Chapter 3

“Can you calm down? You're a patient," Lisa gently spoke as she went to help him. Leonard flicked her hand away and said, “I’ll get someone to send you the divorce papers tomorrow. You better sign them.” Lisa replied, “Okay, I’ll leave. However, I’ll only sign the documents after I receive the money.” She did not want to speak to someone so angry with her, no matter how attractive he was. She knew she could find someone just as handsome anywhere. "Don't worry. I’ll give you your money,” Leonard said, his eyes brimming with sarcasm. He wondered how the Jones family produced such a petty daughter. "Don't look at me like that. Our relationship is just a business transaction. I can't marry you for free and have nothing left for a future second marriage. I’m not some savior goddess. I’ll marry again for money if I must.” Lisa was unconcerned with Leonard's pale appearance. She left without a backward glance while Leonard swept the things on the bedside table to the ground. Then, Jackson, his assistant, entered and saw the mess on the floor. He had never seen Leonard so enraged as the latter had always been calm and indifferent. Jackson was curious about what Lisa had said to his boss. "Prepare the divorce papers. I want to get rid of that woman," Leonard said. "Okay, will do.” Jackson wiped the cold sweat off his forehead. However, Leonard did not expect his father to discover his intentions on the same day. David, well over sixty, made another trip to the hospital. “You can’t divorce Lisa.” "I hate her," Leonard said, not hiding the disgust in his eyes. "You marry her if you like her so much.” David wanted to hit his son with his cane. “Alexander said she can help you prosper and bring fortune to the family. She can pave the way for a smoother future.” Leonard sneered. “Since you’re so superstitious, maybe I’ll become a priest. I bet the Jones family paid Alexander to say all that. You should investigate.” David became fierce, saying, “The fact remains that you nearly died. The doctors said you had no hope, yet you regained consciousness immediately after the wedding. “Alexander’s words are worth believing. If you dare to divorce Lisa, I’ll tell your elder brother to stop treating that other woman.” Leonard’s pupils shrank, and his expression turned cold. “Dad.” "I'm not joking," David said, ignoring his son's angry gaze. "You know about your brother's medical skills. That woman will never recover if he stops treating her." The father-son duo faced each other silently for a while. Leonard clenched his fists and lowered his head. "Fine. I won't file for divorce, but I'll never accept or like her.” "That’s fine. I hope you keep your word," David scoffed and left with his cane, feeling victorious. ‘It’s pointless to argue with my father.’ … Once Lisa returned to the Jones family’s house, she changed out of her wedding dress and into something more comfortable. It was late in the afternoon when Sebastian Jones returned from work. He removed his suit jacket and handed it to his wife, Isabella. He was surprised to see Lisa. “Why are you back so quickly? Did the Parker family—” Lisa explained, “Leonard woke up last night, and his parents sent him to the hospital. His life is no longer at risk.” She shrugged and continued, “He saw me this morning and insisted on a divorce. They might realize I’m not the wife Leonard was supposed to have if I don’t comply. Then we’d be in trouble. Anyway, he’ll send me the divorce papers tomorrow.” Sebastian was shocked. After a while, he sighed, saying, “That was unexpected. I heard the doctors told the Parker family to start making funeral arrangements.” Isabella quietly said, “It seems like Lisa brings good luck after all.” “I agree. Lisa would probably be like her drunkard father if it weren’t for me.” Sebastian glanced at Isabella. Lisa stood up for her mother, saying, “Sebastian, it’s true you’ve provided a home for my mother and me. Still, my mother has served you and maintained an orderly household for many years. It’s been tough on her.” "Tough?" Sebastian sounded amused. "She doesn’t need to do anything but stay home, clean, and cook. Who else has it easier than her?” Lisa tried to argue otherwise, but Isabella grabbed her and pleaded with her eyes. “Don’t say it.” Sebastian snorted. "It’s fine if Leonard divorces you. The Parker family only agreed to a marriage between him and Leslie because of my ex-wife. My family will be in trouble if the Parker family realizes their son married a drunkard’s daughter.” "Sebastian, what about the dowry?" Lisa turned to her stepfather. All the money the Parker family offered as a dowry went to Sebastian. The latter’s eyes flashed with greed as he said, “I discussed this with your mother. You’re still young, and we’re uneasy about giving you all that money. “I’ll hold onto it for safekeeping. Didn’t you say you wanted to travel? I’ll give you thirty thousand dollars. That should be enough for a trip after your divorce.” ‘From two million to thirty thousand, huh?’ Lisa thought it was a joke, but Sebastian’s greed was eye-opening for her. “Thank you for your kindness, Sebastian, but I’m twenty-two now. I’ve been excellent at managing my finances since childhood. I’m pretty cautious. I wouldn’t have gotten that money without you, so we can split it as part of a partnership. You can take the larger chunk, while I only take five hundred thousand.” Although reluctant, Lisa had to sacrifice to gain. After all, she had recalculated the money she would receive. She would have a million dollars if she took five hundred thousand from Sebastian and five hundred thousand from Leonard tomorrow. “Five hundred thousand dollars? You’re young but bold!” "You were the one who taught us to dream big,” Lisa said. Sebastian's temper flared, feeling frustrated that Lisa did not grasp her place. He narrowed his eyes and replied, "Lisa, you must understand the situation. You wouldn't have been able to marry into the Parker family without us." Instead of getting angry, Lisa revealed a heartwarming smile. “I wouldn’t have proceeded with the marriage without your nurturing grace and money, Sebastian. However, I won’t be as valuable when I remarry. “At the very least, I’d still have some cash and a measure of self-confidence. Perhaps Leonard’s attorney will visit tomorrow and reveal that I’m not the one who was supposed to marry Leonard.” Sebastian was outraged as he turned to Isabella and yelled, “Your daughter is out of control!” Isabella’s nervous face turned pale while her daughter hesitantly said, “My mother can’t control me.” Sebastian’s fierce eyes looked like they could devour Lisa. “You still dare to threaten me?!”