Chapter 3: Divorce Papers

Upon examining her, the doctors surmised she was suffering from temporary amnesia, likely a result of the shock and her three-month-long coma. Beyond that, they found no other explanation for her behavior.

Following their assessment, the doctors exited the room, instructing a nurse to arrange for Xie Ming's CT scan and MRI for further tests.

Engulfed in bewilderment, Zhao Ming was beginning to come to terms with this bewildering turn of events, seeing it perhaps as a twist of fate or divine intervention. Maybe the heavens, taking pity upon her tragic demise, had granted her a second chance at life.

Keen to unravel the mysteries of this newfound existence, she hoped to seek answers from Yu Mei. However, her contemplations were abruptly cut short by a jarring sound.

"BANG!"

She turned toward the door and saw a man in a gray checked suit. His physique was impeccable, his face resembling a piece of art—meticulously sculpted, with a toned, fair complexion and a chiseled jawline. But what struck her most were his dark, mysterious eyes, which bore into her with an icy detachment.

A shiver raced down her spine under his chilling gaze, reminiscent of Ji Cheng's cold demeanor. As he approached with purposeful strides, Jin Liwei, upon entering the room, observed her frail and pale form on the hospital bed. His otherwise stoic expression wavered slightly, catching her perplexed look directed at him.

'Why does she gaze at me as if we've never met? Is this some new act she's putting on?'

Irritated by her stare, he approached her, his voice cold as ice. "So you've finally awakened, Xie Ming," he remarked with a disdainful snort.

With a bewildered expression, she gazed at him and inquired, "Who are you? Have we met before?"

Initially taken aback by her words, his lips soon twisted into a sardonic smile. With a frosty tone, he retorted, "Ah, a new scheme to vex me, is it? Or is it your new way to pick up a fight with me? Listen well, Xie Ming, I won't be fooled again. I want a divorce. I refuse to spend another moment with someone as self-centered as you."

His eyes narrowed, a mixture of anger and disbelief. "I am well aware our union was merely a nod to your ailing grandfather's wishes, much like mine was. It was an arranged union from both sides." He began, his voice thickening with emotions.

Pausing to take a breath, his face tightened with further accusation. "I, however, have endeavored to give this union some respect and tried to make peace. And you? You've simply lived life on your terms, without a second thought for my family or our shared responsibilities. Your days were consumed with shopping sprees and endless parties. Don't forget that you were the first one to push me away, not me."

The atmosphere in the room thickened palpably, each word he spoke further charging the air with tension. Leaning in, his eyes flashed with resentment. "You've neglected my family, scorned me, and acted as though I was a mere ghost in your life. And now, when I want a divorce, you're claiming to everyone that you love me and even tried taking your life to avoid it? How can you think of doing something so ridiculous?"

"You spout claims of love while pushing for divorce? Hah! Let's not pretend. You never pursued me for love. The prestige of bearing the title 'Mrs. Jin' was your true lure, wasn't it? However, I refuse to be shackled to this farce any longer."

With a swift motion, he thrust a stack of papers toward her, letting them fly. "Sign these divorce papers and let's sever this farce. I'll provide alimony, even a house. Live out your days in peace without a care. Trust me, you'll suffer no losses in this separation." The papers smacked her squarely in the face, the sharp sting making her wince. Yet, she held her ground, her poise unbroken despite the emotional onslaught.

The barrage of information thrown at Zhao Ming was overwhelming, making her head spin. As if grappling with the unbelievable reality of waking up in a foreign body wasn't enough, she now found herself embroiled in the existing complications of this new identity. It was as if the universe was testing her mettle, stacking challenges one after the other, expecting her to navigate this treacherous new terrain.

She straightened her posture, her chin lifting slightly, emanating an aura of silent resilience. The tumultuous emotions within her – the pain of her past as an unloved empress, the confusion of this new world, and the assertions of this stranger – all battled for dominance.

But she remembered her father's lessons.

Growing up, her father, a military doctor, had instilled in her values of both love and strength. He had taught her that vulnerability had its place, but so did self-preservation. For a while, lost in the grandeur and politics of the imperial palace, she had allowed herself to be subdued, to be treated as less than she was.

She forgot that she was worth more than someone confined by the palace walls.

But times had changed. She was not the Zhao Ming who once allowed herself to be belittled for love or family's sake. Now, she was determined to live for herself, seizing this second chance at life with both hands and making the most of every moment.

Summoning all the regal bearing she possessed as the Empress of the Ji Dynasty, she locked eyes with the man who dared to berate her, an unfamiliar fire burning in her gaze. "Enough," she said, her voice firm yet composed, "Who do you think you are to speak to me in such a manner?" She may be in an unfamiliar world, but she is not without her dignity or her backbone.

This man would soon understand the seriousness of the woman he was confronting.

Jin Liwei found himself taken aback by Xie Ming's unusually calm response. He had braced himself for the temper tantrums, the shouting, and the drama that typically ensued. But this... this was not what he had anticipated.

There was a shift in her demeanor. Instead of the familiar animosity and disdain, he saw a confidence, a resolve, and a certain detachment that left him uneasy.

Could it really be the same woman before him, when everything about her aura screamed otherwise?

Xie Ming mustered all her strength and met the man's gaze, her face resolute. "You claim to be my husband, yet when I was lying unconscious in this unfamiliar place, you were nowhere to be found."

"You accuse me of neglecting my duties as a wife, but have you upheld yours as a husband? How could you let your wife suffer alone? Do you even have a heart?" Her voice quivered with deep emotion and pain.

While she now inhabits Xie Ming's body, the memories of her painful marriage inflicted by Ji Cheng are still fresh. The cold indifference he displayed during their marriage still haunted her. Her physical form may have changed, but her soul - with all its fractured emotions - remained.

The sight of tears shimmering in Xie Ming's eyes caught Jin Liwei off guard. Her voice, although strained and barely audible, carried an unwavering determination. He had never seen such raw emotion and resolve in her eyes before.

He clenched his fists, the sight of her tears causing cracks in his steely resolve. Why was she shedding tears? Hadn't she despised him from the start? True, she had complied with her grandfather's wishes and agreed to the marriage, but she never hid her disdain for him. Wouldn't it be best for both of them to go their separate ways?

So, why this sudden change? Why was she now acting as if she yearned for his care as if she desired to be truly seen and cherished as his wife? Deep down, he believed she would never truly welcome his affections or gestures. Why this contradiction now?