In just a few words, she effortlessly shifted the focus of the conflict.
What appeared to be a complaint was, in truth, a subtle attempt to tarnish my reputation.
As expected, Amanda's expression immediately darkened.
I couldn't help but sneer.
"Are you serious right now?"
"Right now, it's your Amanda who refuses to divorce, not me trying to take her from you."
"Why would I want to take a woman who cheated on me?"
Amanda's face twisted with anger, while Sophie, on the other hand, flashed a grin, her lips curling in satisfaction.
"Exactly!"
Sophie skipped over to my side, her presence almost playful.
"Let's go, Lucas, my brother."
She emphasized the word "brother" as if she wanted to make a point.
Amanda's expression darkened even more, and she moved to chase after us, but Ethan blocked her way.
"You can't leave!"
Amanda's gaze turned icy as she fixed him with a sharp glare.
"Ethan, are you trying to push me to the edge?"
Ethan clenched his teeth but stood his ground, refusing to back down.
They struggled for a while, but in the end, Ethan relented and walked away.
He didn't dare to completely sever ties with Amanda—after all, he was nothing more than a kept man to her.
Once Ethan was gone, Amanda seemed to have more free time on her hands.
She began appearing at my office every morning, bringing me breakfast.
Under the guise of being a devoted wife, she'd lovingly prepare lunch for me.
She'd also wait for me after work, holding a bouquet of flowers, which she'd hand to me the moment I arrived.
A woman chasing after a man, especially one as beautiful as her.
It felt like something straight out of a TV drama.
It stirred up quite a commotion among my coworkers, who couldn't help but gossip about it.
Some whispered that, even though I had a wife, I was still involved with Sophie, branding me a typical scumbag.
Others speculated that I must be the object of affection for two women, explaining why this "two women chasing one man" scenario was unfolding.
But no matter which rumor was circulating, it only served to annoy me further.
The next time Amanda appeared downstairs, I took the initiative to walk up to her.
Amanda's face lit up, a gleam of pride hidden beneath her joy.
"Changed your mind?" she asked, her tone hopeful.
"Amanda, let's finalize the divorce," I said, my voice cold and indifferent.
I had long since lost any attachment to this marriage.
Five years had drained me completely.
Whether it was Amanda's infidelity or the relentless entanglement that followed, I was utterly exhausted.
Amanda froze, and I saw the faintest sheen of tears gather in her eyes.
"Are you really this heartless?"
"After all these years together, you can just walk away so easily?"
I shook my head, the bitterness in my heart too overwhelming to hide.
"Amanda, in these past five years, if you had ever cared for me even for a moment, you wouldn't be saying something like that."
I had given Amanda countless chances to turn things around.
But she never took them.
So...
"Stop clinging to me. All you're doing is making me hate you more."
"You're not the same person you were before, all alone. You should understand the consequences if this gets out of hand."