In the eyes of many, she was the epitome of perfection–good–looking, from a well–off family, and highly capable at work.[]
Ryan suddenly recalled that the day after their wedding was his birthday. As a matter of courtesy, she’d made him a cream cake with her own hands. It didn’t look great, and the taste wasn’t fantastic either, but for some inexplicable reason, he’d devoured every crumb.
Sophia waved her hand in front of Ryan, who was lost in thought, and gave his arm a little shake.[]
“Hello? Earth to Ryan? You’ve been zoning out for like five minutes.“]
Ryan snapped out of his daze. The moment he looked up, their eyes met as Aria walked through the mansion gate.
Sophia rolled her eyes dramatically, even her white dress made her look stunning today, and Ryan, dressed in a sharp suit, looked equally dashing.
Were they planning to handle the divorce and marriage in one go? Aria thought, but then again, she felt it was none of her business.]]
She simply said flatly, “Hand it over“, as holding out her hand, wanting to complete this transaction as quickly and painlessly as possible.]
A strange, indescribable heaviness welled up inside Ryan. He suddenly felt a strong urge not to go through with the divorce. He chalked up this odd hesitation to the fact that, after all these years together, he’d never truly had her. They hadn’t even shared a real kiss.
5.0
“How long are you going to stay faithful to that dead guy?” Ryan asked, getting angrier by the second, his words laced with sarcasm and arrogant self–righteousness.
“If you beg me on your knees and promise to be nice to Sophia and her kid, I might consider not divorcing you, and you can keep being the esteemed Mrs. Morgan.”
Hearing this, Sophia felt a pang of unease. She glared at Aria with venomous eyes, as if she wanted to tear her to pieces.
Instead, Aria ignored Marcus’s ridiculous words, took the decree from the servant, and turned to leave. The more nonchalant she seemed, the heavier that sinking feeling in Ryan’s chest became.[]
“You’d better not regret this. Don’t come crawling back to me in tears when no one else wants you,” he snarled, his face dark with anger.
Aria didn’t respond. She just strode towards the gate, feeling as if a huge weight that had been crushing her for ages had finally lifted.]
From now on, she didn’t want to be tied down by anyone. She was going to break free from all her shackles and live for herself.
As she walked away, Sophia could barely contain her triumphant smile.[]
After today, she could become Mrs. Morgan in name and enjoy a life of luxury.[]
“Ryan, let’s go get the paperwork done…” she purred, tugging at his sleeve.[]
Hearing Sophia’s cooing behind her, Aria thought to herself how accurate her sixth sense was. Sophia was just about to urge Ryan on when he suddenly turned and went back into the house without a word, leaving her standing alone on the steps.[]
Now that none of this concerned her, Aria felt a bit amused, like she was watching a show from a safe distance. She had no interest in their drama and just stood at the gate, waiting to hail a cap.
Sophia, however, wasn’t ready to let her go. She suddenly yelled out at her back, her voice carrying across the lawn.[]
“Aria, even though you’re now damaged goods and nobody wants you, but if you need help, I could introduce you to my crippled uncle. He probably wouldn’t mind your situation!“]
Arla couldn’t even be bothered to give her a glance, moving several steps further away. Sophia’s pettiness was as predictable as it was pathetic.[]
No one noticed the silver Rolls–Royce that had stopped at the curb, its engine purring quietly.[]
The window slowly lowered, revealing a tall, striking man sitting inside.[]
Shadows fell across his face, outlining handsome features she thought she’d never see again.[]
A hoarse, deep voice carried from inside with an enigmatic quality:
