Derick stiffened abruptly, his expression darkening instantly. He tightened his grip on Saren's chin before slowly releasing her and turning to face Mark.
Meeting Mark's amused gaze, Derick forced a smile. "No. Uncle Mark, did you need something?"
Mark smiled. "Your grandma sent me to call you both for dinner."
"Thank you, Uncle Mark."
"No trouble at all. But remember, this is the family home. Be mindful of your actions." As Mark spoke, he briefly glanced at the red mark on Saren's chin, mockery evident in his gaze.
Seeing Mark's eyes linger on Saren, Derick frowned and stepped in front of her. "I understand, Uncle Mark."
His tone and expression were not pleasant, and his gaze toward Mark betrayed a hint of wariness.
Mark smirked and casually looked away. "Alright, let's go eat."
After Mark left, Derick reached out for Saren's hand, but she dodged him, walking away without a backward glance.
Derick quickly caught up, gripping her hand firmly. "Behave, or I'll talk to your father!"
Saren's attempt to pull away halted, a wave of helplessness and anger washing over her. If she hadn't agreed to become a housewife back then, she wouldn't be under his control and threats now.
She needed to find a job quickly, earn enough to pay her father's medical bills, and free herself from Derick. Until then, arguing about divorce was pointless.
Having made up her mind with determination, Saren stopped struggling and let Derick lead her to the dining room.
...
After dinner, everyone went home.
As Derick and Saren arrived at their villa, Derick locked the car doors, making no move to get out.
Saren frowned. "What are you doing?"
"We need to talk."
"If it's about the divorce, there's no need. I won't bring it up for now."
Derick's eyes narrowed dangerously. "For now?"
"Yes."
Seeing Saren's indifferent expression, Derick pressed his lips into a thin line, his displeasure evident. He knew it would take time for her to accept his infidelity. As long as she didn't mention divorce, he believed he had a chance to win her back.
After a moment, he nodded. "Saren, I'm glad you're giving me another chance."
Saren ignored his words, staring at him blankly. "Can you unlock the car now? I'm tired and want to rest."
With a click, the doors unlocked.
Saren immediately got out, heading into the villa without looking back.
By the time Derick reached the bedroom door, he found it locked from the inside. He sighed, a smile tugging at his lips.
In the early days of their marriage, she'd lock the door to show she was angry when he had been too rough in bed. She'd let him in after a few days.
His smile deepened. "Never mind," he thought, "I'll win her over slowly."
They had a lifetime together. As long as she stayed by his side and had feelings for him, she'd eventually forgive him.
Inside the bedroom, Saren was choosing an outfit for her interview the next day. After picking a few options, she sent photos to Felicity, asking for her opinion.
Felicity called immediately. "Why are you suddenly job hunting? Have you sorted things out with Derick?"
Saren's voice was calm. "Not yet. I need a job first. I have no income. Once I have enough money for my dad's medical bills and my living expenses, I'll discuss divorce."
"So you're going to live with him like nothing happened?"
"Of course not. I have some money saved. I'll find a place to move out after the interview tomorrow."
Saren realized that divorce couldn't be rushed. Without a job or money, she couldn't afford a lawyer, let alone face the Clarkson Group's legal team. She needed the best divorce lawyer she could find. She had no intention of leaving with nothing. Derick was the one who betrayed their marriage. Why should she leave empty-handed? If she had the means, she'd make him leave with nothing instead. As for her father's medical bills, she felt no guilt using Derick's money. Her research back then had earned Derick millions. Her father's medical expenses were a drop in the bucket.
"Which company are you interviewing with?"
"Pure Pharmaceuticals."
"You're going back to drug research?"
"Yes. I've kept up with the field even though I haven't been working. It's what I know best."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? Come work at my place. I can recommend you."
Saren laughed. "You always complain about your boss. You've painted him as a tyrant. Are you sure you want me to join you?"
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before a male voice chimed in. "Felicity, since when am I a tyrant?"
The voice was distant but laced with a dangerous edge.
Felicity laughed nervously. "Saren, uh... I've got to go. Let me know how the interview goes. We'll have lunch."
Before Saren could respond, Felicity hung up.
Noting the late hour, Saren raised an eyebrow. Felicity was usually disciplined in her routine. Having someone over, especially her boss, at this hour was unusual. She'd have to dig for details the next day. Saren set her phone down and chose a modest light green dress, appropriate for the interview. She then put the other clothes away, grabbed her pajamas, and headed to the bathroom.
After the shower, she dried her hair, completed her skincare routine, and went to bed.
...
Meanwhile, in the study.
Derick hesitated before anonymously posting online, asking for advice on winning back his wife after cheating. The responses urging him to divorce and let her go infuriated him, so he deleted the post. As he was about to head to bed, his phone rang. It was a message from Jaylene.