Chapter 13: Dearest friend

"That's weird," Heaven said as she hummed a long tune, resting her back on the reclining bed. "Why did he look so angry after our discussion?" she wondered out loud.

Looking back at earlier events, Heaven accepted that she couldn't fix this marriage. No matter how convenient this life she woke up in, she was already five years too late. The damages the adults in this marriage had caused were so deep that even if she tried now, there was only a little chance this marriage would be saved.

That was why Heaven thought accepting the divorce without causing Dominic trouble was the least she could do. That was the only thing she could do to compensate the man and also the child.

"But why did he look so displeased?" Heaven asked the empty room. She rubbed her chin, closed her eyes, and thought about Dominic's reactions. "Did he not want the divorce? Or was he expecting me to throw a fit? Should I have demanded or acted as if I didn't want this divorce? Perhaps he wanted to see me regret?"

Heaven snapped her eyes open, pounding the bottom of her fist against her palm. "That must be it! He probably thought I would regret it." She nodded, convinced at the conclusion she had.

The door suddenly slammed open, causing Heaven to nearly jump out of the bed. Holding her hand close to her chest, she turned her head in its direction, only to see a lady by the door. There, by the door, stood a beautiful lady in a lavish dress; her pretty face, however, bore an aghast and panicked look.

"Heaven!" called the lady in panic before dashing to Heaven's side. "Oh, god! I rushed here when I heard you fainted!"

The woman sat on the edge of the bed, snatching Heaven's hand. Her eyes brimmed with worry, checking Heaven's face for any discomfort.

"Look at you. You're so pale." She cupped Heaven's cheek as a layer of tears coated her eyes as if she would sob any moment.

Heaven blinked, surprised at this woman's entrance. She stared at the woman, studying the latter's face before she finally remembered who this woman was.

"Paula…"

Paula smiled slightly, dropping her hand from Heaven's cheek. "Do you know how much you made me worry? I was in the middle of the shoot, but I rushed here."

Heaven looked at the woman from head to toe. She was indeed still wearing her dress from her shooting. She did not even bother to remove her makeup.

"I keep telling you to eat on time and take care of yourself," she reprimanded Heaven in a loving and caring voice. "But you didn't listen. Look what happened!"

"Heh," Heaven could only let out a short, awkward laugh. She was practically speechless and did not know what to say.

"Gosh," Paula Shen deeply sighed and then frowned. "You should just ask for a divorce if you can't take it anymore. Should I tell Mr. Zhu about it? I'll explain everything to him! This cannot go on, especially now that your health is being affected."

If Heaven didn't know better, she would truly believe this woman was genuinely concerned about her. 'I never had a friend in my life, but from what I know, shouldn't she be asking how I am instead of immediately meddling with my crumbling marriage?'

"Thank you, Paula. But there's no need for that." Heaven plastered a warm smile, riding the waves this 'friend' was creating.

"What?" Paula said as her frown deepened. "What do you mean there's no need for that? Wake up, Heaven! This is not good anymore!"

Paula moved closer, holding Heaven's hands. "You know I care about you, right? We've been good friends even before we entered the industry. Even if Mr. Zhu is a powerful man, I will risk my career for you. I can't let my friend get bullied by someone like him! After all, he took away everything from you and it's been a living hell for you since then. I've been quiet about it because you keep stopping me, but I can't take this anymore!"

'This woman…' Heaven's under-eye twitched in annoyance. 'This woman sure knows how to manipulate Heaven. Snapping her neck is far too merciful for making things worse for Heaven.'

"Paula," Heaven softly coaxed, gently holding Paula's hand. "I know we've been good friends. After all, when we entered the industry, I had to take you with me so you could get small roles. I even remember asking for other favors just to take you in. So I know you never forgot that and have been loyal to me since then."

Heaven mentally smirked when Paula's facade slightly cracked, revealing a glimpse of the real face behind that beautiful mask she always wore.

"I appreciate you for rushing here after hearing I fainted. I don't know what to do if you didn't show up." Heaven made sure she sounded compassionate. She squeezed Paula's hand mildly while nodding at her. But after a second, a layer of tears coated Heaven's eyes and her subtle smile cracked.

"Oh, dear." Paula quickly tossed aside Heaven's previous remarks upon seeing her friend on the verge of tears. "Heaven, why don't you want to accept my help? I'll do everything so you escape this hell from that monster —"

Heaven shook her head to cut off Paula's sentence. "There's no need for that."

"But…"

"We're already getting a divorce."

"What?" The surprise written on Paula's face made Heaven smile bitterly.

"He will be sending the divorce papers tomorrow. All I need is to sign them," Heaven said in a sad voice. She flinched when Paula suddenly clasped her hand in excitement.

"Heaven!" Paula's eyes twinkled in glee, unable to hide the excitement in her eyes. "Really?"

'Gosh… this woman… can't she wait?'

"Mhm." Heaven kept her weak expression as she nodded. "That is why there's no need for you to meddle in it since it will eventually happen."

Paula's lips stretched slightly. Her attempt to stop herself from rejoicing failed miserably. "That's good. I mean, at least now, you don't have to stay in that house anymore. You're no longer his prisoner."

These were just examples of Paula's bits of advice to Heaven. Her 'friendly' pieces of advice never helped. If anything, they just made things worse. Paula took advantage of Heaven's woes and vulnerability by regularly uttering insensitive and big words that would make Heaven despise Dominic more.

Paula never forgot to remind Heaven how miserable her life was with Dominic. That was her goal, after all.

Heaven ruined this marriage, sure. But Paula wasn't innocent as she had fanned the flames that slowly burned the marriage. The current Heaven had no grudges against anyone. However, the reason she was now in this situation was because of all the poisonous flowers around her.

"I'm so happy for you!" Paula, unable to contain her happiness, pulled Heaven into her embrace. "I'm really, really happy for you."

Heaven's eyelids drooped as her eyes slid to the corner. "Mhm. I bet you are." the side of her lips curled into a smirk.

The original Heaven was surrounded by poisonous flowers, making her feel trapped and unable to move. But the current Heaven was never afraid of poisons. She was not afraid of plucking out toxic flowers, even with her bare hands, to clear her path and protect her peace.

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