Chapter 3 Moving Out
William's already penetrating gaze instantly turned ice-cold.
"Isabella, aren't you done with this tantrum yet?"
"I'm serious."
Isabella looked deeply at the man before her. William had been her first love—all her girlish sincerity and passion had been devoted to him alone.
His features had grown even more defined and sharp since their younger days.
But she could no longer find that heart-fluttering feeling.
"I know you've always resented me. I've tried for so many years, but I've finally accepted reality and given up. All you need to do is sign this. We'll handle the paperwork tomorrow, and there'll be nothing between us ever again."
William took the divorce papers and glanced at them.
At the bottom, Isabella had already signed her name.
Looking at Isabella, there was still a flash of surprise in his eyes.
"Divorce is fine, but I won't give you custody of Olivia."
Isabella's expression immediately darkened. "William, I'm not negotiating with you. Custody of Olivia is my only condition. If you don't agree, I'll pursue legal action."
She'd asked Daphne to find her a divorce attorney precisely because she'd anticipated William's reaction.
She tried her best to keep her emotions controlled and stable, but rage still burned in her eyes.
"Olivia is different from Nathan. Nathan can easily accept Laura becoming his stepmother, but Olivia can't. Do you really want such a young child living in a home where her stepmother doesn't like her?"
Isabella knew how miserable a child could be in a blended family.
She'd experienced that pain herself, so she absolutely wouldn't let her daughter walk down the same path.
William's gaze grew even more intense.
He looked down at Isabella from his superior height.
He knew this woman had only married him for her own gain.
But now, he could actually see a strange calmness in her eyes, like stagnant water.
His voice dripped with mockery and contempt. "Isabella, I'm warning you for the last time—I don't like these games. Divorce is possible, but custody is out of the question."
Isabella immediately clenched her fists. His tone was casual yet certain.
"William, not everything in this world is under your control. I won't give up..."
Before she could finish, his phone rang urgently.
Though she couldn't see the caller ID, William's suddenly softened expression and the slight upturn of his lips told her exactly who was calling.
Only Laura could make him that gentle.
Isabella couldn't hear what was said on the other end, but William responded in a deep voice, "I'll be right there."
After hanging up, William finally looked at her again, but only to tear up the divorce papers.
"If there's a next time, I'll show you what playing with fire really means."
William left immediately after speaking.
Isabella stood there, suddenly feeling waves of cold wash over her.
William still thought she was playing hard to get.
But she would absolutely never give up on the divorce or custody of Olivia.
After taking a deep breath, she returned to Olivia's room.
Olivia was still sleeping.
Isabella used this time to quickly pack her and Olivia's belongings.
Her own possessions fit into just one small suitcase, but she packed quite a bit for Olivia—all her favorite dresses, dolls, and storybooks.
After finishing, she was about to wake Olivia when the little girl instinctively opened her eyes.
"Mommy."
Her heart instantly melted. "Olivia, how about we go somewhere fun for a few days? Just the two of us."
The child was too young—she didn't want Olivia to know too much.
Though Olivia had just woken up, she nodded obediently. "Wherever Mommy goes, I'll go too."
Isabella didn't know what excuse Laura had used to call William away, but it gave her and Olivia the perfect opportunity to move out.
She owned a pre-marital apartment. Though small, it was enough for her and Olivia.
Before leaving, she gave Daphne the new address and asked her to meet them there.
Daphne was faster than they. When Isabella got out of the car carrying Olivia, Daphne was already waiting at the door.
The moment Olivia saw Daphne, she ran over on her little legs and sweetly greeted her.
Daphne immediately bent down to scoop Olivia into her arms, planting a kiss on her soft cheek.
"Olivia gets more beautiful every day."
Olivia replied sweetly, "Daphne is beautiful too."
Daphne smiled even brighter.
Isabella watched their interaction with soft eyes. "Let's go inside to talk."
She'd had a cleaning service come that morning. Though simple, the apartment was spotless.
Olivia was full of curiosity about their new home, looking around everywhere.
Isabella sat on the couch, her heart melting completely.
Daphne quietly moved closer to her side. "Isabella, I asked about the divorce attorney. Getting custody of Olivia will be very difficult."
A shadow passed through her eyes—it was the answer she'd expected.
Daphne continued, "The lawyer said that when determining custody, besides considering the children's personal wishes, they also consider both parents' financial situations."
A bitter smile curved her lips. "There probably isn't a second person in Seaside City richer than William."
When courts decided custody battles like this, they primarily considered the children's physical and mental health development, as well as access to quality educational resources.
Isabella had once been called a prodigy, but she'd ultimately spent three years as a stay-at-home mom.
"The best option would be for William to voluntarily give up custody. Otherwise, even if Olivia chose you, you'd likely still lose the case," Daphne said helplessly.
Isabella's eyes showed frustration. Both paths were impossibly difficult.
Getting William to voluntarily give up custody would be even harder than surpassing his wealth.
She didn't continue the conversation as Olivia came laughing into her arms. "Mommy."
At three in the morning, William returned home, dragging his exhausted body that reeked of alcohol.
But this time, there was no warm night light left on in the living room, leaving his field of vision completely dark.
Following his memory of the furniture placement, he sat on the couch. "Isabella."
The empty house gave no reply.
William frowned and called out again, still receiving no response.
His headache worsened as he struggled to stand, turning on the lights and walking toward the kitchen.
But the pot that should have contained hangover soup was empty, and even the usual hangover medication and water glass that should have been in the living room were nowhere to be found.
He was always busy with business entertainment, unable to avoid various drinking occasions.
Isabella had always taken care of him like this.
William attributed today's different development to Isabella still throwing a tantrum. His gaze grew even colder as he walked over and opened the bedroom door.
"Isabella..."
His words came to an abrupt halt the next moment.