Margaret, Arlina’s mother-in-law, and Scarlet, Arlina’s sister-in-law, were overjoyed to hear the news that Revan had officially divorced Arlina, the daughter-in-law they had never wanted.
"Finally, Mom! I’ve finally gotten rid of that girl of unknown origins," Scarlet said with satisfaction, straightening her back in her dining chair. Her voice was loud, like a sarcastic jab at the still night air.
Margaret put down her spoon and smiled broadly, as if the divorce news were the greatest gift of her life. "Of course, dear. Now that the company is stable, what else could we expect from that ugly woman? Besides, Olivia is back. Only she’s a good match for your brother, not a woman of unknown origins like Arlina."
Scarlet nodded enthusiastically. "That’s right, Mom. Olivia is beautiful, smart, and has a well-known family. She’s a far cry from Arlina, who’s just a name for herself in the company."
Margaret looked at her daughter meaningfully. "That’s why I always believed that sooner or later Revan would return to Olivia. And look now, everything I planned is going perfectly."
The two of them ate dinner happily, as if the good news Revan had just shared had only increased their appetite. They even took out a bottle of red wine from the cellar to celebrate the divorce.
"Ah, this wine is perfect for a triumphant night like this," Margaret said, taking a slow sip.
"Yes, Mom. It feels like sweet revenge," Scarlet replied, chuckling.
They didn’t care that there was still one person in the house who hadn’t eaten dinner—Arlina herself.
The mother and daughter had even lost track of their surroundings. They were completely unaware that all the wealth they enjoyed today was due to Arlina’s hard work. The company that had once been on the verge of bankruptcy was now standing strong thanks to the efforts of the woman they had insulted.
"Mom, isn’t Olivia coming tomorrow and staying here? So, what about that ugly woman?" Scarlet asked with a disgusted expression.
Margaret put down her wine glass and stared intently at the door, as if seeing Arlina’s reflection. "Of course that woman has to go. Besides, the house and everything here is in your sister’s name. That country bumpkin has no rights to anything."
Scarlet snickered. "Thank goodness you’re so smart. Otherwise, that stupid woman would have run off with all the property."
Margaret smiled smugly. "That Arlina is indeed easy to fool. In her blind love, she signed all the documents without any suspicion. The house certificate, the vehicle, the assets—everything is in Revan’s name. Now, we just have to enjoy the results."
Scarlet leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. "Then, how about we kick her out tonight? So she’ll learn her lesson and stop littering the house."
"That’s a good suggestion," Margaret replied quickly.
Without further delay, she called two stocky servants. Together with Scarlet, they climbed to the second floor with confident steps, intending to drag Arlina out of the luxurious house that Arlina had purchased with her own money three years ago.
In her room, Arlina, who had just closed her eyes, was startled by the sound of the door being violently opened. "Bang!" The sound bounced off the walls, making her blink several times to regain her composure.
"Hey! Who told you to sleep here? You’re divorced from Revan, so you better get out!" Margaret snapped with a sharp glare.
Arlina, still shivering, could only sigh heavily. "Yes, Mom... I’ll leave tomorrow morning. Besides, I haven’t finished packing yet," she said pleadingly, her voice trembling.
"Packing? That’s easy! You came into this house with nothing, so you’re leaving with nothing!" Margaret shouted sarcastically.
Arlina stared at Margaret’s face with stinging eyes. For five years, she had been deceived by a mask of falsehood; a face that had always seemed so caring actually harbored hatred.
Scarlet stepped forward with a mocking expression. "Hey, you ugly woman! Get out of here! We’re sick of seeing your scruffy face!"
Arlina, who had always given in out of respect for her husband, tried to assert herself. "Have you forgotten who bought this house? Even the clothes and jewelry you’re wearing were bought by me!"
"But the house deed is in Revan’s name, so this house belongs to Revan, not you!" Scarlet retorted, not wanting to be outdone.
Arlina was shocked. Those words stabbed her heart. She never suspected that the people she loved were so cunning. She had always entrusted her assets to Revan, believing they would grow old together. Now, all that was left was regret.
Seeing Arlina in a daze, Margaret, unwilling to ruin her plans, signaled to the servants. They immediately dragged Arlina out of bed.
"What are you doing! Let me go!" Arlina struggled, but her body, weak from the miscarriage and the cold, couldn’t resist their grip.
The two maids roughly dragged Arlina down the stairs and threw her onto the street in front of the house, carrying nothing.
"Get out of here! And don’t ever set foot in this house again!" Margaret shouted loudly.
Arlina fell onto the street, still wet from the drizzle. Fresh blood flowed between her thighs. She tried to get up, kneeling down while holding Margaret’s feet. "Please... let me stay for a moment, at least until the rain stops."
With all her strength, Margaret threw Arlina’s weak body, causing her to fall backward. Without any remorse, she reentered the house with Scarlet and the maids, ordering the security guard to close the gate.
Arlina could only stare at the residence that had been her home for the past three years. Tears mixed with blood streamed down her cheeks. With faltering steps, she walked out of the housing complex. A light drizzle still fell, adding to the bone-chilling cold.
The night was silent. Two security guards guarding the gate seemed to be asleep at the guard post, perhaps tired from the heavy rain since the afternoon. Barefoot, Arlina walked absentmindedly in the drizzle, aimlessly walking down the street, her gaze blank. In her heart, only one word kept repeating itself: Stupid.