Chapter 7

The day Esme was discharged from the hospital was also her birthday. It was a day of double celebration, and Isaiah spared no expense, booking the city's most luxurious hotel to throw Esme the grandest birthday party. The event's extravagance left the guests in awe, and Isaiah's friends had even prepared thoughtful gifts for her. Yet, Esme was far from excited. After everything that had happened, she could not bring herself to feel anything but resentment toward Isaiah and his friends. However, the others did not think much of it, assuming it was just because she was recovering from her illness. Soon, it was time for the cake-cutting and wish-making. Isaiah wrapped his arms around her as they held hands to cut the cake, asking her softly, "Essie, it's your birthday—what's your wish?" In the past, she would have shaken her head, saying she did not need anything, believing that his love was enough. But now, she had one strong wish—to leave him and never see him again. Esme met Isaiah's eyes, her gaze steady as she asked, "Will you make any wish I ask for come true?" Isaiah froze for a moment, then smiled more softly. "Of course." Esme smiled, but the warmth didn't reach her eyes. "Well, I do have three wishes." Isaiah chuckled, his voice filled with affection. "Okay, tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you." Esme turned and pulled a piece of paper from her bag. "My first wish is for you to sign this piece of paper." At those words, everyone gasped in shock. It was well-known in their circle that people like Isaiah valued their assets above all else. Signing a blank piece of paper was a risky move that could have disastrous consequences if it fell into the wrong hands. Given how cautious Isaiah was, no one expected him to agree to such a thing. But to everyone's surprise, Isaiah just smiled indulgently, took the paper, and signed it without hesitation. "Baby, it's done." Esme gripped the paper tightly, feeling a sense of relief. With Isaiah's signature, she could now draft the divorce agreement. After that, she would be completely free of him. Isaiah saw the glint of satisfaction in her eyes and assumed she was simply happy. "Baby, what's your second wish?" Esme glanced around at the guests. Some were shocked, others envious, but the one who stood out the most was Audrey. Her eyes burned with jealousy, glaring at Esme from a distance. Esme ignored her and looked beyond, as if seeing the future life that awaited her in a foreign country. She smiled as she made her second wish. "My second wish is for you to transfer all the shares of Jabs Group to me." The room erupted in shock at her words. Isaiah's shares were worth billions, and even though he doted on her, no one believed he would give up everything. However, Isaiah immediately called his lawyer, instructing them to transfer all of his shares to Esme without question. Esme felt a rush of satisfaction as she saw the signed and stamped document on her phone. Once she sold those shares, she would have more than enough to live comfortably abroad for the rest of her life. Isaiah held her close, a playful tone in his voice. "Baby, I've got nothing left now. I'm working for you. You can't leave me, right?" Esme smiled faintly. She was about to speak when a shout suddenly cut through the air. "Someone's fainted!" Isaiah quickly looked up and saw that Audrey had collapsed. His expression immediately shifted to concern, and he started to rush toward her. But then he paused, remembering something. He turned back to Esme. "Essie, I'm going to take her to the hospital. Stay here, and text me your last wish." "There's no need for that." Isaiah did not catch her words clearly. "What?" Esme shook her head. "Nothing, go ahead." As she watched him rush to Audrey's side, Esme allowed herself a soft, secretive smile. She thought, "Isaiah, my third wish doesn't need you to fulfill it. Because that wish is to leave you—for good. In just three days, I'll be free."