Chapter 2
Luke was Joanna's former assistant, who had worked his way up from intern to a fully competent position. After Joanna left, he became independent and began performing surgeries on his own.
He clearly didn't expect Joanna to call. After a brief pause, Luke quickly agreed, "I'll arrange the payment right away! They would be thrilled to know that the famous orthopedic genius is willing to take cases again. But does your husband agree to you working again? Back then, you said you loved him so much and would listen to whatever he said."
There was some complaint in Luke's words. He had advised Joanna not to give up her career for a man, but she wouldn't listen.
Facts proved that Chris wasn't worth her sacrifice!
"I'm planning to divorce him. Luke, you can contact me for any future surgeries. I need Money. A lot."
Since she'd decided to leave, she needed enough money to support herself, in addition to her mother's surgery fees.
"God! He must be blind! But Jo, I'm still really happy you're willing to come back. You'll definitely save many families on the brink of despair!"
Yes, she wasn't worthless.
She had bent over backwards for Chris these past three years—always putting his needs first. But no more. Now it was her turn.
After hanging up, Joanna saw the deposit notification on her phone. Without delay, she rushed to prepay the surgery fees.
When she looked at her account balance again, she felt bitterly amused.
One hundred and sixty-seven dollars.
It reflected all the hardship and sadness of these three years.
Fortunately, it wasn't too late!
Her mom was having surgery tomorrow. Joanna decided to head back to Chris's place to pack her things—not just to stay close for her mom's recovery but to move out of Chris's place for good.
While waiting for her ride, a call came in.
Joanna saw the name flashing—it was her dad. She stayed silent for a long time before answering.
"You're worthless! Can't even hold on to your man. Your husband spends millions celebrating other women while you scrape by on peanuts—barely enough to survive! Get it together and make him invest big in our family business so we don't have to work our fingers to the bone."
Along with Henry's accusations, her brother Chad also voiced his complaints. "Sis, I booked a private room at a bar under Chris's company. But the hotel manager said Chris told me to pay myself! Did you piss him off again? Go fix this—apologize nice and proper until he covers it. $800K is pocket change for Chris. Make it happen… or else Dad's going to hear all about what a mess you made!"
Joanna clenched her fists. "What are you talking about, Chad? After paying for Mom's surgery, I only have one hundred and sixty-seven dollars left. You're asking for eight hundred thousand, not eight dollars!"
"Why are you yelling at your brother? Think you're too good for us now that you married into money? Get this handled for him—and if charm doesn't work on Chris… well… use what you've got. You're married—do I need to teach you about stuff on the bed?" Henry shouted at Joanna.
The humiliating words made Joanna's face turn pale.
All these years she'd sacrificed for the family—covering Dad's business losses, finding ways to pay for her brother's tuition and expenses, and she was the only one taking care of Mom when she got sick.
But they all took it for granted!
Joanna gritted her teeth. "I have no money! From now on, solve your own problems!"
Joanna hung up. She couldn't tell her father and brother about the divorce yet.
They wouldn't want to give up Chris, their cash cow. They'd never allow her to divorce.
But this time, she was determined to leave Chris.
Just then, her ride arrived. She gave the driver the address to Hillside Villa.
She thought no one would be home, but when she walked into the living room, she saw a woman's coat and bag scattered on the leather sofa. At the foot of the stairs leading to the second floor, a pair of women's underwear lay on the ground.
"We barely talked divorce this morning… and already he's moved on?" Joanna felt like she couldn't breathe.
Chris really couldn't wait even a moment. He wouldn't even give her the last bit of dignity between husband and wife.
There was movement upstairs. Chris appeared, leaning against the railing, looking at her mockingly through cigarette smoke. "Didn't you say you wanted a divorce? Why are you back? Having regrets?"
Chris couldn't help but sneer. He knew Joanna, this leech, couldn't possibly divorce him. She had played hard to get too many times. He wouldn't fall for that.
"We're not divorced yet, and you couldn't wait to bring Cynthia home? Chris, do you even know how to spell respect?"
"Respect? What about you deserves respect?" Chris scoffed. "Anything you can do, any maid in this villa can do. I'm paying money—do I need to be polite to a maid?"
So in his eyes, she was no different from a maid.
Joanna pressed her hand to her chest, trying to ease the pain in her heart, her eyes turning red.
Forget it. They were getting divorced anyway. Why argue about this with him?
Joanna walked past him upstairs to the master bedroom. Cynthia was wearing her nightgown, leaning against the window, smiling provocatively when she saw her.
"Sorry, Joanna. I had a few too many drinks at the party and got a bit drunk, and spilled something on my clothes. Chris brought me back to shower and change. He said we're about the same size, so I could borrow yours. But when I tried 'em on, they were too tight in the chest. So he had his secretary grab me new ones."
Joanna's throat was filled with bitterness, more bitter than drinking a shot of espresso.
Chris brought a woman home, let her wear her clothes, and even had this woman mock her figure!
If this had been before, she definitely would have rushed over and fought with Cynthia, because she still had fantasies about her marriage.
But now...
"Help yourself. Soon you'll be the lady of this place. Use whatever you want!"
The sleaze and his dirty deals—she was done with them all!!
Joanna bent down to pack her things. She only took some of her own belongings from before she married Chris.
"Chris, Joanna seems to have misunderstood our relationship. Maybe I should leave now so you two can talk properly?" Cynthia said to Chris, who had followed Joanna into the room.
Chris watched as Joanna actually packed her things, feeling very uncomfortable.
What was wrong with Joanna? She wasn't even begging him! Before, whenever he showed any sign of wanting a divorce, Joanna would immediately apologize and beg for forgiveness. But this time, she was being so tough?
Looked like he'd been too soft on her.
"You don't need to leave. She's the one who should go!"
Joanna smiled bitterly. This was her husband. She held back her tears—she didn't care anymore!
Joanna left, dragging her suitcase behind her.