Two years of meticulous planning were finally bearing fruit. Today, circled in red on my calendar, was exactly 6 months since my 32nd birthday. Exactly half a year since that nightmare family gathering. I got up and deliberately chose a simple beige outfit and light makeup. I wanted to look humble and submissive.

My reflection in the mirror was that of a pathetic woman, completely exhausted by life. Valerie, you're up early. Jason walked out of the guest room. He had deep dark circles under his eyes. After Chloe's deception was uncovered, he had been banished from the master bedroom, but he continued living in the house with incredible audacity.

"Yes, I have something to tell you," I said softly, keeping my head down. Can you ask your mom and dad to come over, too? Jason looked at me suspiciously. What's wrong? It's about our future.

I looked up, letting tears well in my eyes. I've come to accept the situation. An hour later, all eight members of the Gallagher family were gathered in our living room once again. It was the exact same scene from that comedy half a year ago. The only difference was that Chloe wasn't there, and instead, Jason's face was marked by exhaustion and anxiety.

Valerie, what's wrong? Why did you call us in such a rush, my mother-in-law? Phyllis asked in annoyance. Since her jewelry was stolen, she seemed to have aged 10 years. I stood in the center of the living room, hands clasped in front of me like a convict awaiting sentencing.

Anthony Phyllis, everyone, I have decided to divorce Jason. A deathly silence fell over the living room. Jason snapped his head up. What? I've thought about it a lot.

I continued in a docile tone. "This marriage has no meaning anymore. It's best if we separate amicably." My father-in-law, Anthony, narrowed his eyes. "And how do you want to separate?"

It's very simple, I said quietly. I will leave with just the clothes on my back. I'll only take some keepsakes. The company, the house, the savings. I leave it all to Jason.

Jason's expression went from astonishment to suspicion and finally to a greedy joy. Are you serious? Yes, very serious. I nodded. But I have one condition.

We have to sign the papers today and go to the courthouse to file them. My mother-in-law, Phyllis, immediately put her guard up. Why the rush? What are you plotting, Mom? Jason interrupted her.

Valerie is giving up so much. What more do you want to be suspicious of? He turned to me, his eyes full of excitement. All right, we'll go to the courthouse today. Wait a minute.

My brother-in-law, Michael, spoke up suddenly. Valerie, are you really not going to ask for anything? This is a bit strange. I smiled bitterly. Michael, do you think I care about money right now?

I looked around, scanning their greedy faces one by one. In the last 6 months, I lost my husband. I lost my home. And I almost lost my sanity. Now I just want to start over.

The performance was flawless. I watched as the distrust slowly vanished from my mother-in-law's eyes. Jason, impatient, was already pulling out his phone to call his lawyer. Oh, by the way, I said as if I had just remembered. Can I go to the bedroom for a moment to grab my personal things?

Just some old clothes and a photo album. Jason waved his hand. "Sure, do whatever you want. Need help?" "No, thank you."

I can manage. I headed to the bedroom, suppressing a smile. As soon as I closed the door, I pulled out the suitcase I had already prepared under the bed. I pretended to pack a couple of garments and an album, but my real target was the secret compartment in the wall. I moved the nightstand and tapped lightly on the wall.

I quickly found the spot that sounded hollow. With a bobby pin, I carefully lifted the loose wallpaper and reached inside. I found a small silk pouch. Inside my grandmother's Warring States, jade pendant rested untouched. Under the morning light, it emitted a soft glow.

This heirloom held enough value to buy this entire house several times over. My grandmother had given it to me in secret when I got married, warning me never to mention it to the Gallagher family. I found you. I kissed the pendant and carefully tucked it into my bra. 10 minutes later, I returned to the living room with the suitcase.

Jason already had the divorce agreement ready and was talking on the phone with his lawyer. Yes. Yes, just like we discussed. She voluntarily renounces all assets. Yes, correct.

She's going to sign it right now. I sat next to him in silence and discreetly pointed my phone at him to record his arrogant voice. That woman is a complete idiot. After years working for free as a maid in my house, now she leaves empty-handed. Haha.

This recording will be a nice souvenir, I thought. At noon, we went to the courthouse. The divorce process was surprisingly simple. In less than an hour, my marriage certificate was turned into a divorce decree. Leaving the courthouse, Jason let out a long sigh as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"Valerie, thank you for all this time," he said hypocritically. "If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me." I smiled and nodded. I will. Oh, by the way, I pulled an envelope out of my purse.