Chapter 5 This Marriage Must End!
912 Words
Layla Scott was the only person in the Parker family who treated Chloe kindly.
When Layla expressed her wish to see her, Chloe didn't hesitate to go.
Over the phone, Liam's voice carried a biting tone. "Don't think that convincing Grandma will stop me from divorcing you. Chloe, stop playing games."
Chloe's voice was cold. "Don't worry. If you don't file for divorce, I will."
Liam added sharply, "Since we're getting divorced, don't use the Parker family's name to cozy up to anyone in power. If you do, I won't let it slide."
Chloe let out a mocking laugh. "Don't project your dirty thoughts onto me!"
With that, she ended the call.
Emily, confused, asked, "What does he mean? Who have you been cozying up to?"
Chloe smirked. "Did you forget who you are? You're the Carter family's eldest daughter. Liam must think I only got close to you because I'm Mrs. Parker." She scoffed. "In their eyes, I'm nothing but a country bumpkin."
Emily scowled. "That jerk must be blind. He can't even see the gold shining right in front of him! You're a world-class designer. Compared to you, my little rich-girl status is nothing!"
Emily's tone grew serious. "Are you really going to the Parker Manor?"
Chloe sighed. "Mrs. Parker has always been kind to me. Since Liam and I are divorcing, I should at least see her."
"Then I'm coming with you!" Emily declared. "If your mother-in-law dares to give you any trouble, I'll help you deal with her!"
Chloe chuckled. "No need. I don't care about Liam anymore. If his mother tries to cause trouble, I can handle her myself."
Unfortunately, Emily's prediction came true.
As soon as Chloe stepped into Parker Manor, she was blocked by Liam's mother, Emma Flores.
Dressed in a luxurious purple gown and wielding a feather duster, Emma looked like she had been waiting for this.
"You're not welcome here, country bumpkin!" she spat, swinging the feather duster at Chloe.
Chloe caught it mid-swing, snatched it from her hand, and swiftly struck her back. Emma yelped, collapsing onto the floor.
"Stop it!"
Liam's angry voice echoed as he stormed in and grabbed Chloe's arm.
"How dare you hit my mom?"
Chloe pulled her arm free and sneered. "All these years, she's hit me and humiliated me, and you turned a blind eye. Now, I'm just settling the score. Does that upset you?"
Liam froze, images of his mother's previous mistreatment of Chloe flashing through his mind.
Violet, her voice soft and composed, chimed in. "But she's still an elder. Isn't it wrong to hit her?"
Chloe shot her a cold glare. "If you respect her so much, why don't you take the hits for her?"
Violet's face turned pale with shock.
Chloe smirked. "What? Cat got your tongue?"
Tears welled in Violet's eyes as she looked at Liam for help.
"That's enough!" Liam pulled Violet behind him. "Stop bullying Violet!"
Emma staggered to her feet, clutching her side. "Liam, how dare she hit me? If you don't stand up for me, I won't go on living!"
Her dramatic wails filled the house, as if she were putting on a show.
Liam raised his hand, ready to strike Chloe.
"Stop!"
Layla's authoritative voice rang out as she entered, leaning on her cane.
The room fell silent.
"Chloe, come with me," she said firmly.
Chloe shook her head gently. "Mrs. Parker, I'd better leave. The atmosphere here isn't great."
"You're a good girl, Chloe. I know that," Layla reassured her before turning to glare at Liam. "And you! Why did you bring this woman into my house? You want a divorce? Over my dead body!"
Before Liam could respond, Chloe interjected, holding Layla's hand.
"Mrs. Parker, I agree to the divorce."
"What?" Layla's eyes widened in disbelief. "You must be saying this because you're upset. Don't worry. I won't let this woman step foot in the mansion."
Chloe felt touched but remained resolute.
"There's no need, Mrs. Parker. I don't care about Liam anymore. This is my choice."
Liam should have felt relieved, but her words stung. Her declaration of indifference bruised his pride.
"This is a gift for you, Mrs. Parker," Chloe said, handing her a bag of health supplements. "I've said what I needed to say. I'll take my leave now."
"Chloe…"
No matter how Layla called after her, Chloe didn't look back, walking away with unwavering determination.
Layla turned to Liam with fury. "This is your fault! You brought that woman here and drove Chloe away!"
Tears streaming, Violet whispered, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Parker. Please don't blame Liam. It's my fault. I'll leave…"
Liam grabbed her arm. "Grandma, this isn't Violet's fault. I'm the one who wants to marry her. I'm more certain about this now than I ever was four years ago!"
Layla's face darkened with anger. "Have you forgotten how she abandoned you back then?"
Violet sobbed. "I thought it was the best way to make Liam happy. But now I know he'll never be happy without me. I'm sorry for going against your wishes, but I won't leave him this time. Not ever."
Emma joined in. "Mom, Chloe is just a lowly country girl. She doesn't belong in this family! She's crude and rude, nothing but a disgrace. But Violet! She's graceful and kind. Ten Chloes couldn't compare to one Violet!"
"Shut your mouth!" Layla struck her cane against the floor. "I'll never let this woman into our family!"
- Writer
