Chapter 5 Stand on Her Own Two Feet

After saying peace out to John and Robert, Rachel rolled back to the Williams Manor. The place was dusty and dead, just like how she felt inside. It looked like no one had touched it in forever. But Rachel wasn't about to let the gloom take over, so she threw on an apron and got to cleaning.

Under the couch, she stumbled on an old wedding pic with Michael. She was beaming with hope, while Michael looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. Next to it was a bunch of notes she'd written: diary entries about Michael's fave foods, his daily routines, and his hobbies.

Each note was like a sad reminder of how hard she tried to keep their shaky marriage together. But all that effort just led to more heartache.

Tears welled up as she stared at the memories, trying to keep them from spilling over. Just then, her phone buzzed, snapping her back to reality. It was a text from Robert.

Robert: [Rachel, you helped me six years ago. Now it's my turn to help you. Go ahead and do whatever you want; I'm your support.]

A warmth filled her heart. While Robert genuinely wanted to repay her, Rachel knew she needed to stand on her own two feet. Her time with Michael had made her forget how to be carefree and independent. She picked up her phone, dialing a number she knew by heart.

"Rachel, what do you want now?" Michael's cold voice came from the other end.

Her voice was equally cold, as if he were a stranger. "Tomorrow is Monday. Remember to go to the court to file for divorce."

Michael frowned. "You..."

Before he could finish, she hung up. Michael gripped his phone tightly, his eyes filled with anger.

"Michael, who called you?" Mandy asked curiously from the bed in the bedroom, looking toward the balcony.

Michael put away his phone and walked over casually, covering her with a blanket. He replied, "It's nothing. You should take your medicine first."

Mandy's pale face was heartbreaking. She held his hand and pouted, "The herb medicine is too bitter; it makes me feel awful."

Michael was puzzled. "I remember when we were pen pals, you said you weren't afraid of herb medicine. Be good. Take the medicine so you can get better."

He spoke casually, not noticing the flicker of something hidden in Mandy's eyes. Soon, her eyes filled with tears again as she looked up, forcing a smile. "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Mandy had been in a coma for six years. Her body was frail, and her personality seemed stuck in her school days. Her vulnerability stirred a deep sense of pity in him. "Next time, I'll ask David Wilson to change the medication to capsules."

Mandy clung to his arm, her voice tender. "Michael, you're the best to me!"

After leaving the room, Michael went downstairs. Emily came over with a bowl of soup and asked, "Is Mandy feeling better?"

Michael replied, "She just took her medicine and is on the phone with her parents."

Emily smiled, "Michael, Mandy's father is the chairman of TriStar Corporation. His agreement to let Mandy stay with us is practically his approval of your marriage to her. We mustn't neglect Mandy."

Michael nodded, but Emily's words triggered an unwelcome memory. Last year, when Rachel had caught a bad cold, Emily had been downstairs throwing a fit, smashing things in anger, and then Rachel had to drag herself out of bed to cook.

Just as he felt a conflicting wave of guilt, he reminded himself of what he believed: Rachel had injured Mandy and then manipulated the situation to marry him; so she deserved that kind of treatment.

Emily looked around, puzzled. "Where's James? I haven't seen him all day."

As if on cue, the door swung open, revealing a sullen James, his face etched with frustration.

"James, what's wrong?" Emily quickly set down the bowl and approached him.

James brushed her hand away. "I'm fine, Mom."

He then looked at Michael, hesitating. "Michael, I saw Rachel at the bar today. She was very close to a male model, and their relationship seemed… unusual."

Michael's face darkened. "With whom?"