Chapter 3 Let's Set a Date for the Divorce Yulia oversaw several upscale restaurants under the Sue family name. Each day, she invited well-known pianists to perform at her venues. Lily had been playing the piano since she was a kid and had reached a high level. Her skills were on par with professional players. She understood Yulia's intention clearly: to give her something to do so she wouldn't spiral into endless overthinking. "Alright." Yulia was too busy with work to stay and keep Lily company. "Then catch up on sleep and head to the East District restaurant this afternoon. I won't be able to come pick you up." "Got it. Don't worry about me." Lily and Yulia had been friends since they were toddlers. They'd gone to kindergarten together and stayed close despite going to different universities. As the Ginger family declined, their bond had only grown stronger. There was no need to stand on ceremony between them. After seeing Yulia off, Lily called Jared's assistant, Timothy, to schedule a meeting. "Ma'am... are you kidding?" Timothy was stunned for a moment. "Why not just talk to Mr. Jared when he comes home tonight?" "I want to set a date for the divorce." Lily was direct. Saying those words made her nose sting, her eyes filling with heat. But she tilted her head back, refusing to let the tears fall. Timothy sucked in a breath. "Uh... Mr. Jared's schedule is packed this week." "Then next week." Lily gripped the hem of her shirt, forcing the words out through a tight throat. "I'll check his calendar once I get to the office and get back to you." Timothy didn't dare make that call himself. As soon as he hung up, he phoned Jared. He hadn't heard that Lily had returned home-but now she wanted to schedule a meeting? Jared was so furious he laughed. "She's lost her mind." Hearing the shift in Jared's tone, Timothy quickly said, "Should I find an excuse to stall her?" "No need." Jared's lips curled into a mocking sneer. "Set it for a week from now." If they delayed, it would look like he didn't want the divorce. Give it three days-Lily would come crawling back. Timothy immediately replied to Lily: next Wednesday, 9 a.m., in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau. Lily was exhausted but couldn't sleep. After hanging up with Timothy, her chest felt tight and sore. Lying in bed, she could hear her heart pounding in her ears. She couldn't hold it in anymore. Scalding tears slid from the corners of her eyes, soaking her hair and dampening the pillow. For some reason, she'd held on to a sliver of hope when she called Timothy. Now, it was completely shattered. Leaving her even more cold and hopeless. What had she been waiting for? For Jared to change his mind? For him to realize how cruel his words had been? But Jared was not the type of man who admitted he was wrong. And she... she couldn't forgive her husband for cheating on her. Two years wasn't a long time, but she had given Jared her whole heart and soul. She had poured herself into the marriage so completely, she could barely remember what her life had been like before marrying him. That evening, Lily forced herself to shake off the negativity, put on light makeup, and headed to the East District restaurant. Traffic was bad. By the time she arrived, the restaurant already had a good crowd. Yulia, knowing she was close, had stepped out to wait at the entrance. When she saw Lily step out of the cab, Yulia came over. "I forgot-you don't have a car anymore." "It's fine." Lily followed her inside. Yulia had already prepared a dress for her and led her to the dressing room. "You don't look so great. Didn't sleep well?" Even the makeup couldn't hide how pale Lily looked. She shook her head. "I'll be okay." After changing into the burgundy gown Yulia had picked out, Lily lifted her skirt and walked to the grand piano in the center of the dining hall. There was sheet music on the stand. She took a deep breath, placed her slender fingers on the keys, and the music began to float throughout the room. Upstairs in a private VIP suite by the window, a figure in white sat quietly. Hearing the music, he glanced down, then leaned over to whisper something to the foreign man sitting across from him. Five minutes later, as Lily finished her piece, a server approached. "Ms. Lily, a gentleman in one of the VIP suites has requested a song upstairs. He asked specifically for a love song." There was a grand piano in the VIP room-one so expensive that Yulia didn't let just anyone touch it. But she trusted Lily. So when the request came in, she agreed without hesitation. Lily lifted her skirt and headed upstairs. The server opened the private suite door, and she stepped inside. The warm amber lighting gave the space a romantic and elegant ambiance. A burgundy tablecloth covered the square table, and the wine shimmered under the light, casting soft reflections across the three figures seated there. The moment she met Jared's deep, unreadable eyes, Lily froze. The man was dressed in a sharp black suit, his hair neat, his features immaculate. His rolled-up sleeves revealed a Patek Philippe watch on his wrist. Every movement of his carried the air of a successful, refined man. Next to him sat Sarah, dressed in a crisp white suit. Her long black hair curled in soft waves down her back. She had a strong presence, but next to Jared, she exuded a more delicate, feminine energy. Across from them sat a foreign man, likely in his forties or fifties. This wasn't a romantic dinner for two. It was clearly a business meeting. But even so, Lily felt her chest tighten. Just as she had been looking them over, their eyes were fixed on her as well. Jared's eyes narrowed slightly. Lily was dressed in a burgundy silk gown, her long hair cascading like seaweed down her back. Her delicate, heart-shaped face radiated both innocence and allure-two contrasting traits that somehow blended perfectly. He had always known she was beautiful, but he hadn't realized she was this beautiful. In two years of marriage, he had never taken her to any formal event. The Lily he was used to seeing was always in loungewear at home. This Lily took his breath away. He instantly assumed she had learned of his whereabouts from Timothy and had orchestrated this "chance" encounter. A mocking smirk tugged at his lips. Women and their little tricks-he'd seen right through them. "Mr. Jared, do you know her?" the foreign man asked, noticing how long Jared had been staring at Lily. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!