When Gold Cages Break

"Arthur, I want a divorce."

My husband was busy draping his suit jacket over Chloe's shoulders, his precious childhood sweetheart. He didn't even turn around, just let out a cold laugh.

"Oh, Evelyn. Playing the sick father card again? That trick's getting old." His voice was dismissive. "I moved your dad out of that private room to teach you a lesson. Maybe now you'll learn some manners around Chloe."

He was so certain I'd come crawling back like I had for three years, begging him to pay for Dad's treatment. So sure I'd be sobbing apologies by tomorrow morning.

What Arthur didn't know was that three hours ago, they'd wheeled my father's body into the cold hospital morgue.

And the divorce papers in my purse were already signed. I didn't need his money anymore.

Evelyn's POV

"Evelyn, get Chloe something hot to drink. She's had too much tonight."

Arthur pushed through the door without even glancing at me. He was too busy supporting the swaying woman behind him, worry written all over his face.

Chloe peeked out, cheeks flushed, acting all apologetic. "Evelyn, I'm so sorry for bothering you this late. Arthur insisted you had hangover soup at home, but really, I could just go back to my apartment..."

"Nonsense. You can't go home alone in this condition." Arthur's voice was gentle, then turned ice-cold when he faced me. "Why are you just sitting there? Didn't you hear me?"

I remained seated on the leather sofa, watching his hand wrapped around Chloe's waist. They looked like newlyweds.

Once, this scene would have torn my heart apart. I would have jumped up with tears in my eyes, rushing to the kitchen to make tea. Anything to avoid making him angry, to keep him paying those astronomical medical bills for my father.

But now? I wanted to laugh.

"Arthur, let's get divorced."

The living room fell dead silent.

Chloe sobered up halfway, eyes wide, clutching Arthur's sleeve. Arthur's face darkened, irritation flashing in those blue eyes.

"Now what?" He strode over, looming over me. "Let me guess—it's about your father? Trying to threaten me with divorce?"

He smirked, loosening his tie. "I'll admit it. I cut off your dad's VIP room yesterday. But that's what you get for embarrassing me at Chloe's birthday party."

So that was it.

Last night, father had suddenly developed breathing difficulties—severe lung infection. The doctor said he needed immediate ICU transfer with the most advanced ventilator, or he wouldn't make it through the night.

"Sorry, Mr. Winston withdrew the cost guarantee," the head nurse had said helplessly. "Without his signature, we can't do anything."

I'd been calling Arthur like crazy. One call, two calls, ten calls... The first ten went to voicemail, the eleventh was hung up on. I left crying voicemails saying Dad was dying, begging him to call back.

But there was no response.

I'd driven to his company and waited downstairs for three hours. Security said Arthur had left in the afternoon—gone to Long Island.

To do what? Throw a birthday party for his beloved Chloe. Champagne towers, fireworks, live band—an over-the-top party.

Afraid my desperate calls would ruin that romantic evening, he'd simply turned off his phone.

"Now you know how to behave in front of her, don't you?" Arthur said smugly, completely unaware that his "lesson" had already ended everything.

"Arthur, I'm not throwing a tantrum." I looked at him calmly, then pulled out documents I'd prepared from the coffee table. "This is the divorce agreement. I've already signed it. I don't want anything—I'll leave with nothing."

Arthur stared at the document title for a second, then laughed mockingly. He didn't even take it.

"Leave with nothing?" he said sarcastically. "Evelyn, you think I'll fall for this little act? Playing hard to get for three years, and now this?"

He moved closer menacingly. "What will you use to pay your dad's thousands of dollars in daily treatment costs without me? That abandoned medical research of yours? Don't be naive."

Arthur was certain I couldn't leave him. In his eyes, I was just a woman who'd latched onto him for money. He controlled my financial lifeline, so he could trample my dignity, bring his childhood sweetheart home, and threaten me with my father's life to make me "behave."

"Arthur, don't be so harsh with Evelyn." Chloe stepped forward at just the right moment, gently tugging his arm.

She smiled at me. "Arthur's just upset. If you apologize, he'll put your father back in the VIP room. He's so sick—you can't risk your father's life over pride."

Looking at Chloe's fake smile, it made me sick.

"Cut the act, Chloe. It's just us here. You don't need to pretend to be nice."

"Don't you DARE talk to Chloe like that!" Arthur exploded, slapping the agreement from my hands. White papers scattered across the floor. "This is RIDICULOUS! Since you're so proud, then GET OUT! Let's see how long you last without the Winston family!"

He thought those words would make me break down and beg as usual.

But I simply bent down calmly to collect the papers, then dragged out a black suitcase from behind the sofa. Inside were only a few old clothes and documents—not a single Winston family luxury item.

"As you wish."

I pulled my suitcase toward the door.

"EVELYN!" Arthur roared behind me. "You walk out that door, don't expect me to care about your father's life or death! I mean what I say!"

My steps paused for just an instant.

I didn't turn around, only answered silently in my heart:

I don't need you to, Arthur.

Three hours ago, I already pulled the white sheet over his face myself.

There's nothing left in this world you can threaten me with.