“Have you forgotten our agreement? We—"

“We have agreed on a lot of things," Julie interrupted unceremoniously.

“And I always kept my end of the deal, except for this one. You, on the other hand... You have failed to keep your word on so many things.”

Twenty years ago, Julie unexpectedly got pregnant. Bill had promised her then that he would take responsibility for her and their child, and that he would love her all his life.

He had made grand professions of his devotion, saying that it didn't matter that the Smith family refused to accept him, as Long as he could be with her.

Later on, Julie lost the child. The grief of her loss had almost consumed her.

It was then that Bill had taken a baby girl in, claiming that she had been abandoned by her parents. He had gone through the adoption process without Julie's knowledge, and hoped that the baby's presence would comfort his grieving wife.

Although Julie did not approve of his methods, she was nonetheless moved by his thoughtfulness and care.

Now, all those good memories were nothing more than dust in the wind. Julie took a good look at her overweight husband and said in a soft voice, "Bill, we should break up."

Break up? Bill and Vivian found the whole idea absurd. Did she mean divorce?

If so, Bill was willing to do it. As long as his infidelity was not made public, and he got half of their properties as well as Mathias’ legacy, he was absolutely willing to divorce Julie!

Julie took in Bill's and Vivian's reactions, and did not find a single shred of sadness or regret. Her lips curled into a smile.

It was a smile of resignation. Soon, silent tears followed.

Julie felt someone stroking her back Lightly.

It was Maria.

Maria did not say anything, only continued to gently soothe and comfort her.

"What are you saying, Mom?" Vivian asked nervously. "Break up? Do you mean to divorce my father?"

If Julie accused Bill of infidelity, Vivian was ready to act as a witness on his behalf.

Even if the proceedings were taken to court, she would insist that her father and Patricia were just friends.

“From now on, we are strangers to each other.”

Julie had stopped crying. Her voice was still weak, but her tone was firm and unyielding.

Bill's face changed.

At last, he mustered a sorrowful expression and sighed. "Julie, is it because I did not accompany you when your father passed away? But you know as well as I do that the Smith family detests me..."

Before Julie could answer, Bill added, "Nevertheless, I respect your decision. We can have a peaceful separation. We shouldn't blame each other for the failure of this marriage. Don't you think so?"