his camera and helped Imogen regain her composure.
When Imogen moved her ankle, she felt a sharp pain in her lower belly, as if millions of ants were biting her. The pain was faint, but it was excruciating.
Feeling nauseous, Imogen held Alex’s hand and pleaded, “Alex, please take me to the hospital.”
Troy’s expression changed as he saw Imogen sitting on the ground. He immediately reached out and picked her up. “How are you feeling, Imogen? I’ll drive you to the hospital.”
Imogen didn’t pay much attention to Troy’s words at that moment. She just grabbed his arm and said softly, “Hurry.”
The pain in her stomach intensified, and she looked scared and hurt.
Her baby!
She had to protect her child.
Troy hugged Imogen, quickly got into the car, and instructed the driver, “Hurry, take us to the hospital.”
The driver promptly got into the car, and they sped off without delay.
Imogen leaned against Troy’s arms, feeling her consciousness slipping away.
Troy said uncomfortably, “Imogen? Don’t fall asleep, we’ll be at the hospital soon.”
“Hmm,” Imogen whispered, trying to summon her strength.
Imogen was taken to the emergency room in a daze. She mustered the strength to plead with the doctor to save her child. “Please, make sure my child is saved.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll do everything we can to help you.”
Imogen felt relieved by the doctor’s response, but she didn’t forget to add, “The man
outside is my ex–husband. Please don’t tell him I’m pregnant.”
The doctor was taken aback.
The man outside looked very concerned about her. He assumed they were a young couple, but to his surprise, they had already divorced.
Patients have a right to privacy, and since she didn’t want him to know, he would respect her wishes and keep it a secret.
But why did the man outside look like he knew him?

Chapter 23: Guilt

Forgetting to bring her pajamas, her hair still half–damp, she wore only a bath towel that hung down from her chest, barely covering her bottom. Her graceful neck and slender shoulders were exposed, and the parts covered by the towel were temptingly full, reminding Troy of how they felt under his touch. Her slim, white legs were revealed, with skin as smooth as silk and as white as milk.
The two locked
Imogen immediately changed her expression and went to the coat room to retrieve her pajamas. She declared, “I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight.”
Troy questioned, “Imogen, what exactly do you mean?”
He fixed her with a lingering look.
“I’m just trying to help you two,” she retorted with a hint of sarcasm. Imogen detected a faint smell of alcohol on his body.
“Are you angry because I asked you to toast Sarah?” Troy asked, nonchalantly leaning against the doorframe.
“Can’t I be angry?” Imogen raised an eyebrow, unimpressed with his disinterest. Her anger was not solely about the toast.
More apparent was how his friends around him talked about Sarah.

“You’ll eventually call Sarah your sister–in–law. What’s the point this time?”
“Don’t worry. After the divorce, I’ll never call a mistress my sister–in–law again.” Troy’s face turned stern as he mentioned “Imogen.”
“Why?”
Troy straightened up and stepped closer. “You said Sarah was a mistress, but what about the man at the studio’s entrance?”
Imogen didn’t know how he and Liam had gotten together.
Troy pressed further, “Is he the person you like? You haven’t talked to me since I returned from my business trip. I’m afraid you’ve already decided on a divorce.”
Imogen hadn’t expected Troy to twist the conversation, so she mockingly smiled and said, “That’s because…”
In the middle of her sentence, her voice faltered. She cut herself off and sighed, “Think what you want.”
“What’s the reason? Because you want to love someone as Jade did? What do I care? I doubt you’d understand. No wonder it was so easy for you to agree to a divorce,” Troy said calmly. His eyes were as black as night, but his convictions were strong.
“Why do you think that?”
“Isn’t it true that you agreed to a divorce because you wanted to help us or be with the
person you like?”
Imogen fell silent and then laughed.
Tonight, her heart was already broken and numb.
She closed her eyes hopelessly and said, “Think whatever you want. I’m going to bed.”
She was too tired to get caught up in Troy’s game.
As she turne
and, Imogen headed outside.
“Wait,” Troy called out, grabbing her wrist. “You sleep in the master bedroom, and I’ll go sleep in the guest room.”
Imogen let out a startled cry as he pulled her slightly, causing her to stumble.
Troy quickly steadied her with his long arm, wrapping it around her waist.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s fine,” Imogen said, shaking her head in shock.
Then suddenly, her bath towel slipped off.
A chill ran through her body.
Imogen froze for a moment, her face flushing red as she hurriedly covered herself and said, “You… look away.”
“I haven’t seen it all before.”
Troy teased her when he noticed her discomfort.
But when he casually glanced at her naked body, his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he tightly gripped her thin waist. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Don’t you want to go to the guest room? Be quick!”
Imogen quickly grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her chest.
As soon as she opened her eyes, she was met with Troy’s dark, intense gaze, as if he was trying to pull her in.
Imogen was taken aback.
Gradually, the handsome face before her grew larger, and he blew warm air on her face.
She just had to close her eyes.
With closed eyes, she could feel the darkness enveloping her, void of
But the kiss didn’t happen as she expected.
Imogen looked around.
any light.
Troy took a step back and said, “Sorry, I’ll go to the guest room. You should get some rest.”

He stood ou the door, closed his eyes, and tried to forget what had just happened.
He had almost kissed her.
He was losing control.
How could he still want to kiss Imogen when he was about to divorce her and marry Sarah?
He tried to convince himself that he was merely reacting to Imogen’s beautiful body. When she stood naked in front of him, he was just a normal guy with natural physical responses.
Troy rubbed his forehead.
Imogen stood there, stiff, listening to the heavy sound of the door closing.
The air around her felt cold, seeping into her skin.
She quickly pulled up the blanket, wrapped it around herself, and curled up in the corner of the bed, hiding her head in the blanket. Crystal tears dripped from the corners of her eyes, soaking the bedding.
His cold departure had felt like a slap in the face.
He showed a hint of tenderness, and she fell for it. She felt so cheap!
Not long ago, he had asked her to toast Sarah. But when he pushed her a little, she couldn’t help but turn against him!
He didn’t spare a glance for her as she left the room.
He must really care about Sarah.
She had hurt herself again.
He probably thought she was worthless.
To him, she was just a toy. He didn’t mind pampering her when he was in a good mood. or tossing her aside when he was sad.
She was even crazier than Sarah.
Imogen reminded herself not to expect something that didn’t belong to her anymore. She hoped to quickly dissolve the marriage.
She didn’t want to stay here anymore. She wanted to leave and be with her father.
To give birth and raise her child
ad go to a rural
area characterized by mountains and rivers.
Boom-
Thunder roared outside.
Imogen woke up from her thoughts, her heart pounding in her chest.
She stared into the darkness, taking deep breaths and wiping the sweat from her brow.
Flashes of fi d blood filled her mind, the haunting scenes of violence and death refusing to fade away.
Every time she closed her eyes, she could hear the sharp, abrupt sounds and see her father’s body soaked in blood and exposed bones.
Boom and rumble-
Imogen clenched her teeth and shivered, her face becoming increasingly drenched in
sweat.
Her breathing quickened, and the scenes before her eyes blurred even more.
This wasn’t right.
Imogen propped herself up and got out of bed. She rummaged through boxes and cupboards until she found her medication. Unscrewing the bottle, she poured out a pill.
But as she was about to take it, she suddenly remembered that she was pregnant and couldn’t take this medication anymore.
Imogen shook her head and set the pill back down. She curled up into a ball.
Just a little longer, and everything will be fine.
Thunder continued to roll outside, with rare lightning illuminating the dark night, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
The sound of the door handle turning suddenly came from the room.
The voice was soft, but in the silent room, it was clear.
Imogen felt like a startled cat, her hair standing on end. She became tense, staring at the door, huddled under the blanket, and only daring to open one eye to peek. She didn’t dare to breathe or move.
The room’s door was now open.
A tall figure walked toward the large bed.

Chapter 22: Just a Fun Thing to Do?

When Troy glanced up, he noticed Imogen standing at the door.
She was silhouetted against the light, making it hard to see her face clearly, but he sensed her gaze fixed on him
“Cedric and I bumped into each other in the hallway, so I thought I’d say hi to everyone,” Imogen said, smiling as she looked around the room.
Troy inquired, “Are you here with your friends for dinner?”
“Yes.”
Riley smiled at Imogen and asked, “What have you been up to lately?”
“Working on a project for McKesson.”
Riley was taken aback when he realized the significance of what she just said
But to others, it seemed like an innocuous remark as someone pointed at Sarah and asked, “Isn’t she the spokesperson for McKesson?”
Imogen walked over to the table and playfully poured herself a cup of tea into an empty wine glass. “Today, I’ll offer you tea instead of wine since we ran into each other,” she said, smiling. “I’ll treat you to dinner some other time. As your older brother, I raise my glass to you.”

She emphasized “older brother” clearly.
Since their marriage, Imogen rarely called him “older brother” anymore; instead, she used “Troy,” a sign of their closeness.
Imogen took a sip of tea from the glass.
“Thank you,” she said.
Imogen placed the wine glass down and added, “I have some other matters to attend to, so excuse me.”
Cedric interjected, “Imogen, you can’t leave without toasting your sister–in–law.”
Riley inwardly cursed Cedric for making such a foolish suggestion, but before he could intervene, some guys at the table playfully flirted with Imogen. “Come on, Imogen, your older brother acknowledges her as your sister–in–law; give her a toast!” one of them said. “Are you being rude to her?”
“Do you
still work together? Have a drink!” another said.
-Imogen closed her eyes and pouted
How could she have expected Sarah to drink a toast?
“Or perhaps you’d rather leave,” Riley suggested.
Cedric chimed in, “What’s the matter? Is Imogen unhappy with her brother’s wife? This is the one Troy calls ‘Madam Marshall.”
ווו
His words were laden with meaning.
Sarah, a girl raised by the Marshalls, how dare she mistreat the future Mrs. Marshall?
And little does Imogen know that Sarah is her sister–in–law. Is Mrs. Marshall still revered in their circle?
Imogen holds a special place in Grandpa Marshall’s heart. Does her behavior reflect his actions?
All eyes were on Imogen.
Sarah smile
tly and said, “Imogen doesn’t mean anything by it. Don’t make it
difficult for …, Cedric.”
“Troy, Sarah is your girlfriend; say something,” Cedric prodded.
All attention shifted to Troy.
As Imogen gazed at Troy, her hand involuntarily curled up.
Their eyes met, and their gazes intertwined.
He reached for a wine glass on the table, poured the bottom, and placed it in front of Imogen. “Imogen, toast your sister–in–law,” he said.
The word “sister–in–law” felt like a stab to her heart.
In front of so many friends, he asked her, his wife, to raise a toast to Sarah.
Does he see her as his wife, or is she just a casual affair to him
Imogen felt her body stiffen, as though she had fallen into an icy pit. A deep chill engulfed her, and her teeth chattered.
Troy lifted his hand, adjusted his tie, and squinted his eyes. “Aren’t you going to? Or do you not recognize your sister–in–law?”
The words stung, and a sour taste rose in her throat as the corners of her mouth drooped
Troy, you know just how to hurt her.
You’re the one thrusting the knife into her heart.
“Imogen, it’s just a toast to your sister–in–law,” someone else said, adding to her discomfort.

“Is that so difficult?
“Sarah is being kind. Should it be that hard to raise a glass to your sister–in–law?”
Imogen forced a smile, her face tensing up. She stepped forward, picked up the wine. glass from the table, lifted it toward Sarah, and downed it in one gulp.
Setting the wine glass down, she turned away without a word.
“Even she didn’t refuse the toast to her sister–in–law,” Cedric said, smiling and shaking
his head.
“She must really think she’s the true lady of the Marshall family. How dare she behave like this in front of Troy?
ווג,
“It’s great that she has a place in the company now. Sarah is going to be the face of the Marshalls, yet she doesn’t take it seriously. Troy, are you just going to watch Sarah get hurt?”
“Sneeze, sneeze,” Riley cleared his throat, noticing Troy’s displeased expression. “Let’s not discuss this right now,” he said.
Seeing Troy‘
refrained f
happy face, the others assumed he didn’t like Imogen, so they aying anything further.
However, one person, seemingly trying to please Troy and Sarah, suggested, “Troy, since Imogen is still single, why don’t you find her a husband? Her husband could make you happy, right?”
“That’s an interesting idea.”
The person was praised, and they grinned.
Suddenly, Troy stood up, and without warning, he kicked the person in the knee.
The person was caught off guard, falling to their knees in pain.
Everyone was taken aback.
Troy shot the person a cold look and said, “Even if Imogen is flawed, she is still part of the Marshall family. Don’t say that again.”
“Yes, yes, I won’t.”
“Let’s go,” Troy said to Sarah. “I’ll have the driver take you home.”
Though Imogen appeared composed when she returned to the private room, her heart was already aching, and she felt drained of energy.
As they all had work the next day, they refrained from staying up too late and left the
restaurant.
After Liam settled the bill, the three of them headed to the garage.
Alex waved goodbye and said, “My car is parked over there; I’ll leave now.”
“Hmm,” Imogen nodded, chatting with Liam briefly before telling him, “I should get going too.”
“Remember to come to my place for dinner in two days,” Liam reminded.
“Of course.”
As Alex walked away, he almost choked on his food. Was Liam really Imogen’s boyfriend?
Liam’s career was on the rise, and she didn’t want to jeopardize it, so she hadn’t made their relationship public.
Alex thought he had it all figured out.
Unbeknownst to Imogen, Alex had concocted numerous assumptions in such a short time.
Imogen parked her car in the garage and entered the living room with her purse, only to be surprised by Troy sitting on the couch.
He still wore his suit, leaning back with his elbows on the couch and his hands over his eyes, as if he had dozed off.
Upon hearing the door, he slowly raised his arm, opened his eyes, and looked straight
at her.
Troy inquire
re you home?
Without glancing at him, Imogen ignored him and headed straight upstairs.
Troy’s gaze darkened as he followed her until she disappeared at the top of the stairs. After a short while, Troy stood up and made his way to the master bedroom. Opening the door, he found it empty, but he could hear the sound of water running in the bathroom, indicating that Imogen was taking a shower.
His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he took off his collar, grabbed a towel from the closet, and went outside to the bathroom for a shower.
Upon returning to the room, Troy saw Imogen emerging from the bathroom.
The two locked eyes.

Chapter 21: Mixed Feelings

The driver glanced at Troy through the rearview mirror and then watched him as he gazed out of the window.

“Isn’t she the ‘madam‘?” he questioned.

“Who is the man beside her?” he inquired further.

The man, wearing a cap and a mask, attracted attention as he entered the studio surrounded by a crowd. It seems like that man has a good rapport with the boss. In a hushed tone, the driver informed, “Sir, Sarah is not here.” Troy me esponded with a thoughtful sound, “hmm.”

The drive was uncertain about what he wanted to say. “Troy instructed them to drive the car to the studio’s entrance,” the driver relayed. Did she notice them when he pulled up to the studio’s door? Despite his reservations, the driver complied with Troy’s request and drove the car to the studio’s entrance. Liam raised his chin and inquired, “Is that your Troy?” When Imogen followed his gaze, she saw a black Cayenne parked at the building’s entrance. The license plate number was the one Troy used. Sarah stood by the car. Troy intentionally got out of the car and had a conversation with Sarah, leaving her unaware of the details. Sarah responded with a joyful smile. Subsequently, Troy turned and opened the car door for Sarah from the other side. As she got in, he moved to the back seat. The driver departed. He went out of his way to pick up Sarah. Imogen’s heart was filled with profound sadness and bitterness. Liam, however, seemed disinterested. “Recently, my agency has been working on a play. People say that Sarah has already been hired to play the female role. The project is being funded by Star Entertainment Investment, a branch of Marshall Group of Companies. Troy has been providing generous financial support to his girlfriend. I heard that Xena originally had McKesson’s backing.” Imogen–forced a smile, her hands clenched tightly in her sleeves, leaving crescent–shaped marks on her palms from her nails. She felt choked up, realizing how much Troy had done for Sarah. “Imogen, Liam, you’re both here,” Alex said, surprised to see them. “Are you also here for an event?” “Yes, it’s been a while since we met How about we treat you to something to eat? Would you like to join us?” Liam offered. Alex grinned and replied, “Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss this chance for a free meal.” “Let’s head to the car then,” Liam suggested. At the restaurant, Alex perused the menu and raised an eyebrow at Liam, asking if he minded Alex ordering something. “Order whatever you want; I’ll cover the bill,” Liam said with a smile. Liam handed Imogen a menu and said, “Imogen, feel free to order too. Don’t worry about the ses.” Imogen ordered a few of her favorite dishes from the menu. Liam glanced at her choices and asked, “Is that all you’re getting? I remember you liked the durian dessert here. Why not order it?” During their conversation, Liam added the durian pie to the order. Alex looked at them and joked, “You have an exceptional memory. Do you remember my favorite dishes?” Liam chuckled and replied, “I’ll be sure to remember them next time.” The food was served in due course.

At one point, Liam excused himself to visit the bathroom. also As soon as he left, Alex approached Imogen and whispered, “Are you two getting close?” Imogen shook her head and asked, “What are you thinking? How could that we’re in a close relationship?” “Why? That’s just what my eyes tell me.” “You’re mistaken.” you assume Alex dropped the subject when Imogen showed disinterest and sighed, “Imogen, you must have suitors at the company, right? Not a single one? How about I set you up with someone?” “I’m already seeing someone.” People at the company tried to get close to Imogen. And even before that, there was a man who seemed to be following her everywhere she went. Imogen had made up the story of having a boyfriend to avoid trouble. Alex laughed, not buying her explanation. “You can lie to others, but not to me. Why don’t you show us your boyfriend if he exists?” Imogen looked down and replied, “I’m not lying to you. If I get the chance, I’ll introduce you to him.” She had planned to tell her friends about her relationship with Troy and the possibility of getting married, but that plan was no longer viable. Seeing Imogen’s behavior, Alex doubted if she actually had a boyfriend. Why hasn’t he ever seen him, even if he is in a different place? Could he be a well–known person? When Liam returned from the bathroom, Imogen also excused herself to use the restroom. As she wall ick, she heard someone calling her name in the hallway. Turning around, she greeted the person with a small smile, “Mr. Cedric.” “It’s really you, Imogen. Are you also dining here? Your older brother is in the private box. Would you like to go say hi?” Cedric pointed towards the private box. Imogen took a quick glance, recalling what had happened at the studio’s entrance. She spotted Troy but not Sarah.
Before she could decide what to do, Cedric was already heading towards the private box. Imogen had no choice but to follow, taking deep breaths to stay composed. After all, Cedric was the one who invited her; there was no need to worry. Why would she be afraid of not following Troy and his team? As Cedric opened the door to the private box, the atmosphere inside was lively. Imogen stood at the entrance, observing the scene. Troy was seated on the sofa’s center, with Sarah right next to him. They seemed to be in their own world, detached from everyone else. Troy turned his head slightly towards Sarah, a soft smile gracing his face as he listened to her whispering in his ear. Sarah affectionately took his arm and planted a kiss on his cheek, displaying an intimate closeness. Troy appeared speechless. And then, Cedric’s voice echoed from the door, “Troy, do you know who’s here?”