Chapter 238: Not a Day for Weddings, But Divorces

Following the echoes of hurried footsteps, Roland was abruptly shoved aside. Several women of different ages stepped forward and began slapping Sasha repeatedly, striking her on both sides of her face.

"You shameless wretch! How could you utter such words?" one woman exclaimed.

"You have rotten and corrupted morals, born with a despicable nature, yet you dare to make such promises! If you can stay faithful, I'll write my name backward!" another criticized.

A third woman remarked, "What's this? Weren't you head over heels for that illegitimate child earlier? Now you're clinging to my nephew like a lifeline? Have you finally realized who can truly bring you happiness? You sure are cunning."

"Why are you so hell-bent on clinging to Roland? Are you a relentless leech?" someone questioned.

Another woman sneered, "Where do you get your confidence, thinking Roland would accept someone as tainted as you? He's exceptional, with countless girls smitten by him. If it weren't for his emotional attachment, who would even spare someone like you a second glance?"

"Oh my goodness! Are you even worthy? Are you out of your mind?" another voice exclaimed.

"Being Roland's girlfriend is a testament to the good deeds of your ancestors. Unfortunately, your lack of virtue shows you were born without such luck!" someone else said.

These were all women from Daphne's family. Given Daphne's poor health and Roland's refusal to hit women, they took action, careful not to injure Sasha, who was pregnant. They aimed for her face only, using measured force to shame, not harm.

Every slap was accompanied by a curse, a symphony of outrage. Sasha, utterly distressed, wept and pleaded for them to stop.

The onlookers were inexplicably thrilled. This woman, they felt, had deserved it. Startled by the slapping, Isabella instinctively recoiled. Alexander immediately wrapped his arms around her. He heard her murmur, "Do you think she'll feel good being hit since she fell in love with someone who hits her? Could it be that she doesn't like Roland because he never lays a hand on her?"

Alexander burst out laughing. Isabella felt his chest against her back, the rhythm of his heartbeat seeping in. Realizing she was in his embrace, she blushed. She thought, I'm not taking advantage of the situation, desiring to feel his abs and chest. I'm merely worried the saliva from the slaps would splash onto me.

Alexander, momentarily stunned, felt his own face heat up. He tightened his embrace, overwhelmed by her warmth and softness. He wondered if she felt his quickening heartbeat.

The Quirks, distracted by the spectacle, missed their opportunity for a public display of affection. Their eyes remained fixed on the slapping.

After about twenty slaps, Sasha's face was so swollen she could only drool. The women stopped. Yet, she still gazed tearfully at Roland.

Roland furrowed his brows. Frustrated by his past behavior that had made him an easy target for Sasha, he thought, How could I have been so foolish? He said, "You falling in love with someone who bullies you is your own business, and I have no right to criticize. Indulge in your peculiar fetish as you please, but why involve me? It's heartless. Sasha, I'll treat our past as gone to waste."

Sasha, with trembling, swollen lips, turned to look at Ethan, then passed out in tears. No one felt sympathy for her.

Roland immediately called for an ambulance and had the housekeepers pack Sasha's belongings to give to Ethan. Ethan tried to storm off, but Roland's police colleagues and cousins held him back until the ambulance arrived. Sasha and Ethan were both escorted inside. When the nurse inquired about the situation, someone said, "This is the father of the child the woman is carrying."

Ethan glared at Roland, his gaze promising revenge. Roland ignored him. Stephanie, watching Ethan's behavior, felt her heart shatter, regretting her blindness. Selena and the Quirks consoled her, joined later by Alfred, arranged by the troubled Owen. Sasha still carried the Ford family's child, a fact that couldn't be ignored.

Once the troublemakers had left, Daphne approached Roland. "Roland, don't blame me for revealing everything and embarrassing you. I feared your soft heart would continue to be deceived. I had to cut off the connection. Moreover, if I hadn't made it public, and you divorced later, people would criticize our family for treating a pregnant woman poorly. I can't let people speculate you abandoned your wife and child. They wronged you. Embarrassment doesn't matter as long as their true colors are exposed and your innocence is proven! This way, you can still find a good girl in the future."

Roland replied with a wry smile, "Thank you, Mom, for showing me the truth. I was foolish, and any embarrassment I've suffered is well-deserved. If we kept this under wraps, no one would know the misdeeds of that illegitimate child. Our family would hide everything for reputation's sake. That child might even be accepted back into the family. I can't let someone who set you up get away with it."

Seeing Daphne's exhaustion, yet her concern for him, Roland felt heartache. "Mom, I'm sorry, I've let you down. You're hurting more than I am. Don't hold it in. I'm always on your side."

The others only saw Roland nodding in response.

Owen felt awkward, contemplating how to arrange for the guests to leave. Daphne, however, turned to the guests and announced, "Since we have so many people here, I'll take this opportunity to share some news." Her bloodshot eyes stared icily at Owen.

Owen panicked. He tried to step forward, but his son blocked him. "You!" Owen bellowed. Roland remained silent.

Daphne declared firmly, "Owen Ford, today I, Daphne Brown, formally announce my intention to divorce you. Tomorrow, my lawyer will contact you. I will scrutinize every cent you've spent on your mistress and illegitimate child. I will reclaim any marital assets. This mansion is under my name. I demand you leave immediately!"

Owen's face turned ashen. The guests were dumbfounded. What's going on? Was today not a day for weddings but for divorces? One after another Attending today's event was fcking worth it! Full of spectacles! Burp!*