Her Perfect Betrayal

Chapter 11

As they approached the Brooks family home, Lilian moved closer to Dorothy and lowered her voice. "Don't let this get to you. You can't give in now."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly what I said. Don't apologize or chase after him. And definitely don't let him make you believe he's actually going to divorce you."

Lilian shook her head confidently. "There's no way Raphael will go through with it."

"You saw what happened tonight." Dorothy frowned.

"I did."

"That bastard threw me out and even revoked my access to the apartment."

Lilian remained unconvinced. "That doesn't matter. Think about how much Raphael sacrificed for you."

"When he insisted on marrying you, he openly fell out with his parents. He didn't just argue with them. He practically severed ties with his own family. He even gave up his position as heir to the wealthiest family in the state. Do you remember that?"

Dorothy slowly nodded.

"How could someone who sacrificed that much possibly stop loving you overnight?" Lilian's voice was filled with certainty.

"Raphael spent years proving that he couldn't live without you. He gave up wealth, status, and his relationship with his own family just to marry you. Do you really think he's going to throw all of that away now?"

Dorothy's confidence gradually returned. That was true. Raphael had once loved her more than anything. Everyone knew it.

He had fought his parents for her, rejecting the life of privilege waiting for him.

He had willingly stepped away from the Foster family's inheritance all because he wanted to marry her. Surely, a man who had sacrificed so much wouldn't suddenly become indifferent.

Perhaps Raphael was only trying to scare her, hoping to teach her a lesson. Surely, he would soon come crawling back to her.

The thought comforted Dorothy and her shoulders relaxed slightly.

Lilian smiled when she noticed. "Exactly. Don't let him scare you. When you meet him tomorrow, don't lower your head. Make him understand that if he wants you back, he has to apologize properly."

Dorothy nodded. "I won't give in."

"Good." Lilian patted her arm.

By the time they reached the Brooks family home, Dorothy's confidence had largely returned.

It was already late at night. Yet the moment the door opened and everyone saw Dorothy standing there with several suitcases, the entire household was awakened.

Lights came on one after another.

"What happened?" Alice Brooks, Dorothy's mother, hurried out of her bedroom.

She looked at the luggage first, then at her daughter's furious expression. "What happened to you?"

Dorothy's eyes immediately reddened. "Mom... Raphael threw me out."

"What?" Alice froze.

"He told me to leave, and now he's forcing me to divorce him. He even said we’re meeting at the courthouse tomorrow.” Dorothy's voice trembled with anger.

Alice stared at her daughter for several seconds. Then, rather than looking worried, she scoffed. "That's all?"

Dorothy blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Don't worry about it." Alice waved dismissively.

“That man is completely obsessed with you. Do you really think he would actually go through with a divorce?”

Lilian immediately nodded. “That’s exactly what I told her.”

Alice gave Lilian an approving look. “She’s right.”

She then turned her attention to Dorothy. “Do you remember what Raphael did just to marry you? He went against his own parents, gave up his position as heir, and even cut ties with the Foster family—all because of you.”

“Do you honestly believe a man who was willing to sacrifice all of that would suddenly decide to divorce you?”

Alice shook her head firmly. “Impossible.”

She walked into the dining room and poured herself a glass of water before continuing.

“He’s only trying to scare you. When he eventually comes crawling back and apologizes, don’t forgive him too easily. Make him prove his sincerity."

"How?" Dorothy looked at her.

"Your brother needs a new car."

Dorothy's expression shifted. "Marvin?"

"Yes. Tell Raphael to buy Marvin a new car."

She spoke as though it were the most reasonable demand in the world.

"After all, Raphael is the eldest son of the Foster family. The Foster family is one of the wealthiest families in the entire state. That wealth belongs to you now that you've married into the family." Alice's eyes brightened.

"And because you're his wife, the entire Brooks family should be able to enjoy some of that wealth," Alice's eyes lit up.

"Your father needs money and your brother needs a car. There are countless things this family needs. If Raphael really wants to keep you, he should be willing to provide them."

She leaned closer. "And don't go to the courthouse to beg. Let him know that you're the one who has been wronged. Make him lower his head and apologize. And don't agree to anything until he proves how sincere he is."

Dorothy's resentment returned as she remembered her belongings piled beside the garbage collection area. "He really humiliated me."

"That's because he wants to frighten you." Alice scoffed.

"He knows you're angry and won't tolerate his behavior. But don't worry." She patted Dorothy's shoulder confidently.

"Once he realizes you're truly willing to walk away, he'll panic. Then he'll come begging."

Dorothy slowly nodded. For the first time since leaving the residential community, she felt confident again. Her mother was right.

Raphael had sacrificed too much for her. He had once been willing to abandon everything simply to marry her. A man like that couldn't possibly let her go.

Tomorrow, she would meet Raphael at the courthouse. She would refuse to apologize or back down. Instead, she would put enough pressure on him to make him lower his head first.

And if he wanted her forgiveness, he would have to pay the price. Perhaps a new car for Marvin would be a good beginning.

Alice smiled with satisfaction.

“Remember this, Dorothy. Never let a man like Raphael think he can control you. You have to keep him firmly under your control.”