Chapter 2.1

Chapter 2.1

Several days have passed.

I kept my job a secret from everyone. My grandfather said he would personally inform them the day before I started. I was grateful.

If they knew in advance, my mother-in-law’s reaction would be predictable, and I was especially afraid of how my husband would react once he found out that the shares were transferred to me.

I have to handle the divorce issue carefully. They have a powerful legal team. To fight them, I need to gather more evidence. It would help if my husband were involved in drugs or something.

Because in this family, infidelity isn’t considered a big deal. When would be a good time?

I was working in the secret room when the phone rang. It was Miss Yena.

“Yes, Miss.”

[What are you doing, sister?]

“Just sitting around.”

Her cheerful voice had no shadow.

[Would you like to have lunch together tomorrow?]

“With me?”

[Yes. I have a prior engagement today. Is that okay?]

“What’s the occasion?”

[We have things to talk about.]

“Huh?”

[Oh, come on. Grandpa told me. You’re starting work next month. I have so much to discuss with you, and it’s hard to do that at home. I’m really looking forward to it.]

Her voice was filled with anticipation. Her words, welcoming me, made my heart flutter.

“Then I’ll come to the office tomorrow.”

[Okay. I’ll call home and tell them I left something behind. That should work, right?]

It was a common enough occurrence that it wouldn’t arouse suspicion. Pleased with her meticulousness, I agreed.

“I’ll bring you some clothes.”

[Okay. I’ll be late today. Don’t prepare dinner for me.]

“Are you busy?”

[I’m swamped. I’ll come home after work.]

After hanging up, I patted my cheeks. Could there finally be light in this dark hole? I couldn’t believe it. Just then, my phone alerted me.

[The director has arrived.]

Startled, I stood up, organized my files, and hurried out of the room. Shortly after leaving my office, my husband entered. When I saw the murderous expression on his face, my heart sank.

“Dear, wh-what’s wrong…!”

Before I could finish, stars flashed before my eyes, and I felt a stinging pain in my cheek. My body stumbled, unable to withstand the force.

Before I could even lift my head, my husband grabbed my neck. I couldn’t breathe, and blood rushed to my face. He pushed me roughly against the wall.

“Was it you? Did you trick Grandfather and took his shares?”

The pain of being strangled was familiar. Getting slapped was also something I’m used to. But right now, surviving is my priority. My husband’s eyes were already deranged.

“Wh-what are you talking about? I… don’t know….”

“Don’t know? Really?”

If I admitted it here, I would die. Crying, I pleaded.

“I really… don’t know….”

My husband, glaring at me with narrowed eyes, looked menacing. I felt a chill run down my spine.

“My grandfather’s shares have been transferred. Do you know how hard it was to search for several days?”

“I don’t know… Really, I don’t…”

Perhaps because he felt the sincerity in my words, my husband released his grip, and I clutched my neck, coughing. As air entered my oxygen-deprived lungs, I wheezed uncontrollably.

Then, I heard the sound of a belt being unfastened. Horrified, I saw my husband wrapping the belt around his hand, smiling coldly.

“When Grandfather transfers the shares to your name, you will immediately gift them to me.”

The belt in his hand scared me more than his words. Whenever things didn’t go his way, my husband would turn violent.

Today was one of those days. I felt chills, and my legs trembled.

“Dear… I really don’t know anything.”

“I get it. I’ll believe you this time.”

My husband gestured for me to turn around. I was in despair. This madman was not human.

A flurry of thoughts crossed my mind. Should I just file for divorce now? I can’t live like this anymore.

I don’t want to live.

Taking a deep breath and steeling myself, I said,

“No.”

My refusal made my husband’s eyes widen.

“What?”

“I’m getting a divorce. From now on, I am no longer your wife, Namgung Muyeol.”

His eyes widened, and then he laughed out loud. When all the laughter was gone, there was an eerie silence, and then he swung his fist with a maniacal look on his face.

The blow sent me flying. The pain in my jaw felt as if it had shattered.

“What? Divorce?”

I cried for my life.

“Why don’t you just marry your mistress! Why are you doing this!”

My words made my husband pause. His lips curled into a sinister smile. I wanted to tell him that Grandfather knew about it and had agreed to the divorce, but I held back.

“Don’t you know that divorce is impossible in our family? If it were possible, it would’ve happened already. Why are you acting like you don’t know?”

His vile laughter sent chills down my spine. He picked up the belt and approached, and my body shook.

“If you do this, you’ll be at a disadvantage in the divorce proceedings!”

He sneered.

“Is there even a law firm willing to handle your divorce? Or do you want to get your father kicked out of his position as president?” Then, with a chilly smile, he said,

“Oh! How about just dying? That would be perfect. You’d escape from this house, and it would be good for me too. Right?”

I gritted my teeth and turned around the moment he raised his arm. At the sound of the merciless whip cracking, I felt a searing pain in my back.

After the second strike, I lost consciousness.

When I came to my senses, it was almost time for dinner. Mrs. Ahn, the housekeeper, entered the room and found me unconscious.

“Ma’am! Ma’am!”

Barely opening my eyes, I saw Mrs. Ahn crying.

“How… how could this….”

Lifting me, Mrs. Ahn was at a loss, crying. She sat me on the bed, took off my blouse, brought the first aid kit, and applied medicine to my wounds.

The antiseptic stung like fire. But the pain was nothing compared to my overwhelming sense of shame and despair. I barely held back my tears.