Chapter 3

The woman moved with exceptional grace, the gown accentuating her elegant curves and commanding presence. The mask added an air of mystery and sophistication.

Everyone backstage stared in awe, whispering among themselves, trying to figure out who this model was—they'd never seen her before.

The audience erupted in thunderous applause and gasps of admiration.

Even Ondine was impressed. "Ellington, this model seems quite talented."

Ellington stared at the figure on stage, something jolting deep in his chest.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Everything—the body proportions, the way she turned—reminded him of Cordelia.

How was that possible?

Ellington immediately dismissed the thought.

He'd lived with Cordelia for three years. All she knew how to do was laundry and cooking. How could she possibly have such a powerful presence?

He must be tired. Seeing things.

Yet his eyes refused to leave that figure until she made one final graceful turn and disappeared behind the curtain.

The fashion show ended to roaring applause.

Backstage, Cordelia slowly removed her mask and changed out of the gown, her heart still pounding.

She'd been so nervous, especially when she'd made eye contact with Ellington. She'd nearly missed a step.

Yvaine rushed backstage and grabbed her hands excitedly. "Cordelia, you were amazing! Several fashion companies asked for your contact information."

Cordelia smiled awkwardly. "I'll pass. I don't really like being in the spotlight."

"That's such a shame..." Yvaine looked disappointed but quickly brightened. "Either way, thank you so much for today. Come on, let's go celebrate with everyone!"

Cordelia glanced at the large group of staff behind Yvaine and shook her head. "You go ahead. I'll skip."

Yvaine knew her friend didn't enjoy crowds, so she didn't push it. "Alright, we're heading out then."

Cordelia nodded and watched her leave. She grabbed her bag and was about to go when Ellington and Ondine walked in.

The moment Cordelia met Ellington's gaze, she quickly looked down.

She turned to leave, but Ondine stopped her. "Ms. Sinclair, did you see the model from the closing segment?"

Cordelia paused. "Why?"

"She had such elegant poise. I'd like to invite her to model for me," Ondine said.

Cordelia hesitated. "She was only filling in as a favor. She probably won't agree."

"I see..." Ondine looked regretful. Before she could say more, Cordelia slipped past her and left.

"I didn't realize Ms. Sinclair had such connections," Ondine remarked, watching her go. "I always thought she was just a housewife who cooked and cleaned."

When she didn't get a response, she turned to find Ellington lost in thought. "Ellington?"

He snapped back. "What?"

Ondine's eyes dimmed briefly before she spoke gently. "It's late. It's not safe for Ms. Sinclair to go home alone. Why don't you drive her?"

She expected him to refuse, but he grabbed his car keys without hesitation.

Ondine watched him leave, her fingers curling into fists.

"Cordelia." Ellington caught up to her quickly. "Let me drive you home."

Cordelia was about to decline, but he'd already opened the car door.

Reporters crowded the exit. Not wanting to attract attention, Cordelia reluctantly got in.

Neither spoke during the drive. The silence grew awkward.

"That model just now..." Ellington broke the quiet first. "Do you know her? She seemed familiar somehow."

Cordelia's heart lurched, but she forced herself to stay calm. "Yvaine found her. I don't know who she is."

Ellington glanced at her through the rearview mirror but didn't press further.

After a moment, he spoke again, his tone flat. "Something came up today. We'll finalize the divorce another time."

So he was that eager to be rid of her.

Cordelia's throat tightened. She turned to look out the window, her voice soft. "Whatever you want."

Ellington said nothing, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

She was always like this—agreeable no matter what he said.

He used to think it was gentle and considerate. Now it just irritated him for reasons he couldn't explain.

"That pendant..." Ellington's gaze swept over her bare neck. "You're not wearing it today?"

Cordelia's body went rigid.

She'd taken it off when she changed into the gown, but she didn't want to explain.

"No," she answered simply, offering nothing more.

Ellington let out a cold laugh. "Makes sense. If you're starting a new life, no point in wearing sentimental things anymore."

Cordelia caught the mockery in his tone and frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

Ellington jerked the wheel. Cordelia nearly fell into his lap.

The car finally stopped in front of the Sinclair Villa.

"We're here," Ellington said, but he didn't unlock the doors.

Cordelia reached for the handle. It was locked.

She turned to look at him.

He stared back. In the dim light, his expression was unreadable, as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he just smiled faintly. "Need me to come in and say hello to your family?"

"No," Cordelia refused immediately.

Ellington unlocked the door.

Cordelia got out and walked straight toward the Sinclair Villa entrance.

Ellington didn't drive away. He sat in the car, watching her silhouette until it disappeared completely into the night.

Cordelia stood at the Sinclair Villa gate for a long time, staring at the doorbell. She raised her hand but couldn't bring herself to press it.

She hadn't been home since marrying Ellington.

Her parents had called her foolish back then for marrying a disabled man. Now, crawling back with her tail between her legs, she didn't know if they'd even want to see her.

The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. In the end, she didn't have the courage to ring the bell. She turned away, defeated.

Just then, a trembling voice came from behind her. "Cordelia... is that you?"