The villa, which they had built together during their fifteen years of marriage, was now meaningless. She threw away all the gifts and diamond jewelry, even the first preserved flowers Hans had given her when they got engaged.

There was nothing she needed to take. All the property and businesses Hans had given her over the years were in this country.

Violette would leave all that behind to free herself from her ties to Hans Lombardi.

Violette has not told her family that she is divorcing Hans. They think Violette is happily married to Hans, and Hans is a good son-in-law in their eyes.

If her parents knew Violette wanted a divorce, they would try to talk her out of it and tell Hans.

Then the divorce would never have happened, preserving the friendship between the two families.

Violette will tell them after the divorce is finalized. At that point, there will be nothing they can do to prevent her from divorcing.

Hans, Irene, and Damien have returned home. Violette does not greet them and goes to the bathroom to freshen up.

When she came out of the bathroom wearing a nightgown, Hans was already in the room and had unbuttoned his shirt. Calmly, Violette went to the dressing table and began her facial routine.

Hans stood behind her and gently squeezed her shoulders.

"Sorry I'm home late. Damien insisted on going to the amusement park and lost track of time."

"Hm. It's okay."

Hans leaned down, resting his chin on Violette's shoulder and kissing her neck.

The scent of Hans's expensive perfume mixed with the pungent scent of roses made Violette's stomach churn. Her lips smiled bitterly as she remembered who the owner of that rose perfume was.

"Vio, just be quiet today," Hans whispered, kissing her earlobe. "Are you uncomfortable with Irene being here?"

"No," Violette replied with a fake smile.

"Irene is just our sister-in-law. She's also part of the Lombardi family."

"I know.”

"Is it because Damien is too close to Irene that you're upset?"

"No. They should be close because they are mother and son."

Hans stared at Violette through the reflection in the dressing table mirror, sensing Irene's unusual change. He had felt it since Irene moved into their house. He thought it was because Violette didn't like Damien being close to his biological mother.

Violette stared back calmly, trying not to appear cold in front of him.