Belated Awakening

I prepared the divorce agreement.

Ayden did not sign it and avoided the villa for a long time, as if running away.

Every other day without fail, I sent him the divorce agreement.

He still did not sign.

Ayden acted as if he had given up caring.

From then on, his name and Claire's began appearing prominently in various gossip news.

The heir to the Martin Group, known for zero scandals, now had a beautiful confidante by his side.

It became a favorite topic in high society.

No matter the occasion, if Ayden was there, Claire was too.

The news headlines shifted from initial surprised speculation to ambiguous conclusions.

Ayden was in love with his pretty secretary rising in status.

I smiled and turned off the screen.

After that, Sophia sought me out, behaving unusually. "I know you're pushing for divorce because of some little secretary. But you know better than I do what kind of man Ayden is. He carries the entire Martin Group on his shoulders. Some casual flirting outside is normal. As long as it doesn't shake your position, turn a blind eye. It's better for everyone."

Obedience had been my shackle during these five years in the Martin family.

In plain terms, the family needed a compliant and sensible mistress like me.

I smiled and withdrew my hand. "Sophia, I'm tired."

The smile on Sophia's face faded a bit. She only asked me to think it over.

Even if just to bring Ayden back first.

Family reputation mattered more than anything. She wanted me to publicly put out the fire.

I had no choice.

As soon as I entered the private room, the lively atmosphere froze.

Ayden sat in the center, with two buttons of his shirt undone.

Even after knowing him for seven or eight years, I had never seen him look so lazily disheveled.

Claire had some real skill.

Ayden looked up, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

"Hey, the wife is here?" Someone spoke up first.

All eyes focused on me.

Curious, amused, gloating.

Claire let out a soft "ah," her face showing awkwardness and unease. "Mr. Martin, has Miss Fuller misunderstood something... Should I leave first?"

She picked up her handbag and pretended to go, but Ayden grabbed her wrist and pressed her back onto the sofa.

He looked at me with interest. "Why are you here?"

I walked up to him, ignoring the others' gazes. "Sophia sent me. The recent news about you isn't looking good. She hopes you'll be more discreet and come home soon."

Ayden sneered and pulled Claire closer. "Telling me to be discreet. Ella, weren't you the one pushing for divorce just days ago? Now what standing do you have to say these things to me?"

Ayden's words were like ice picks, seemingly trying to pierce my calm.

Unfortunately, he would be disappointed. "Say whatever you want. I've delivered the message. If you want to keep playing, then keep playing. As for the divorce, the agreement is valid anytime."

My indifference seemed to enrage Ayden.

He suddenly swept the glass in front of him to the floor and stood up, walking toward me.

He spoke through gritted teeth. "Ella, it's just casual flirting. But you? Have you really stopped caring at all?"

I met his intense gaze and asked softly. "Ayden, have you ever cared?"

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.