Chapter 69

Ronald discarded his carefree demeanor, propping his right foot on the chair. He looked at Naomi seriously. “Come on, tell me! What really happened?”

Naomi, spurred by Ronald's sudden seriousness and masculinity, revealed, “He went to the cemetery today.”

Ronald's face darkened. “It’s been several years. Is he really that devoted? If so, why can’t he treat you better?”

Naomi chuckled softly. “Alright, you’re taking this too seriously.”

The more Naomi laughed, the more displeased Ronald became. It was clear Brendan had upset her after his cemetery visit. If he still harbored feelings for someone else, he should have reconsidered marrying her. How could he marry someone and then neglect her? It was absurd.

With a cold expression, Ronald said, “Naomi, stand up for yourself. How can you be so certain about the fortune-teller’s words without giving them a chance? Do you truly have to stay with Brendan for the rest of your life?”

Ronald, displaying a rare seriousness, attempted to reason with her. Naomi placated him, saying, “Alright, I’ll leave him.”

Ronald’s complexion improved at her agreement. They chatted and ate for a while longer. Naomi wiped her hands on a tissue, stood from the sofa, and said, “I’m going back. You should rest early.”

Ronald also stood, asking, “Why are you going back? Is someone waiting for you? Or are you planning to spend the night with someone?”

Naomi was speechless. She turned, kicking his leg. “Do you want to sleep here or not?”

Ronald patted his leg. “Hurry up and take a shower. You should get some rest too.”

Ronald’s reminder made Naomi realize the pointlessness of returning. She stretched and headed to the bedroom. Ronald’s expression brightened, seeing she’d abandoned the idea of leaving.

Meanwhile, Brendan had left Chloe’s neighborhood. He parked on the roadside.

“Brendan, I understand, even if you don’t say anything. I won’t call the police.”

“Brendan, Chloe saved us. She’s an innocent victim. She’ll be in my place if I can’t survive this. Please take care of her.”

Resting his left hand outside the car window, Brendan lit a cigarette and took a drag. Memories flooded back, his expression growing somber. After finishing the cigarette, he started the car and drove toward Yellowind Bay.

Jennifer greeted him in surprise upon his arrival home. “Mr. Ludwig, you’re back!”

Brendan grunted noncommittally and headed upstairs. Jennifer called out, “Mr. Ludwig.”

He stopped and turned. Jennifer hesitated before saying, “Mrs. Ludwig has just left.” She added, “She seemed very anxious. It must be urgent.”

Brendan’s expression changed dramatically. He took out his phone and dialed Naomi’s number. This was a recurring pattern; he’d leave, and she’d follow soon after.

Watching him go upstairs, Jennifer sighed. Meanwhile, Naomi stretched lazily and went to the bedroom. Shortly after, her phone on the sofa rang.

Ronald, left hand in his pocket, beer in his right, walked to the phone. Seeing it was Brendan, his expression darkened. He tossed the beer can in the trash before picking up Naomi’s phone. It was still ringing. His expression turned cold; he hung up without hesitation. Sophia and Chloe were more than enough for Brendan, he thought. He then turned off Naomi’s phone.

On the other end, Brendan’s expression darkened seeing the call rejected. In the bedroom, he loosened his collar and dialed again, only to hear the automated message: “Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later.”

Naomi had turned off her phone, making Brendan even gloomier. He threw his phone at the wall. This frustration plagued him all night, preventing sleep. The next morning, he left the house in a suit, his expression dark.

In another room, Naomi woke up, stretched, and walked into the kitchen, finding Ronald eating. His words were muffled as he said, “Tidy up and have some food. I’ve ordered takeout for you.”

Naomi yawned. “You can brag about cooking when you actually do it yourself.”

With food in his mouth, Ronald mumbled, “I would cook, but you wouldn’t dare to eat it!”

Naomi asked, “Since you have nothing to do, can you help me take my clothes to the dry cleaners later?”

Ronald replied, “I’ll make sure to get it done for you.”

Ronald avoided mentioning Brendan’s call or his actions the previous night. That evening, Naomi was surprised to find Brendan's car parked outside her law firm. Seeing him watching her, she calmly approached. “Are you here for a case?”

Brendan looked up coldly. “Naomi, are you looking forward to filing your own divorce case now?”

Naomi chuckled. “I’m ready for anything, whether it’s giving birth to your child or dividing your property!”

Her indifference made Brendan scowl. “Get in the car.”

Naomi leaned against his car window, raised an eyebrow, and teased, “I only meet men in bed. Have you thought it through?”