I'd been locked in the house for three days. Starving, I tried to steal a loaf of bread—and got caught. While I sat in the police station, Jacob Baldwin was busy throwing a birthday party for his lover's pampered dog.

When the police called him, his voice was cold and dismissive. "She's done this before. Let her sit in there for a few days—maybe it'll teach her a lesson."

Right after that, I heard a woman's coy voice on the line. "Jacob, Minnie's sick of the foie gras you bought her."

He chuckled, his tone suddenly gentle, "As long as you never get sick of me."

The officer glanced at me, clearly uncomfortable.

Seven days later, I walked out of the detention center.

My older brother was waiting. His voice was stern, but his eyes betrayed his concern. "Look at you. You've let yourself become a complete mess. Still not ready to let go?"

I looked down at the phone I had just gotten back. Not a single missed call.

I gave a small, bitter laugh. "I have now."

——

My older brother brought me back to the Krause's residence.

The moment my father saw me, his face darkened with rage.

"This is the man you swore would cherish you?" he snapped.

"He's the dignified CEO of the Baldwin Group and he won't even spare you a proper meal?"

He slammed a stack of newspapers and investigative documents onto the table. "Get the paperwork done. You're marrying into the Johnson family."

Only after he stormed off did my mother dare to step forward and take my hand. Her eyes shimmered with tears.

"Catherine, your father's not angry at you. He's angry at Jacob for hurting you like this. Back then, you cut ties with the family just to marry him. Do you know how much that broke your father's heart? This time, listen to him. That boy from the Johnson family will truly treat you right."

"I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat and nodded obediently.

"Okay."

Three years ago, I had called off my engagement with the Johnson family and severed ties with my family for Jacob.

In the beginning, his love had burned hot and passionate. But just six months after the wedding, he came home drunk and started calling me a liar and a thief.

No matter how I asked, he only gave me the same cold response. "You know exactly what you did."

From then on, he hated me.

He didn't allow me to socialize or even leave the house. Nobody would believe it, but the wife of the CEO of Baldwin Group received a monthly stipend of only 30 dollars. Even that came from Joyce Clifford, his childhood sweetheart.

I called Jacob 99 times. When he finally picked up, his voice was laced with annoyance.

"Since you're already out, then hurry up and get home. Why the heck are you blowing up my phone? Have you forgotten how to walk or did your brain rot and forgot the way home? Today is Minnie's birthday celebration. I do not have time for your drama."

"Jacob, let's get a..."

Divorce.

Before I could get the words out, he had already hung up.

My eyes stung with tears as I took a deep breath.

Minnie was Joyce's beloved dog. Since she returned to the States six months ago, every single one of my requirements had been put on hold for a puppy.

As I scrolled through Joyce's social media, I saw that while I had been in the detention center, Jacob had been living at her place. The two of them were in matching loungewear and smiling for the camera while cuddling that little dog.

Then I saw today's post. The grand ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel was decorated like a royal gala. I knew the base cost of that hotel's event was 4.5 million dollars.

Half an hour later, I stood at the entrance of the ballroom.

A golden banner hung over me, reading "Welcome to the Birthday Party of Our Beloved Minnie."

My heart still ached somewhat.

When I was pregnant with Jacob's child, he hadn't asked about my well-being once during the entire pregnancy.

At eight months pregnant, I was hit by a car. I called him, desperate and terrified. But he merely laughed bitterly. "It's just a stolen child, and now you're trying to use it to win my pity? Catherine, you disgust me. I don't have time for your nonsense as Minnie has a stomachache."

In the end, I lost the baby. Jacob only came to the hospital to reprimand me.

"You're a grown woman, and you can't even look at where you're going? Maybe it's for the best so that you won't use it to threaten me now."

Watching him now, thoughtfully planning a birthday party for Joyce's dog, it hits me—he never cared about me at all. I used to naively believe he might one day go back to how he used to be.

The waiters passing by were whispering to each other.

"Have you seen how Mr. Baldwin looks at Ms. Clifford? He appears to be completely smitten."

"They say all of Minnie's outfits are custom-made by top designers. Ms. Clifford and Mr. Baldwin are the perfect parents. It looks like wedding bells aren't far off."

"Isn't Mr. Baldwin already married? His wife was just chastised online for stealing bread."

"Well, someone that low could never compare to someone as classy as Ms. Clifford. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up the cast-off wife."

I unclenched my jaw and realized I had unintentionally bitten through my lip.

Jacob, your cast-off wife would set you free today.

I tightened my grip on the divorce papers in my hand and stepped inside.

Joyce stood holding her dog, with Jacob beside her. The two of them greeted their guests warmly and enthusiastically as if they were the perfect hosts.

I stood there in clothes I hadn't had the chance to change out of, completely out of place.

I waited for half an hour before Jacob finally noticed me.

The smile on his face vanished. His brows drew together slightly as he walked over.

The moment he spoke, it was full of rage. "So I didn't pick you up. Was that really enough reason for you to show up here?"

Joyce stepped to his side and naturally took his arm.

"Catherine, it's my fault. I didn't keep track of your release date from the detention center. Otherwise, I would've scheduled Minnie's birthday party for tomorrow."

Jacob gave me a look of irritation.

"It's not like she did anything to be proud of. What's the point of rescheduling for her?"

Joyce didn't speak loudly, but just enough for nearby guests to hear.

The murmurs began instantly.

"So that's Mrs. Baldwin? She looks sweet and harmless, but turns out she's a thief."

"No wonder Mr. Baldwin never brings her to events. She'd probably steal everything if he did."

"I don't understand how someone like her managed to seduce him. She has no family background or skills. I can't believe Mr. Baldwin passed up Ms. Clifford to marry someone with mental issues!"

Jacob heard it all, and he didn't say a word to defend me.

My face turned ghostly pale.

Back then, I saved him in the orphanage.

He pursued me relentlessly. For him, I quit my job at the Krause Group, broke off my engagement with the Johnson family, and cut ties with my family.

I bore all of it on my own and never once complained to him.

He always thought I was an orphan and promised he'd protect me for a lifetime.

Now, I was the "thief" everyone hated.

The last time someone called Joyce a homewrecker, Jacob had his subordinates brutally beat that person.

Thus, it wasn't that he didn't know how to protect someone. It was just that the one he protected wasn't me.

Just as I held up the divorce papers in front of him, a glass of water splashed across my face.

Joyce's friend looked down at me with contempt and complained, "Today's Minnie's birthday. Since you just came out of a place like that, I'm helping to wash off your bad luck so you don't bring misfortune to everyone else."

Joyce laughed out when she saw my drenched, miserable state.

"Stephanie was just concerned about your well-being. Catherine, you won't be furious, right?"

At that moment, I couldn't hold it in anymore and blew up.

"Jacob, have you ever once asked me why I stole that bread from the convenience store? It's because you told Joyce to come to the house to grab something, and when she left, she locked the door from the outside. I had no money and was locked inside for three days. In the end, I had to break a window to escape!"

Before I could finish, Jacob cut me off impatiently. "Stealing from others is your specialty, isn't it? Besides, Stephanie's only looking out for you. You should thank her."

Upon hearing this, I let out a bitter chuckle.

So I was supposed to thank the people who humiliated me?

At this point, I truly wonder what I am to him.

Joyce stepped forward with a look full of grievance. "Catherine, if you think Stephanie was out of line, then I'll apologize for her."

Suddenly, the dog in her arms let out a shriek, lunged at me, and scratched my cheek open.

She quickly pulled Minnie back into her arms and cried out, "I already apologized to you. Why would you hurt Minnie like that?"

Jacob rushed to check the dog's injuries and didn't even notice the blood on my face.

He turned to me with a cruel glare. "Catherine, how can you be so vicious that you even hurt a dog?"

Joyce cried softly beside him.

"Jacob, maybe you should just go home with Catherine. I'll stay here with Minnie."

"Don't say that. Minnie's my child too. If I leave, wouldn't that embarrass you?" he comforted her gently.

Joyce gave me a triumphant look.

"But your wife is already making such a scene..."

Jacob's face darkened, and he growled at me, "Are you not going to apologize to Minnie?"

I never imagined Joyce would hurt her most beloved dog just to frame me.

Even less did I imagine Jacob would demand that I apologize to a dog.

I knew then explaining was pointless.

So, I handed him the divorce papers in my hand and said, "I won't apologize to an animal. Let's get a divorce. Please, sign it."

Jacob's expression hardened as he read the bold words at the top of the divorce papers.

"Catherine, there's no need to threaten me with this."

Then, suddenly, he let out a low chuckle. "I can sign it, but you have to apologize to Minnie. Only then will I consider it."

My heart turned cold.

I turned to look at the dog in Joyce's arms and said slowly, "I'm sorry."

Joyce looked at me smugly.

"Minnie, should we forgive Catherine?"

Then, she turned toward Jacob, her voice full of feigned grievance. "Minnie's not reacting. Maybe she doesn't feel Catherine's apology was sincere."

"Whether I sign it or not it's entirely up to how you act," Jacob stated coldly.

Under his threatening gaze, I swallowed my pride and dropped to my knees in humiliation. "I'm sorry, Minnie."

Only then did Jacob turn to his assistant with satisfaction and ask, "Did you get it all on camera? Post it online now. I want the whole of North City to see just how vicious this woman is."

I looked up at him in disbelief when I heard this.

I couldn't believe he humiliated me that way to release Joyce's rage.

The surrounding guests didn't hold back either. They raised their phones and began filming wildly.

"Even Mr. Baldwin had someone recording her. Let's get our own footage to show our friends later."

"Did you see that? He made his wife apologize to a dog. He really rubbed her face into the dirt."

"Now everyone knows who Mr. Baldwin actually cares about. Better not curry favor with the wrong person."

I shouted for them to stop, but no one listened.

All I could see in their eyes was scorn and disdain.

I stood up and felt my heart hollow.

I looked Jacob in the eyes, my voice firm, and demanded, "If you're a man, then sign it."

He scoffed and snatched the divorce papers from my hands. With a dramatic sweep, he signed them.

"Fine. Don't regret it later." He flung the signed documents at me.

Joyce tried to hide the smug curve of her lips. She tugged on Jacob's arm and pouted. "How could you divorce Catherine just because of me? You should go comfort her."

He sneered. "She's just spoiled from being indulged too long. She's an orphan who latched onto me. Who would want her once she's left me? And let's not forget she stole this marriage from someone else."

I didn't understand what he meant by "stolen" when he was the one who relentlessly pursued me back then.

I looked at him in confusion, but I couldn't even be bothered to explain.

I took a few steps forward, then turned back to face him.

His eyes were full of mockery and certainty.

"Are you regretting it already? That was fast. I thought you'd at least last three days."

I scoffed coldly. "I'm just reminding you that once the cooling-off period is over, don't forget to finalize the divorce agreement."

Without sparing him another glance, I turned and walked away. The chill coming from behind didn't faze me.

For the first time, I felt free.

Just as I stepped out of the Four Seasons Hotel, a luxury car pulled up in front of me.

Arthur Johnson stepped out with his tall, elegant frame and opened the passenger door for me like a gentleman.

"Don't worry. The video's already been suppressed online. I'll take you to the hospital now. After all, getting bitten by two dogs is no small matter."

I blinked in surprise. Who knew that the normally stern CEO of the Johnson Group could actually crack a joke?

What was even more surprising was that he'd been keeping tabs on me.

After the injection, I was waiting for Arthur when Jacob suddenly rushed in, carrying Joyce in his arms.

He didn't see me and ran straight into me, knocking me to the ground.

Pain shot through me and I couldn't help but cry out.

Only then did he stop and turn. When he saw it was me, his face twisted with fury.

"Catherine, what kind of virus are you carrying? You drove Minnie into a frenzy and got Joyce hurt! You just had to ruin Minnie's birthday party, didn't you?"

Joyce clung to his neck, pouting sweetly. "Don't blame Catherine. She just loves you too much. That's why she poisoned Minnie."

Jacob shot me a look of pure disgust. "This twisted kind of love just makes me sick. When we get home tonight, I expect to see you on your knees, repenting.

Then, he no longer spared me a glance as he rushed Joyce toward the examination room.

Arthur quickly stepped forward to help me up when he saw me fall.

As his gaze followed the retreating figure in the distance, it turned cold and sharp.

He immediately made a call. "Cancel all cooperation with the Baldwin Group. While you're at it, acquire the Clifford family's assets."

Sensing my embarrassment, he spoke softly, "It's only after encountering the worst in people that you truly recognize those who treat you with genuine sincerity. Without contrast, you can't truly appreciate the good."

My lips trembled slightly, moved by his words.

Arthur dropped me off at the Krause's residence but stopped me at the entrance.

He asked with twinkling eyes, "When are we getting it done?"

I paused briefly before responding, "I haven't finalized the divorce yet."

He smiled. "I know. Whenever you go to file the divorce papers, let's register ours."

My cheeks flushed red. "I'll let you know then!"

With that, I ran back into the house.

"As soon as I entered my bedroom, Jacob called.

He sounded upset. "Why aren't you kneeling at home? Where did you run off to again? Joyce needs to rest at home. Since you're the one who brought up the divorce, if you don't want your things in the bedroom, I'll just toss them all out."

I couldn't help but scoff at the thought of him rushing to get rid of me. With that, I got a cab to his place.

The moment I entered the bedroom, I saw Joyce and Jacob entangled on the bed.

He, for once, offered an explanation. "Joyce was bitten in the leg and couldn't get into bed on her own."

I ignored him and walked right to the nightstand, pulling out my document folder.

When Jacob saw I was about to leave, his face darkened. "You've made a scene all day. Aren't you tired? Joyce is willing to let it go, and I'm not making you kneel anymore. You should be grateful."

Joyce gently said to him, "Let me talk to Catherine."

Jacob shot me a warning glance. "Don't you dare try any of your tricks on Joyce?"

Once the door shut, she sneered. "Jacob actually gives you 15,000 dollars every month. But I don't think you're worth it. A woman like you is worth maybe 30 dollars at most.

"Catherine, you didn't seriously think I loved that dog, did you? That dog was just a tool I used to stay close to Jacob.

"Have you really not realized yet that in Jacob's eyes, you rank lower than my dog?"

I chuckled coldly. "All this just to tell me that? Jacob and I are already divorced. There's no need for this anymore."

Joyce shrugged. "If that wasn't enough drama for you, let me add some more."

She smirked and added, "You didn't think that car accident was an accident, did you? You really thought I'd let you give birth to Jacob's child?"

I froze as her words hit me like ice.

I hadn't expected my almost-born baby to be murdered.

My hands tightened, and nails dug into my palms, but I felt no pain.

However, she wasn't done. "As for the remains of your son, I had Jacob feed them to the dog!"

At this point, I could no longer contain myself. With a scream of anguish, I lunged at Joyce, striking her wildly. I didn't care why she didn't fight back as I just wanted us both to die.

Then a pair of strong arms restrained me. It was Jacob.

Joyce burst into tears and threw herself into his arms. "I just wanted Catherine to live peacefully with you. I don't know why she keeps saying I seduced you. I should've never come back. Forget that I ever saved you back then."

I stood there in a daze.

It all made sense why Jacob called me a thief and a liar all this time. He thought the one who saved him was Joyce, and the one he wanted to marry was her.

I laughed through tears, laughing at my own stupidity and at his foolishness.

In my stupor, he grabbed my face and smacked it hard.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I was stunned. My vision blurred until I could hardly see him.

I gave him a wry smile. "Jacob, if marrying Joyce is your wish, I'll make it come true. One month from now, I'll see you at the courthouse."

He watched my devastated figure leave, expression complicated.

For that month, I avoided all communication with Jacob.

Besides, he was too preoccupied with clearing up the mess that Arthur had left behind.

Then, the day came when we finalized the divorce.

He still acted superior. "Catherine, if you beg me now, I might just take back the papers."

I spat at him. "Jacob, I'd rather die than stay married to you!"

His expression twisted, and he stopped talking, walking in first.

Just as I received the divorce certificate, Arthur arrived. I hooked my arm through his and walked right in.

Jacob stopped me. His expression stormy, he asked, "What are you going in for?"

I shook the divorce certificate in his face with a bright smile. "To get married!"