Chapter 616

When Elizabeth drove away, Alexander was still standing by the car. He watched as her car sped past him. Elizabeth was driving so fast that he couldn’t even get a clear look at her face. He looked at the bouquet of red roses in the trash can and, for the first time, realized how hard it was to pursue someone.

He thought, How did Elizabeth manage to persist back then? If he had a chance to do it all over again, he really wanted to see things from Elizabeth’s perspective and get to know how she had gotten through all these years. Alexander leaned against the car, staring at the ground, and sighed deeply, feeling utterly helpless. He then turned around and got into his car. He took out a cigarette and lit it.

He didn’t know when it started, but he only felt like smoking when he was upset. Probably because no one was there to stop him anymore. He still remembered that in college, whenever they went out to eat and someone smoked, Elizabeth would frown and move far away. He always teased her for being delicate, saying, “What will you do if your husband smokes after you get married?” Elizabeth would just smile and say, “You won’t smoke.”

Thinking about these things made Alexander’s heart ache. So he didn’t have the courage to think about high school and college anymore. He didn’t know what to do next either. But he knew he had to be a bit shameless.

Elizabeth got home very late. Rose and Declan were waiting to discuss birthday plans with her. “Mom, Dad,” Elizabeth sat down next to the sofa. Declan, munching on snacks, asked, “Are you busy today? Why do you look so worn out?”

Elizabeth looked up, puzzled. She touched her face and sighed lightly. She wasn’t exactly worn out, maybe just a bit annoyed because of Alexander.

“Elizabeth, tomorrow is your father’s birthday. We plan to keep it simple, invite a few friends and family, and have a meal at home. How does that sound?” Rose asked Elizabeth.

Elizabeth nodded immediately. “I can get off work early tomorrow,” Elizabeth said. Being at home would be the best. And she could cook for Declan herself, which would be more convenient and casual at home.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll have it at home. We’ll start dinner at seven o’clock sharp, okay?” Rose smiled at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth nodded. “I’ll come back early to help you.”

“Got it,” Rose said.

Declan listened quietly, not saying a word, but his face was full of happiness. He believed that nothing was more blissful than having his wife and daughter work together for his sake. Elizabeth’s divorce from Alexander was the thing that pleased him the most. And Elizabeth coming back made him the happiest person in the Percy family. He patted Elizabeth on the shoulder and smiled at her. “Elizabeth, no matter how busy work gets, you have to take care of yourself. If you’re tired, take a good rest.”

Feeling Declan’s love, Elizabeth reached out and hugged him, her voice soft. “Dad, I know. With you guys behind me, no matter how busy or tired I am, I’m not afraid.” She nodded.

However, she suddenly thought of what Alexander had said. “Alexander might come to Dad’s birthday tomorrow night,” Elizabeth told them.

Rose and Declan were stunned and clearly a bit surprised. “If Alexander comes, what should we do?” Elizabeth asked them.