Chapter 707: You’re Blushing

Lily’s voice cut through the silence, “Hello, Bounty. I have something to tell you—Annabelle is back!”

Bounty froze. Annabelle was a nightmare, to her and the entire Augustine family.

After a moment, Bounty managed, “Where is she now?”

“She’s going to file for divorce from your brother today. But Bounty, your brother has been fascinated by her for years. I fear a reconciliation. Please keep an eye on them. I’ll fly over soon.”

“Okay,” Bounty replied, hanging up.

She stowed her phone, returned to her car, and sped toward the Civil Affairs Bureau. She needed to find Annabelle, to confront her, to demand an explanation for her audacity in returning.

Old Mrs. Samantha had two children. The Augustine family had once been prosperous, warm, and harmonious. But after her brother, Alpha, married Annabelle, their family fractured, her life shattered. Thirty years of her brother's life vanished in an instant. Sometimes, Bounty wondered if Annabelle even deserved to exist; if not for her, life would have been so different. Everyone suffered because of Annabelle.

Annabelle emerged from the villa gates, spotting a luxury car on the lawn. Alpha stood beside it, a tall, calm figure, waiting. He nonchalantly smoked a cigarette.

The smoke veiled his features, obscuring his face. Annabelle halted, a vast distance seeming to stretch between them.

As if sensing her gaze, Alpha looked up, his dark eyes fixing on her. Annabelle walked toward him.

Alpha ground out his cigarette under his polished black shoe. “You’re here,” he stated.

“Yes,” Annabelle nodded. “Let’s go.”

She moved to open the back door, but Alpha’s deep voice commanded, “Sit in front.”

Annabelle looked up; the passenger seat was traditionally for a wife. Their current situation made it inappropriate. Yet, Alpha was already behind the wheel, his tone indifferent, “I’m not your driver.”

Annabelle complied, settling into the passenger seat.

The luxurious car glided along the road, the silence heavy. Annabelle remained quiet, Alpha driving intently.

Approaching the Civil Affairs Bureau, Annabelle asked, “Did you bring your ID and household registration book?”

Alpha nodded curtly, “Yes.”

“Your marriage certificate too?”

This time, Alpha reacted, raising an eyebrow. “Do we need a marriage certificate for a divorce?”

“Yes, didn’t… didn’t you bring it? I remember you kept it.”

Alpha’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You have a good memory.”

Annabelle doubted his sincerity. His actions and words were calculated. Ignoring him, she turned to the window. Then, his low, magnetic voice, laced with amusement, asked, “Are you angry?”

“No,” she denied instantly. His large hand cupped her cold cheek. “Don’t be angry, okay?”

His gentle coaxing, tinged with indulgence, brought a blush to her face. It was as if time had rewound; he used to hold her face, tease her, then soothe her.

“Don’t touch me,” Annabelle protested, pushing his hand away.

Alpha didn’t insist, but his gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks. “You’re blushing.”

Annabelle looked at her reflection in the car window, seeing the blush vividly.

“After all these years, you still blush like a little girl?” Alpha chuckled, teasing her.

Annabelle wanted to avoid the topic, but the ghost of his touch remained, echoing a recent dream.

“If you didn’t bring the marriage certificate, we can’t get a divorce today,” she stated.

Alpha frowned, seemingly realizing his mistake. “That’s a pity. I lost it. Threw it away.”

“What?” Annabelle stared, shocked. “You lost our marriage certificate? When?”

“I don’t remember. A long time ago. Around the time you gave birth to Elvis. You wouldn’t let me in, and I lost it in a fit of anger.”

Annabelle was speechless. Finally, she asked, “What do we do now?”

“How about we get a new marriage certificate at the Civil Affairs Bureau first?” Alpha suggested smoothly.

Annabelle was stunned. She’d come to file for divorce. She suspected this was all part of Alpha’s plan. He always operated this way.

Before she could speak, a car suddenly appeared in front of them.

“Alpha, careful!” Annabelle cried out.

The car swerved towards them. Alpha reacted swiftly, jerking the wheel. His forehead slammed against the windshield, but the car stopped. “Alpha, are you alright? You’re injured!” Annabelle leaned over, supporting his head. “Does it hurt?”