Burned Once, Never Again (Niamh and Castiel)

Niamh was slapped so hard that her head turned to the side. A trickle of blood appeared at the corner of her mouth. In this state, she looked disheveled and pitiful. However, the look in her eyes was so piercing that it sent a chill down one's spine. When she shot a glare at Rence, it was enough to make her take a step back. Renee was startled for a second but quickly regained her composure. "How dare you look at me. like that? The Jamison family is in hot water thanks to you!" Niamh remained silent.

"And how dare you bring up divorce! What right do you have to file for it? We should be the ones getting rid of you!" Renee was trembling with

nger. She hurled harsh words at Niamh with eyes full of disdain.

Sienna stepped forward to support Renee. "Mom, don't get too worked up. It's not good for your

health,"

"How much?" Renee was furious and no longer cared to maintain her poise. She glared viciously at Niamh.

Meanwhile, Niamh was taken aback

Money? The day had finally come-Renee wanted to buy her off.

Niamh looked at her and asked, "How much do you think our joint assets as husband and wife over the past three years are worth?"

"What did you say? Joint assets? What makes you think you're entitled to that? You're a pampered housewife who's well-fed and leads a comfortable life. Have you ever worked a single day?" Renee retorted.

"I am his wife. Whether I worked or not, I still have a right to those assets," Niamh responded. calmly.

"You..." Renee's face turned livid with rage, and she began to curse aloud. "I always knew you were rotten inside. You're just pretending to be all innocent and pure. Back then, he didn't believe me. You're finally showing your true colors now, you sly vixen!" Niamh ignored Renee's insults and stood her ground. When she and Castiel were in love, she didn't care about anything material. But things were different now. If she couldn't hold on to the man, should she not at least hold on to what was rightfully hers? "No need to call me names. I gave him ten years of my love. If anything, I'm the one being shortchanged here," Niamh said.

Renee was quick to belittle her. "Your love is worthless!"

"No matter its value, it was something your son was willing to pay for," Niamh countered.

Both Rence and Sienna were rendered speechless

The two exchanged glances. It didn't cross their minds that Niamh would be so sharp-tongued. Chapkl 19

Both of them had it in their mind that since Niamh and Castiel's relationship had fallen through, they could just pay her off to send her away.

Renee and Sienna assumed Niamh would be sensible enough to leave with a sum of money, as she would no longer be able to stay by Castiel's side.

To their surprise, Niamh was clear-headed and not at all shaken by everything going on around her. Instead, she was determined to protect her own interests.

"I have really underestimated you," Renee spat. There was a trace of malice flashing in her eyes as she looked at Niamh.

Niamh replied, "I will divorce him. Don't you worry about that. But of course, it will be on the condition that my interests are secured."

In the end, things went as they had wished, but Niamh would make it clear to everyone that she wasn't a meek pushover. She would let everyone know that the usual tricks that people in wealthy families play wouldn't work on her. In the end, Renee left huffily, trembling with anger.

Niamh sat alone on the couch, holding Ginger in her arms as she reminisced about her years with Castiel.

Billie arrived sometime later.

She handed Niamh the result of the divorce application. "There's a six-month waiting period. I'm sure you're aware that divorce cases have an observation period."

This meant that the court hearing would be in six months.

Niamh nodded and replied, "Yes, I know."

If she could help it, she wouldn't want to wait six months. But with Castlel's attitude, she had no choice but to take this long route.

Billie asked, "Do you want to move to my place for now?"

"No, I don't think that's a good idea. You've seen it yourself. If I move in with you, you won't have peace either," Niamh said, referring to the ongoing online harassment. Someone was spying on her in this villa. Even Castiel's attitude toward her had been leaked to the public, which led to Renee and Sienna showing up that day.

After all, even though she had moved out of Jamison Manor, she was still under their control.

Billie felt sorry for her. "Niamh, your face..."

"It's fine. I'm used to it." Niamh turned her head to the other side, feeling a bit embarrassed. Back when she lived in Jamison Manor, Renee would slap her whenever she was displeased. To the public, Renee played the role of the perfect mother-in-law. At home, however, it was a different story.

Despite everything that had happened, Niamh had never imagined her relationship with Castiel

would end like this.

"What's your plan now?" Billie asked.

Niamh had never worked a day during her years as Castiel's wife. If she left him, she was practically nothing and nobody. From then on, she'd have to rely on herself for everything.

Tve already bought a plane ticket for tomorrow afternoon," Niamh answered.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll stay abroad for a while. Things won't settle down anytime soon," Niamh said. She had thought about it and decided that going overseas was her only option.

As long as she stayed in the country, those who wanted to ruin her would continue to plot against her incessantly. Going abroad would give her time to think about how to handle everything that was coming.

"Can you let go of everything?" Billie asked.

After all, it had been so many years. She had always encouraged Niamh to leave Castiel, but now that the moment had come, she couldn't help but worry about Niamh's future.

A bitter smile appeared on Niamh's delicate face. "I never imagined things would spiral into such a mess between us. But now that it's come to this, it's not as terrifying as I thought."

Billie nodded. "I'll help you with work when the time comes. You're very talented. With your talent and skills in art, finding a job won't be hard," Niamh nodded. "Thank you, Billie."

She didn't refuse Billie's kindness. After all, she had been disconnected from society for ten years. throughout her marriage to Castiel.

That was why she had been so afraid to leave him-she knew how difficult it would be. But now that she had died once, there was nothing left to fear,