I closed my eyes and whispered, "This is the ninth divorce."

Lucas Dalton rubbed his forehead and spoke with regret.

"Sharon, my older brother passed away so suddenly, leaving Doris alone with a baby on the way. I can't just abandon them.

"But don't worry, we'll get back together as soon as the baby is born, and this time, we'll never split again."

I didn't respond.

After all, I'd heard those exact words eight times before.

People called me the queen of eight divorces, and to be fair, even I found it absurd.

I picked up the printed divorce papers, and a nearby clerk quietly asked me with a smirk.

"When are you coming back for the next one?"

I answered calmly, "There won't be another time."

The moment Lucas and I walked out of the courthouse, Doris Bryant rushed over as if she'd been waiting forever.

"Where's the divorce paper? Let me see!"

Lucas looked helpless. He took the document from me and handed it to her gently.

"Sharon and I are divorced now. Why would I lie to you? You're due soon, you should focus on resting."

She inspected the certificate closely, reading it over and over, then gave me a smug smile and raised her chin like she'd won.

"That's perfect. Now I can relax and focus on my child."

I smiled outwardly, but inside, I felt only pain.

Lucas completely missed the cold stare Doris shot at me, and continued in a soft tone.

"Great, now that we have the divorce papers, let's go home quickly."

I followed him without a word, but just as I reached for the car door, Doris stepped between us, her belly brushing against me.

She clung to his arm and glared at me like I'd done something wrong.

"You have no shame? Didn't your parents teach you that men and women shouldn't get too close once they've split?

"You two are divorced. Why are you still getting into his car? Don't you care about what people will say?"

I felt anger rise inside me, and I glanced at Lucas's face.

Though he looked uneasy, I could still see warmth in his eyes when he looked at her.

He gently touched her belly and said softly, "Doris, you're almost due. Even though Sharon and I are no longer married, she'll stay around to take care of you.

"Besides, there's a lot to prepare for the baby. With Sharon by your side, you won't have to worry about anything. Just rest and wait for the delivery."

Doris frowned and gave me a few sharp looks before reluctantly agreeing. "Fine. You can stay at his house for now. But don't ride in his car. Take a taxi!"

Lucas turned to me with an apologetic look, his lips pressed into a tight line.

"Sharon..."

Here we go again.

Whatever she said was treated like a law, and he always expected me to go along with it, no matter how ridiculous it was.

And now, I couldn't even sit in his car.

I forced a smile and stepped back. "It's fine. I'll take a taxi."

Doris sat in the front passenger seat, looking as pleased as ever.

Lucas reached for my hand quietly and looked at me with guilt.

"She gets very emotional during pregnancy. We should try to be more understanding. After all, the baby she's carrying is the last piece of Andrew's legacy. I just can't risk anything going wrong."

"Honey, I know you've been through a lot. But once she gives birth, we'll get married again and stay together forever. I promise."

Before I could say anything, Doris yelled from the car.

"Lucas!"

He pulled his hand away quickly, as if he'd been shocked, and hurried into the car.

I stood there in silence.

As the car drove off into the distance, I felt my heart lighten.

The first time we divorced was because we went to a movie for our anniversary without letting her come along.

The second time was because she claimed her crystal bracelet broke.

The third time happened after she had a dream about Andrew Dalton, my brother-in-law.

And then came the fourth, fifth, and so on...

Each reason was more ridiculous than the last, yet Lucas fell for every one of them.

Over the past few months, I tried talking to him countless times, and I even tried to make a scene like what Doris did.

But each time, he just watched me fall apart with no reaction, gave me a few designer bags, and then held my hand gently.

"Sharon, I don't blame you for not understanding, but right now, we need to make sure Doris comes first.

"I'm sorry you have to suffer through this, but I promise, once the baby arrives, she won't be spoiled anymore. Please just hold on a little longer."

Too many promises turned into empty words.

I couldn't take it anymore.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

It connected instantly, and a warm voice greeted me.

"My dear Sharon, did you miss me?"

My eyes welled up immediately, and I fought hard to stop myself from crying.

"Grandpa, Lucas and I are officially divorced. Please send someone to pick me up tomorrow.

"And also, end all business ties with him. I want nothing more to do with him."

My grandpa, Kolten Hensley, was shocked—he knew how deeply I'd once loved Lucas.

As a wealthy heiress, I married beneath my status. He tried everything to stop me, but I went through with it anyway. In the end, he had no choice but to secretly support Lucas for my sake.

Now that Lucas's career was taking off, our marriage had fallen apart. Kolten might be pleased, but deep down, he knew how much I'd suffered—and it broke his heart.

"Sharon, I'll come get you myself tomorrow," he said gently.

I got back about 30 minutes later.

The moment I stepped inside, I was shocked to see my clothes scattered all over the living room.

Someone had clearly thrown them around.

My chest tightened as I made my way to the walk-in closet.

From down the hallway, I could hear Lucas and Doris's voices laughing from inside the closet.

"Lucas, I want to buy tons of clothes and shoes for the baby. Shouldn't we just toss out Sharon's shoes, too?"

"Buy whatever makes you happy," he said, his voice soft. "Her things can go anywhere you like."

I pushed open the door without saying a word.

The closet that used to be mine was now filled with baby supplies.

Lucas stood beside Doris, gently stroking her belly with an affectionate look.

The moment he noticed me, he flinched and pulled his hand back, looking uneasy.

"Sharon," he explained quickly, "there isn't much storage space left, and the baby will be here soon. I cleared out your closet to make room. I'll give you a bigger one later, once things settle down."

A baby that young couldn't even walk yet—what was the point of having so many pairs of shoes?

And somehow, that baby already owned more clothes than I did.

It was all so absurd, but I didn't feel like arguing.

I was leaving in the morning anyway, so none of it mattered anymore.

"Do whatever you want," I said flatly.

He looked relieved and gave me a warm smile.

"I'm lucky to have a wife like you—so kind and understanding. You must be a blessing from God."

He grinned before casually draping the apron over my shoulders.

"You have no idea how long we've been tidying up, and Doris is starving. Now that you're here, get cooking for her quickly."

Before I could answer, Doris flopped down onto the couch and ordered me around like I worked for her.

"I want steak," she said, lifting her chin. "No fat—too greasy. The meat better be soft, though, my teeth aren't great. Oh, and I want corn soup too."

Seeing her bossy attitude, I instinctively pulled off my apron and tossed it on the floor.

"She's pregnant, not helpless. If she's hungry, she can cook for herself."

I turned to walk away, but Lucas caught my wrist.

His voice had an edge of anger in it.

"Sharon Hensley, what's with the attitude? Why are you acting out just because I asked you to cook?

"She's older than you—show some respect. What's gotten into you? Did I do something to upset you?"

We married and divorced nine times, each time forcing me to yield, demanding I do everything, and always expecting me to serve my pregnant sister-in-law.

I gave up on the man, the marriage, and the family.

He still thought he hadn't crossed the line.

I let out a bitter laugh and yanked my hand from his grasp.

"What right do you have to boss me around? I'm not your wife anymore, and I'm definitely not your maid. Know your place."

Lucas stared at me, stunned. He had never seen me speak to him like that before.

Right then, Doris came waddling over, holding her stomach.

"Lucas, is she mad because I asked you to divorce her?" she said, grabbing my arm.

"Are you blaming me for your breakup? I'm dealing with depression—I can't always control my emotions. Can't you try to be a little more understanding?

"My child doesn't have a father, and Lucas is all I've got left. Don't you think I'm struggling too?"

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my wrist as Doris squeezed my hand tightly. I instinctively pulled away from her grasp.

She screamed.

Doris collapsed to the floor, clutching her belly and howling. "My stomach—Lucas, it hurts so much. Sharon, do you hate me that much? Did you push me on purpose?"

"Doris!"

Lucas panicked and shoved me out of the way without a second thought.

Before I could even understand what was happening, I slammed into the doorframe and then hit the floor hard.

My vision spun, and pain shot through my swollen knee. I couldn't even speak from the sting.

Meanwhile, Lucas rushed to check on Doris, softly comforting her. Once he saw there was no blood, he let out a breath of relief.

He gently lifted her onto the couch to rest.

Then, without warning, he yanked me up and dragged me to the kitchen. His eyes were cold as ice when he looked at me.

"Sharon, she's pregnant and just wanted you to cook something! How could you push her like that? If anything happens to her or the baby, are you ready to take the blame?!

"I thought you were understanding, but now you're just cruel. I'm honestly disappointed in you. If you don't make dinner tonight, I'll lock you in here until you do!"

With that, he slammed the kitchen door shut.

I stared down at my swollen purple knee and the red marks on my wrist from earlier.

She was the one who grabbed me, and I only shook her off, but I barely used any strength. Her fall didn't make any sense.

I stood up and reached for the door, but the kitchen was locked.

I froze, tears rolling down my cheeks—not because I was sad, but because regret hit me hard.

I regretted walking away from everything for this marriage.

I regretted loving him so much that I stood by him as he built everything from nothing and endured all the hardships alongside him.

But he kept choosing to hurt me again and again, all for the sake of others.

Kolten had been right all along—Lucas was never worthy of my future.

I stayed in the kitchen for two hours.

With my phone outside, I had no way to ask for help, so I just waited in silence.

Then I heard laughter and loud voices from the living room.

After a few minutes, Lucas came back inside.

Noticing I was still on the floor, he sighed softly, then crouched down next to me and spoke calmly.

"Sharon, I was a bit tough earlier, but you still shouldn't have pushed her.

"She only asked for a meal. If you'd just cooked, none of this would've happened."

He gently blew on my knee and spoke softly. "That fall must've hurt. I was wrong just now. I do love you, but Doris is important too—she's carrying Andrew's child.

"I can't just ignore her. If you two keep fighting, it puts me in a tough spot.

I shot him a cold glance and brushed his hand off my leg.

Lucas's expression darkened a bit, yet he kept his tone soft.

"I get it. You're still upset. Between the divorce and what just happened, I owe you an apology.

"Just give me a little more time, and I'll sort everything out, okay?"

I didn't answer. He patted my head gently.

"Someone from the Hensley Group is coming soon. Whether we land the 50 million deal depends on you.

"This could be our company's big break. You've always had my back—can you help me one more time?"

As he spoke, he pulled out a small note covered with a list of dishes.

"These are the meals the clients like. Rest up a bit, then start cooking, alright? You make the best food. I'm sure we'll win them over."

The visitors from the Hensley Group had to be my grandfather.

He told me he'd pick me up tomorrow, but maybe he came early out of worry.

Tears filled my eyes as I took the note from Lucas.

He immediately lit up with joy and kissed me on the forehead.

Then he brought in tons of ingredients and said, "I'll wait outside—just call me when you're done!"

Once the door closed, I tore the note to pieces and dumped it in the trash.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed when Lucas burst into the kitchen, his eyes shining with excitement.

But when he saw the spotless counters and untouched stove, his smile disappeared.

"Sharon, what's wrong with you?! You didn't cook a single dish! They're already at the door!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than he rushed out again, flashing a charming smile at the white-haired elder and apologizing repeatedly.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Hensley. This is my fault—my wife acted out. I promise she'll start cooking right away. I'll make sure we treat you properly."

I stepped out too, and when I saw my grandfather's white hair, my eyes filled with tears.

His face darkened immediately as he shoved Lucas aside and came straight to me with his cane.

His eyes were filled with heartbreak.

"Sharon, what happened to your forehead?

"Who did this to you? Tell me. I'll make them wish they were never born."