Out of Ashes Into His Heart

Tom's patience finally ran out. "Alright. Enough! Get lost!"

Once their retreating footsteps faded, I stepped back, feeling my face flush with embarrassment. I wished I could disappear into the ground.

As of now, I hadn't divorced Gavin yet. I was still his legal wife. It was Mandy, the mistress, who should be the one hiding.

Although I detested seeing that pair of shameless lovers, my instinctive reaction to hide just now was absolutely ridiculous.

"Tom, I'm sorry." I hastily apologized, my face red with shame. "I didn't mean to. I just didn't want to see them and hid without thinking..."

"It's fine." He chuckled softly, his tone carrying a trace of meaning. "We'll let them off the hook this time. Next time, you can slap them again."

I froze momentarily, only to realize he was referring to when I slapped Gavin thrice.

"Tomorrow, I'll arrange for a lawyer to handle your divorce. He'll take care of everything."

"Thank you, Tom."

"Come on. I'll take you home."

...

The next morning, my phone suddenly rang as I was having breakfast.

"Hello, this is"

"Good morning, Ms. Summers. I'm Quinton Cook, the lawyer Mr. White arranged for you."

"Hello, Mr. Cook."

I couldn't help but marvel at Tom's efficiency.

After a brief conversation, Quinton clearly understood the situation and outlined the divorce terms. He assured me he would handle everything, and I wouldn't need to worry.

After hanging up, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

This Quinton was quite famous-nicknamed "Fuvine's Sure-Win Attorney."

It was said there wasn't a case he couldn't win.

For a divorce, this was practically child's play.

The heavy burden in my heart lifted, and my mood improved.

Now that the biggest obstacle to my divorce from Gavin had been resolved, it was only a matter of time before we separated, whether it happened sooner or later.

Soon, the "Mrs. Gould" title would no longer be attached to me, and I could finally focus on doing what I loved.

I majored in broadcasting and hosting during university, but my true passion was voice acting.

Unfortunately, Gavin had always considered voice acting unrespectable and refused to let me pursue it. After marrying him, I reluctantly gave it up.

Now, it was time to pick it up again.

I recorded a voice demo that morning and sent it to several companies looking for voice actors.

But after two years away from the field, I worried my skills had regressed and wouldn't meet today's industry standards.

While anxiously waiting for a response, my phone unexpectedly rang again. This time, the call was from Gavin.

Frowning at the caller ID, I hesitated before answering. Though I had no desire to talk to him, I assumed the call might be about the divorce. "Hello?"

"Grace, come home right now! My mom's sick..."

I hadn't expected him to avoid the topic of divorce entirely.

But when I heard what he said, I couldn't help but frown. "What's wrong with her?"

I thought this might be a ploy to lure me back. The last time I saw her, she seemed perfectly fine.

"The doctor said she's been overthinking, and it's been too much for her heart. She's probably been worrying about you..."

My chest tightened when I heard this. Amelia had always been genuinely kind to me, treating me like her own daughter.

Despite my concern for her health, I couldn't shake my apprehension that he might have set this trap.

I really didn't want to see him.noveldrama

While I debated whether to go, her weak voice came through the phone, cutting off my hesitation. "Gavin, didn't I tell you not to call Grace? I'll be fine after some rest. Don't make a fuss."

It was only after hearing her voice that I was convinced she truly wasn't well. He wasn't lying to me.

Although I no longer wanted anything to do with Gavin, I couldn't be harsh toward Amelia.

Half an hour later, I arrived at the Gould residence by taxi.

When I saw Amelia lying in bed, pale and fragile, I was startled by how much she had changed.

"What happened? How did you end up like this?"

She forced a smile despite her exhaustion. "Grace, you're here."

I sat beside her as she struggled to sit up, holding my hand.

Though it had only been a few days, it felt like she had aged years, her vitality completely drained.

"It's nothing serious. It's just an old condition," she said, pointing to her chest. "I've been feeling anxious and haven't been able to sleep well. The doctor already checked; it's not a big deal."

I looked at her, my heart aching. "Have you taken your medication?"

I knew she had a history of heart issues, though they had been well-controlled. I

hadn't expected her condition to worsen so quickly.

"Yes, I've taken it. Don't worry. I'll be fine after a little rest."

Even so, I couldn't relax.

During my two years at the Gould residence, I understood Victor well. He was often away on business, sometimes for months. His relationship with Amelia was practically nonexistent, and his heart was entirely devoted to Mandy's mother.

As for Gavin, he had no concept of care or empathy, completely oblivious to Amelia's hardships.

No one at home truly understood and cared for her. Now that she was sick and vulnerable, she needed someone to take care of her.

Seeing my silence, Amelia gently patted my hand. "Grace, are you really going to divorce Gavin? Is there no way to work things out?"

I pursed my lip. Despite my concern for her, I nodded honestly.

She sighed softly. "Grace, it's not that I want to stop you. I just don't want you two to have regrets."

"There's nothing to regret. He's never loved me, and now I don't love him either."

She shook her head. "No. Gavin does love you."

"That's impossible," I replied firmly, unwilling to believe her.

Amelia tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, her voice gentle as always. "That fool probably doesn't even realize it himself."

I laughed quietly, thinking she was just trying to comfort me, though I no longer needed such reassurance.

Once upon a time, hearing someone say Gavin loved me, even if it was a lie, would have made me happy for days.

But now, it no longer mattered to me who he loved.

For a moment, neither of us said anything, and the room became unusually quiet.

However, that peace didn't last long. Suddenly, the door was pushed open.

"What are you doing here?" A harsh voice shattered the quiet like a clap of thunder.

Victor stormed into the room, his face twisted in anger. "Didn't you say you were getting a divorce? Are you playing hard to get now?"

"Victor, you—" Amelia, already frail, struggled to scold him but was interrupted by violent coughing.

I quickly handed her a glass of water and gently rubbed her back. "Don't upset yourself. Here. Have some water."

"Stop acting like you care!" He sneered. "The doctor said she's sick from overthinking, all thanks to you! You're nothing but a jinx!"