She didn't want to remember anything about Ethan.
Ethan's face darkened. He was used to Isabella acting like a lapdog, so her sudden coldness was unfamiliar to him.
By the time they left the hospital, it was already past 5:30 p.m., and the civil affairs bureau had closed for the day.
Ethan's eyes filled with mockery as he looked at Isabella. "Did you do this on purpose?"
"You're overthinking it," Isabella shot back, rolling her eyes.
"We'll go to the civil affairs bureau first thing tomorrow morning. Anyone who doesn't go is a dog!"
Olivia had something to take care of at the hospital, and since Isabella had no money, she had no choice but to hitch a ride with Ethan.
Because she despised him so much, she went straight to the back seat, putting as much distance between them as possible. Ethan hadn't intended to let her sit in the front anyway, but seeing her avoid him so deliberately made him unhappy.
"Come up front," Ethan said coldly. "Do you think I'm just your driver?"
Isabella's blood pressure skyrocketed. "Do you have to be so petty?" If it weren't for Lady Emily insisting she ride with him, she wouldn't have come at all.
"If you don't want to sit in the front, then find your own way back," Ethan sneered.
Fuming, Isabella pushed the door open and got out of the car. "Fine! Give me money for a taxi. Deduct it from the divorce settlement."
Ethan instinctively reached into his pocket, only to realize he had rushed out too quickly and forgotten his wallet. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the car keys to Isabella.
"You drive. I'll sit in the back." With that, he climbed into the rear seat.
Once again, Isabella questioned her past self. Three years ago, had she been cursed to fall in love with this insufferable man?
Aside from being handsome, having a good physique, and being rich, he was utterly useless. His personality was the complete opposite of what she liked.
It was maddening.
She was definitely getting a divorce tomorrow.
In another car, Lady Emily and Grandma Hannah were quietly conspiring.
Grandma Hannah sighed. "Isabella has changed so much. With her amnesia, she might really agree to divorce Ethan."
Lady Emily's expression hardened. "That won't do. Isabella is the daughter-in-law I have recognized. We must find a way to keep her here."
Grandma Hannah nodded. "Mom, we'll need your help. When we get back, pretend you're unwell. Isabella won't be able to leave if she's worried about you."
Lady Emily considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, let's do that."
When they stopped at a red light, Isabella turned to Ethan. "Do you know where my phone is?"
Ethan's expression soured as he recalled their argument. "It's broken. Probably lost."
"Then let's buy a new one. You can pay for it first, and we'll deduct it from the divorce settlement later."
Ethan squinted at her. She was probably the first woman who had already started calculating the divorce settlement before even getting divorced.
He had no interest in going shopping with her, so he said coldly, "I'll have my secretary send the latest model to our house."
"Then lend me your phone. I need to call my dad to pick me up," Isabella said.
It was odd. When she had insisted on marrying Ethan, her parents hadn't even tried to stop her.
Ethan hesitated for a moment, glanced at Isabella, then looked away and refused bluntly. "No."
Isabella was speechless. "Stingy."
When they arrived at the Mansion, Henry's expression darkened as he saw Isabella in the driver's seat.
"You! You're twenty-nine years old—mature, stable, decisive, and resolute in the outside world. So why do you act like a child whenever you're with Isabella?"
Ethan thought to himself: It's because she's especially good at provoking people.
He sighed. "She's an orphan now. Isn't that pitiful enough? Can't you just go easy on her?"
Isabella, who had just stepped out of the car, heard him and frowned. "What are you talking about? Who's an orphan?"
"Uh…" Grandma Hannah was startled.
Isabella had just woken up from her amnesia, and they were afraid she couldn't handle the truth about her family's fate. Quickly, she changed the subject.
"No one's gone. You misheard," Grandma Hannah said hastily. "Um, Isabella, are you hungry? I had someone prepare all your favorite dishes."
Isabella narrowed her eyes at the abrupt topic change but didn't press further. Besides, she was starving. "Fine, I'll eat."
Lady Emily practically dragged her inside.
She hadn't eaten much since waking up, and now, with the delicious aroma filling the air, she didn't hold back. She picked up her chopsticks and ate heartily.
Watching her eat, Lady Emily nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad. A good appetite is a blessing. Take care of your health and have a chubby baby in the future."
Isabella choked. "Cough, cough!"
Suddenly, she lost her appetite.
Meanwhile, Henry, following his wife's unspoken instructions, poured wine for Ethan, determined to keep him here for the night.
"Ethan, have a drink with Dad."
He took out his prized wine collection—a 100-year-old vintage, expensive, rich in taste, and most importantly, incredibly strong.
Ethan rarely saw his father this cheerful. Not wanting to spoil the mood, he clinked glasses with him and downed two drinks.
The dinner continued in a harmonious atmosphere, except for the occasional sharp glances exchanged between Isabella and Ethan.
After the meal, Isabella pushed back her chair and stood up.
"Grandma, Uncle, Auntie, thank you for your hospitality. But I think I should leave now."
She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing.
"I don't remember what happened before, and I have no intention of staying in a marital relationship with Ethan. So I've decided—we'll get a divorce tomorrow."
Her words dropped like a bombshell, leaving the entire table in stunned silence.
Luckily, Grandma Hannah reacted first. She clutched her chest dramatically. "Oh dear… my heart… it hurts…"
Lady Emily immediately played along. "Isabella, let's discuss this tomorrow. Look at your grandmother—she's not feeling well. Husband, let's take Mom upstairs."
As they hurriedly helped Grandma Hannah up the stairs, Lady Emily cast a meaningful glance at Isabella and Ethan.
"You two…"
And with that, they left them alone.