The night air outside the Carter mansion felt unusually cold.
Emily stepped out of the large iron gate and paused for a moment.
For three years, this place had been called her home.
Now… it was no longer hers.
The driver waiting outside looked surprised when he saw her carrying only a small suitcase.
"Madam… are you going somewhere?" he asked hesitantly.
Emily forced a faint smile.
"I'm not the madam anymore."
The driver froze.
He seemed to understand something, but he didn't dare ask further.
Emily walked slowly down the quiet road.
The Carter mansion stood behind her like a distant dream that had finally ended.
Three years ago, she walked into that mansion as Alexander Carter's wife.
Everyone envied her.
But tonight, she was leaving alone.
No farewell.
No memories worth keeping.
Only silence.
Emily stopped by the roadside and called a taxi.
When the car arrived, she opened the door and got in quietly.
"Where to, miss?" the driver asked.
Emily hesitated for a moment.
She suddenly realized she didn't know where to go.
The Evans family house?
No.
Her father would immediately ask questions.
And once he knew about the divorce, the entire family would panic.
After all, the Evans family depended heavily on the Carter Group.
Emily sighed softly.
"Just drive to the nearest hotel," she said.
The taxi slowly drove away.
Meanwhile, inside the Carter mansion.
Alexander stood alone in the living room.
The divorce agreement still lay on the table.
Everything felt strangely quiet.
Too quiet.
For some reason, Alexander glanced toward the door.
The door Emily had just walked through.
Three years.
She had lived in this house for three years.
Yet tonight, she left with nothing but a small suitcase.
No tears.
No arguments.
No begging.
It was almost… too calm.
Alexander frowned slightly.
Something about that calmness felt strange.
At that moment, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Sophia.
His expression softened slightly as he answered.
"Hello."
"Alexander," a gentle female voice spoke from the other side, "did you finish talking to her?"
Alexander looked at the divorce agreement again.
"Yes."
"It's done."
Sophia sounded relieved.
"That's good. I was worried she might refuse."
Alexander remained silent.
For some reason, Emily's calm expression suddenly appeared in his mind.
"She didn't refuse," he said finally.
Sophia laughed softly.
"Well… that's expected. After all, she married you for her family's benefit."
Alexander didn't respond.
Outside the window, the night grew darker.
At the hotel.
Emily stood inside the bathroom, staring at the small white test strip in her hand.
Two red lines.
Her fingers trembled.
Pregnant.
Emily slowly sat down on the edge of the bathtub.
Her mind went completely blank.
Just a few hours ago, she had signed the divorce papers.
And now…
She was carrying Alexander Carter's child.
A bitter smile appeared on her lips.
"What a joke…"
She whispered to herself.
But soon, she gently placed a hand over her stomach.
Inside her, a tiny life had already begun.
Alexander might not want her.
But this child…
Was hers.
Emily closed her eyes quietly.
"Don't worry," she murmured softly.
"I'll protect you."
Even if she had to disappear from Alexander Carter's world forever.