Chapter 4

Looking back, Grace understood Maxim must've known long ago that Luther didn't love her. Yet, for her happiness, he still signed the contract with the Harrison family to satisfy Grace's dream of marrying Luther. Nobody anticipated Maxim to die in a car crash before the wedding. If not for his death, her brother, Matthew, and mother, Carolyn, wouldn't have breached the contract. After handing the property transfer paperwork to Derrick, Grace left and saw several posters of Casey along the street on her way home. Casey looked so happy, beautiful, and breathtaking. Grace knew it was time to let go of Luther and set herself free. When she returned to Websmith Residence, she packed all her stuff. After more than three years of marriage, all of her belongings could fit into a single bag. Derrick had been preparing the divorce agreement since last year. Perhaps she had always felt inferior, too meek, and too emotional in front of Luther, but she had always felt that their relationship was doomed to fail. Hence, she had long been ready to leave. That evening, Luther didn't send any texts. Grace gathered her courage and texted him, "Do you have time tonight? I have something to discuss with you." However, he didn't reply to her. Her gaze darkened as she realized he didn't want to reply to her texts anymore. She had no option but to wait until he came home in the morning. … Meanwhile, at Harrison Group's CEO's office, Luther glanced at the message before putting his phone away. Elijah Kent, sitting on the couch nearby, noticed his action and couldn't help but wonder, "Is that a message from Grace?" Luther didn't answer him. Elijah scoffed, "That deaf girl really thinks she's Mrs. Harrison, huh? She's even learned how to check in on you. Luther, you're not going to drag this out with her, are you? The Mitchell family is already failing. Grace's brother, Matthew, is a moron who can't operate a business. It won't be long before their family declares bankruptcy. Meanwhile, her mother is a selfish and greedy woman!" Luther's expression was calm as he listened to his friend's words. "I know." "So why haven't you divorced her yet? Casey has been waiting for you the entire time," Elijah urged anxiously. In his opinion, the honest and diligent Casey was far superior to the conniving Grace. At the mention of divorce, Luther remained quiet. Upon seeing his reaction, Elijah asked, "You're not falling for Grace, are you?" His words made Luther chuckle, and he mocked, "Is she even worthy?" Then, he handed Elijah a merger contract. After taking a look at it, Elijah was amazed by his cruelty. He had only wanted him to divorce Grace, but Luther wanted to take over the entire Mitchell Group. At this moment, he felt a little sympathy for Grace. After all, they'd been married for three years, and everyone knew Grace was completely devoted to Luther. But he was utterly ruthless and could never love her. … Grace didn't expect Luther to come home, but he returned at midnight. She hadn't gone to bed yet, and when he strolled in, she instantly grabbed his coat and briefcase. It was as though they were an ordinary couple. "Don't text me randomly again." Luther's icy voice broke the silence. He couldn't understand what she had to talk about with him since she stayed at home every day. Grace's hand trembled as she hung up the coat and muttered, "Alright, I won't anymore." He missed the deeper meaning in her words and headed straight to the study. Over the years, he had spent most of his time in the study. Despite living under the same roof, Grace was alone. Perhaps Luther believed that someone with a hearing disability like her lived a world of silence. Or maybe he simply didn't care about her. Hence, when he entered the study, he went about his business as usual even though he was discussing the acquisition of Mitchell Group over the phone. Like usual, Grace served him a cup of tea and listened as he confidently delivered orders to his subordinates. Her heart ached in a manner she couldn't express. She knew her brother was useless and that Mitchell Group would face this day sooner or later, but she hadn't anticipated her husband to be the first to act. "Luther." Her voice interrupted him. Luther froze a second. Maybe it was out of guilt or something else, but he hastily ended the call and closed his laptop. She pretended not to notice and placed the cup of tea in front of him. "Luther, drink up and have an early rest. Being healthy is more important than anything else." For some reason, hearing her soft tone relieved the tension in his heart. He believed she hadn't heard him. If she had, she would've made a fuss. Perhaps he was guilty, but Luther stopped her as she was ready to leave. "You said you had something to discuss with me. What is it?" Upon hearing his words, Grace gazed at his face and calmly stated, "I just wanted to know if you're free tomorrow morning so that we can go and finalize the divorce." Her voice was so calm and nonchalant as if she were talking about nothing special. Upon hearing her words, his eyes narrowed, full of astonishment. "What did you just say?" In the three years of their marriage, she had never mentioned divorce, no matter how poorly he treated her. Luther knew well that she loved him very much. Ever since they were neighbors, he knew she liked him. So, he couldn't believe what he just heard. For the first time in years, Grace's hollow gaze shone with clarity. "Mr. Harrison, I've wasted your time these past years. Let's get a divorce." Luther's fingers tightened against his sides unconsciously. He recalled Elijah suggesting he get a divorce earlier, to which he didn't agree. But now, Grace was suggesting it. How dare she? "You must've heard my conversation earlier. The Mitchell family is doomed regardless. What difference will it make if I acquire it? Besides, what do you want out of this divorce? Child or money? Or do you want me to let go of your family? "Don't forget that I've never loved you. Threats like those won't work on me!" Luther suspected she was trying to use the divorce to scare him. But he knew she wouldn't dare to because the Mitchell family couldn't afford to lose him, and she loved him too much to leave. Suddenly, he didn't seem familiar anymore in Grace's eyes. Her throat clenched, and her ears hurt. Even with the hearing aids, she could no longer understand what he was saying. She answered, "I don't want anything." With that, she left the room, fearing that he would notice something was amiss with her. As Luther watched her retreating figure, an unknown frustration rose inside him. He had never allowed anyone to influence his emotions, but suddenly, he flipped the table before him and spilled the tea she had prepared all over the floor.