Chapter 7
Two weeks later, the cooling–off period before divorce finally arrived.
Joyce was finally relieved and began to pack her luggage.
As she was halfway through tidying up, Zander sent an assistant to deliver a custom–made evening gown to her, so that she could attend the banquet at the old mansion.
Looking at that evening gown, Joyce couldn’t help but feel a hint of mockery.
From a legal perspective, their marriage had already ended, but Zander seemed oblivious to this fact and continued to present her as his wife in front of everyone.
Joyce initially wanted to refuse, but upon reflecting on Ruby’s years of care and the fact that she happened to have several documents required for going abroad, she ultimately decided to attend the banquet
In the brilliantly lit and bustling banquet hall, guests raised their glasses and enjoyed themselves, with the fragrance of wine filling the air, drifting amidst the sounds of laughter and joy.
In the midst of the crowd, Elianna was surrounded by a group of high sockery ladies.
They cast envious glances at her, all focusing on the diamond bracelet on her wrist.
“Elianna, Mr. Norton really doted on you.”
“Yeah, that bracelet on your wrist was just acquired from the Leblanc Auction, a globally limited–edition release, symbolizing unparalleled love. I heard earlier that a mysterious tycoon spared no expense to win it, never expected it to be Mr. Norton!”
“So many years have passed, but Mr. Norton still remains infatuated with you. I remember back in school. He would wait for you at the school gate every day. The flowers and small gifts on your desk were all secretly placed by Mr. Norton. There was even a time when you had a disagreement and gave him the silent treatment. He went around seeking advice from others to make you happy again. Oh, you didn’t see how miserable he looked then, with red eyes. Just two days of not talking to you was more unbearable for him than if he had
been killed.”
“Elianna, perhaps no one in this world can match Mr. Norton’s deep affection for you. He knew that you were marrying someone else, and he felt so lost. Later, he heard that you were not happy, so he traveled back and forth every week just to catch a glimpse of you. He showered you with gifts, just to make you smile. Anyway, I can tell that you are now single again, and I can see that Mr. Norton doesn’t have much affection for his current wife. In that case, why don’t you two get back together?”
“That’s right! Together! It was definitely a match made in heaven!”
Amidst a lively chorus of agreement, joyce stood quietly on the side, silently observing everything in front of her.
Listening to the encouragement of the people around her, they were talking about her husband’s deep affection for another person.
“Joyce”
A familiar voice suddenly called out to her.
She turned around and was about to blurt out “mom“, but in an instant, she changed her mind and called out in a respectful tone,
“aunt”
Upon hearing her call like that, Ruby let out a soft sigh and simply instructed someone to hand her the files she needed.
“Joyce, I have already arranged everything for you after you. The school’s opening time has been moved up, and I have already booked the plane ticket. We will depart in two hours. Is there anything else I can help with?”
Joyce couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief in her heart.
As she thought about the upcoming freedom and brand–new life, she became so excited that she couldn’t find the words to express
herself.
Joyce tried to calm herself down, put the documents away, and then shook her head gently.
She gratefully said to Ruby, “Aunt, you have done so much for me, I am truly grateful.”
After a brief pause, she seemed to add in a soft voice, “I have only one small request, if Zander finds out about the details and asks. about my whereabouts, please make sure not to tell him.”
She and Zander would never meet again in this lifetime.
Upon hearing this, Ruby looked at her in surprise and said, “Haven’t you told him yet?”
How should I put it?
Was it said that she pursued him back then for some purpose?
Or is it that over the past three years, her kindness towards him was not genuine, but merely to repay a favor or to comply with Ruby’s wishes, wanting to free him from that painful past?
Is she going to divorce and leave, never to return?
Saying all these things had no meaning.
After all, be already had someone else in his heart,
Joyce smiled and shook her head, “No need, I just wanted to leave early and avoid any unnecessary complications.”
what?”
A male voice suddenly interjected, Joyce turned her head and met Zander’s deep gaze.
Her heart shook, wanting to speak up and explain, but unsure if he had heard anything
Fortunately, Ruby immediately made up for her, “Nothing much, what’s the matter?”
Zander didn’t continue to ask, but just glanced lightly at the cake on the table and said, “Mom, it’s your turn to cut the cake.
Ruby rubbed her temples and declined, “I have a bit of a headache, could you please go and cut it for me?”
After saying that, she ignored them and instructed the servant to help her upstairs.
After watching Ruby slowly walk upstairs, Zander reached out his hand, wanting to hold onto Joyce.
“Let’s go together and divide the cake.”
However, she waved her hand and showed her wrapped palm
“Sorry, my wound hadn’t healed yet, so let Elianna help you instead.”
A touch of surprise flickered in his eyes, as if he was unexpectedly taken aback by her response, and there was a subtle feeling of uncertainty slipping away.
“Why her, of all people?”
It was Joyce’s turn to feel confused.
What is why?
Wasn’t it always him who left himself behind to go find Ellanna?
Over the past three years, he has frequently traveled abroad for Elianna. But now, she voluntarily gives up her position, and he shows an incredulous expression. What on earth is going on?
She gently curled up the corners of her mouth and said, “You two have such a close relationship, a mere cake is not a problem.”
Seeing the smile on her face, he didn’t notice any signs of anger, although he still had doubts in his heart. However, he didn’t say anything more and went straight to Elianna, lowering his head and whispering a few words in her ear.
Elianna’s cheeks turned slightly red as she nodded and walked hand in hand with him to the tront of the stage, where they cut the cake
together.
With the piano melody accompanying them, the two of them cuddled closely. It didn’t look like a birthday celebration, but rather more fitting to say it was a wedding ceremony.
