Wife Or Mistress? The Shocking Truth About My Marriage - Chapter 21: Chapter 21

"Scarlett?"
The second Richard saw me, the fire in his eyes vanished—replaced by guilt.
"You... what are you doing here?"
I wanted to act like nothing was wrong.
But my eyes couldn't stop staring at the hickey on his neck.
All those promises of forever, of soulmates and destiny...
They disintegrated in an instant.
I thought I'd scream, cry, demand answers.
But looking into those panicked, guilty eyes, my heart just... went still.
"Sorry," I said quietly. "Didn't mean to interrupt."
Richard's face froze, his voice trembling.
"Scarlett... you're not mad?"
I gave a hollow smile.
"I'm not your fiancée anymore. I don't have the right to be mad."
He staggered back like my words had knocked the wind out of him.
After a long pause, he knelt and—despite my resistance—lifted me into his arms.
"Scarlett, I know tonight was a shock."
'You're upset. Don't say anything you'll regret."
"Once you calm down, we'll talk. Just us."
Back in the main house, he laid me down gently.
But before either of us could speak again, a voice rang from outside the door.
"Your Highness, Miss Lola just fainted! Please come quick!"
Richard jerked upright, hesitating for a split second as he looked back at me.
I could see the worry in his eyes—and no energy left in mine to care.
I closed my eyes, voice flat.
"Go."
He didn't move at first.
Not until the voice outside called again—twice more—did he finally turn and leave.
As he stepped out, he said over his shoulder:
"I'll check on Lola and bring a doctor for you later."
I nodded without a word.
But I knew the truth.
He wouldn't be back.
Three days until the wedding.
Leaving would be the only gift I had left to give them.
The next morning, I asked the butler to help me move.
I didn't tell him I planned to leave the estate completely—just that I wanted to relocate to a quiet place in the guesthouse.
Less than an hour later, Richard stormed in.
He looked like hell—dark circles, red eyes, frustration dripping from every gesture.
"Scarlett, can you stop being so dramatic?"
I blinked, then calmly explained:
"You're marrying Lola in two days."
"This house belongs to your wife. I don't belong here anymore."
Richard hesitated, as if he expected me to beg to stay.
But I didn't.
So he snapped.
"Fine. Move."
I nodded.
He didn't know I'd already contacted my father's people in New York.
On the day he marries Lola, I'll be long gone.