I couldn't hold back my hurt feelings and started crying. What did he mean by that? Why was he just saying we'd end up divorcing anyway?

Faced with my question, Theron didn't bother to explain. Instead, he suddenly lifted me onto his lap and patted my back, saying with slight exasperation, "No need to cry. You're all grown up now or do you still need me to comfort you?"

"Who needs your comfort? Let me go." I stubbornly tried to get off his lap.

Theron's face suddenly darkened as he held me tight. "Be nice, don't make me angry."

Theron usually spoils me and lets me have my way. I rarely see him get angry.

Looking up and seeing his serious expression, I didn't dare push back anymore. So, I only rested against his chest, crying softly.

I tried explaining about the fight with Vanessa, "That day, I didn't go looking for trouble with that woman. She came..."

"That’s water under the bridge. Don't bring it up again," Theron cut me off, like he just wanted to hold me quietly for a moment.

But I wouldn't let it go; I wanted to clarify this misunderstand, "That woman came to our school and..."

"Aurora, I said don't bring it up again," Theron snapped coldly.

I froze, sitting up straight and staring at him.

Theron's face was stern, "From now on, don't go looking for her, and definitely don't hit her. If you're upset about our divorce, that's between us. It has nothing to do with her. Take it out on me if you need to."

My heart felt like it was being stabbed with a knife. He still cared more about that woman.

Angry, I got off his lap, sat beside him, and stared out the window, without speaking for the rest of the trip.

Theron didn't push me either.

At home, seeing I wouldn't get out of the car, he tried to carry me, but I wasn't going to let him. Why should he get to be angry or sweet when he feels like it?

I pushed his hands away and jumped out, heading into the house alone.

Theron didn't follow.

At dinner, it was just the two of us at the table. I didn't say a word the whole time, and after eating, I went to my room and started pretending to read.

Theron left me alone, working in his study for a while before coming to the bedroom at ten.

After showering, he came to the bedside wrapped in a towel. Seeing me still reading, he got into bed and took my book away.

He leaned down to kiss me, but I dodged him.

I really hated it when he acted like this. How could he just come and get affectionate with me when we were still in the middle of a fight, acting like nothing had happened?

With tears in my eyes, I asked, "What exactly am I to you? Just your sex toy?"

Since he'd returned from his business trip, we hadn't made love. It had been about twenty days since the last time.

Hearing my words, his expression changed, and he seemed to lose interest instantly, "Aurora, how long are you going to keep this up?"

His harsh tone just made me feel worse.

"I just want to know what I am to you. Do you see me as your wife? If you do, then why do you want to divorce me and marry someone else? I don't want to fight, but I'm hurting. Do you know how much I've suffered these days? Have you even considered how I feel?"

I didn't understand―if he wanted to divorce me, why did he still want to sleep with me?

Theron seemed stunned, speechless for a moment. He reached out, pulled me into his arms, and said with his voice softening, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

"I don't want your apology. I just want you to stay away from other women and to stay with me. Can't we just keep being happy together?" I finally broke down crying, letting out all the pain I'd been holding in these past days.

He held me tighter and comforted me, "Okay, we won't get divorced then."

Surprised, I looked up at him through my tears, "Really?"

"Yes." He rested his head on my shoulder, turning to kiss me.

Just then, Betty's voice came from the doorway, "Sir, are you asleep?"

Still holding me, Theron turned toward the door and replied, "What is it?"

"Sir, Miss Vanessa is downstairs. She says she needs to see you."

Theron frowned, immediately letting go of me and getting up to dress.

I was caught off guard. I couldn't believe that shameless woman had shown up again. How could she be so brazen?

Of course, what made me angrier was the man beside me. The moment he heard she was here, he let go of me to go downstairs.

With tears in my eyes, I watched him getting dressed and asked, "How are you going to handle her?"

"I'll go down and see what's up. You just go to sleep."

Like I could. I wanted to see what that shameless woman was here for and see how my dear husband would handle it.

When Theron went downstairs, I carefully followed behind without letting him notice. Hiding behind a column, I could watch them both and immediately spotted the woman sitting on the living room couch.

Seeing Theron, Vanessa quickly stood up and went to him, putting on a delicate act, "Theo, did I disturb your rest?"

Theron walked down two more steps, standing right in front of Vanessa, "No, but why are you here this late?"

"I went to bed early, but I had nightmares. I kept dreaming about that car accident. Theo, I'm scared. I couldn't stay home alone, so I came to find you."

'Car accident? What car accident?' I was confused.

Vanessa continued, "I can't have children because..."

Theron cut her off immediately, "Vanessa!"

I saw Theron's face change instantly.

Vanessa stopped fearfully, then said weakly, "I didn't mean anything by it. I just wanted to be near you tonight, Theo. You don't mind, do you?"