Chapter 10

Alexander was stunned by Elizabeth’s response. She was closest to Lily, who treated her like a granddaughter. Anytime he messed up, Lily was the first to defend her.

“Elizabeth, the whole thing with you pushing Esme into the water is ancient history,” he said, frowning but trying to keep his tone calm.

“What do you mean ‘ancient history’?” Elizabeth snapped back. “By saying that, you’re basically saying I did push her.”

Alexander didn’t want to argue anymore, his eyes showing his frustration.

“Can you stop making a scene?”

Elizabeth looked at him, her eyes slowly filling with disappointment. He still thought she was just throwing a fit.

Elizabeth lowered her head, gave a wry smile, and said, “In all these years of marriage, except for when I was immature at the beginning, how many times have you seen me make a fuss?”

“You said you wouldn’t coddle me. I get that.”

“What am I fussing about? And who am I making a fuss for?” Elizabeth said calmly while putting on her shoes.

“If I were Esme, I’d definitely cling to you and make a big scene.” Her eyes curved into a smile, bright but hiding endless bitterness. But she wasn’t Esme, so she didn’t have that privilege.

Alexander’s throat tightened, but he said nothing.

“When you have some free time, give me a call. We’ll go to the City Clerk’s Office to get the divorce papers.”

She wasn’t the Elizabeth who would cry and beg him to stay anymore. This time, she was really letting go. Alexander’s brow furrowed, his heart aching.

“Elizabeth, Grandma’s health isn’t good. Let’s not tell her about our divorce for now,”

Elizabeth interrupted, “By the way, do you remember the ring I gave you three years ago?”

Alexander was taken aback. Seeing his reaction, Elizabeth knew he didn’t remember.

“The gifts you gave me are all in the third drawer of the study,” Alexander said.

“For the divorce, I don’t want anything except that ring. I’ll swing by the villa, grab my stuff, and be out.”

Chapter 10

Alexander instinctively grabbed her hand, watching her handle everything so methodically. A surge of anger bubbled up inside him. “In a rush to get divorced, are we?”

Elizabeth laughed. “Absolutely. Plenty of guys out there waiting for me,” she said, eyes twinkling. Doesn’t Alexander want to marry his beloved ASAP too? she thought.

Alexander’s face twisted, a chill creeping over him as he tightened his grip on her hand. Elizabeth winced; he was squeezing her wound, and it hurt. The car’s atmosphere grew tense.

Alexander stared at her, blurting out, “Have you fallen for someone else?”

The question threw Elizabeth for a second, but she quickly recovered. She leaned in, her breath brushing his face, eyes locked on his.

“Mr. Tudor, as my ex-husband, isn’t that a bit much to ask?”

Alexander opened his mouth, but her words shut him up. The titles “Mr. Tudor” and “ex-husband” stung more than he expected.

Elizabeth pulled her hand free, opened the car door, and stepped out. Facing the drizzle, her smile slowly disappeared. She waved goodbye, turning her back to him. The car’s headlights lit up her slim figure, making her look fragile. Alexander gripped the steering wheel. Elizabeth wasn’t clinging to him anymore. Weirdly, he didn’t feel any relief. Instead, it felt like something was slipping away, making him anxious and irritable.

Elizabeth got home at eleven. Declan and Rose were still up. When Elizabeth walked in, Rose waved, “Hey, you’re back!”

“How was your night?” Declan asked.

Elizabeth paused, looking at them on the couch. Her empty heart suddenly felt full. She walked over, squeezed between them, and hugged them like a kid.

“I was so immature before. I’m sorry.”

Chapter 10

Declan’s smile faded, feeling a weight in his chest.

“Why are you apologizing? Parents don’t blame their own kid.”

Elizabeth’s wild emotions calmed down, and she leaned into his embrace, just like when she was little.

“Tell me what happened at the party today,” Declan said, ready to listen.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and started recounting the events,

“You saved Mr. Stewart?” Declan was shocked.

“Yeah.”

“And you met his son too?”

“Yeah.”

Declan burst out laughing. “My daughter’s a genius! But don’t let Grandma find out, or she’ll whisk you away to med school!”

“When are you gonna take over your dad’s company?”

“Dad, not this again.”

Elizabeth stood up and made a quick exit. Declan called after her, “Sweetheart, the best way to forget pain is to stay busy! I’m not just pushing you to take over the family business. I’m helping you move on!”

“I’ve got a dinner meeting tomorrow night. Why don’t you go instead?” Declan suggested.

“Dad,” Elizabeth snapped. She stormed back to her room, face red with anger.

She climbed into bed and had just picked up her phone when a text from Felix popped up.

“Boss, did you get the ring? Can’t wait to go all out with you!”

Elizabeth replied, “I’ll get it tomorrow. Meet at Hidden Camp at noon.”

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