"What did you say?" Caleb Forrest stared at Grace Winslow in disbelief. "Grace, this is just a misunderstanding. I thought you were a sensible person. How can you be so unreasonable and demand a divorce over something like this?"
In the three months they had dated and been married, Grace Winslow had always been gentle and obedient.
Like countless traditional women, once she was married, her husband became the center of her world.
Even right after they got married, when she discovered Caleb Forrest had lied to her—that he actually had a paralyzed, cranky old mother at home who needed to be cared for—Caleb had only needed to whisper a few sweet nothings to coax her into obediently taking care of the old woman for three months.
He had assumed that, given Grace's disposition, once she learned of Ivy White's situation, she would agree to let her move into their home and would even provide meticulous care.
He never imagined that the moment he brought the person home, Grace would immediately raise a fuss and demand a divorce.
Caleb Forrest grew resentful. "Grace, we're already married. If you cause a scene and demand a divorce now, how are your parents supposed to face anyone?"
"Besides, what will you do after the divorce? Go back to your parents' house? Your brothers are already married. Do you really think they'll allow you to live there?"
The Winslow family was fairly well-off—Grace's parents and two older brothers all had jobs, as did her two sisters-in-law. But she was a married daughter, after all. Caleb Forrest was certain the Winslow family would never allow Grace to divorce.
'How could they possibly accept something so disgraceful?'
This time, before Grace Winslow could speak, Lily Callahan couldn't hold back and started cursing. "That's a load of bullshit! If Grace wants a divorce, she'll get a divorce! What's so shameful about it?"
"You're the one who wronged her, not the other way around. Why should she be the one ashamed to face people, instead of you?"
"Even if she gets divorced and comes home, she won't be missing a single thing!"
"Do you think you can just bully someone from the Winslow family?"
"Grace, don't you worry. I've got your back. If you come home, your big brother, your second brother, your other sister-in-law, and Mom and Dad—none of us will just stand by and do nothing while you're being bullied."
"Pah! You're some piece of work. Of course you don't want a divorce. One on the side, one at home. And now you want to bring your mistress home and have our Grace take care of her and your bastard child? In your dreams!"
"You must be so pleased with yourself."
Cursing, Lily Callahan pulled Grace along. "We're going home tonight. Tomorrow, we'll get your brothers to come with us, and we'll see if they don't break this son of a bitch's legs!"
With that, she pulled Grace, turned, and walked out the door.
The gossiping onlookers were still at the door, eavesdropping.
Lily Callahan had a loud voice, so every word had carried outside.
When everyone saw the door open, they instantly scattered, though they continued to watch eagerly from their own doorways.
Seeing this, Caleb Forrest finally panicked.
In terms of background and personal circumstances, Grace Winslow was, of course, far superior to Ivy White.
And besides, his feelings for Grace were genuine.
He had originally thought bringing Ivy White home was a small matter; he never expected it would escalate to the point of divorce.
He rushed out after them. "Grace, let me explain! It's really not what you think between her and me. I swear, I have absolutely no improper thoughts about her. She's my sister-in-law! How could I do something so depraved?"
"Don't be angry. I apologize. I admit I was wrong. It's all my fault. You can hit me or yell at me, whatever you want. We just can't get a divorce."
As he spoke, he reached out and grabbed Grace's hand.
Grace stopped walking but didn't turn to face him. "Caleb Forrest, nobody's a fool. You say there's nothing between you two? If there's nothing, then why were you kissing? Why would she leave so many marks on your body?"
"Do you take me for a three-year-old, so easy to fool?"
"A divorce. This is non-negotiable."