Chapter 449
Chapter 449
“Do you believe her?” I pressed on, though the real question I wanted to ask was buried far deeper. I had seen the craziness of both Russel and Neil in my past life.
What I feared most was that Russel had some dark secret with Karina because of me. that was the case, I wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Russel moved closer to me; his gaze lowered onto mine. His skin was pale and flawless, his features cool and refined. There was a deep gentleness in his eyes that seemed genuine. His voice was low yet soothing, “Why would I believe her? I only believe in you. So can you stop pushing me away?” At that moment, little Brandon in his arms let out a giggle; his baby voice sounded incredibly cute.
“It seems he agrees. What about Serena?” Russel turned his head to Serena in my arms.
He was deliberately changing the subject, not wishing to hear my response.
Serena was behaving at that moment. It seemed that after being held by Neil for a while, her needs were satisfied. She was in a good mood, gnawing on her little hand and occasionally letting out a giggle.
“Let’s talk about it later.” My mind was in a whirl, unable to think about these things, so I casually replied.
But my casual remark seemed to relieve Russel; the usually cold and aloof man now resembled a nervous little boy. The calm facade he was trying to maintain crumbled, revealing a more relaxed expression.
“Okay.” He bent down to give Brandon a kiss.
2
Three days later, I got a call from Stella.
I thought that after Ariana’s dismissal, she and Mitch could have an honest conversation and give Mitch another chance. But to my surprise, she was saying goodbye. “Mitch and I have decided to divorce. After the paperwork, I’m taking the children back to Rosemont.”
“What?” I was taken aback, unable to comprehend, “Divorce? Mitch agreed to divorce?”
“Yes, we talked for a couple of days and decided it’s best not to continue. There’s a thorn in our hearts that leads to fights. There’s no point.” Stella’s tone was seemingly relaxed, but I knew she was suffering. She had invested so much into this marriage.
“Stella, Mitch didn’t sleep with Ariana, nor did they have a clear affair. Are you sure about this?” I tried to persuade her, knowing how precious marriage was. Unless there was a fundamental issue, one should think twice.
Stella gave a bitter laugh. “Rena, I’m not you; I can’t tolerate it.”
I fell silent. When I was with Neil and was facing his endless scandals, I never thought of divorce. Even when Stella advised me to have some dignity, I couldn’t do it.
After all these years, I hadn’t changed. Deep down, I wasn’t as independent as I seemed. Emotionally, I was always dependent on others.
But Stella was different. She couldn’t tolerate the slightest sand in her eyes. If Mitch did something to upset her, he would have to pay the price. And Mitch’s price was a broken family.
“Okay, Stella. As long as you feel happy, that’s all that matters. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.” I refrained from saying anything else. Just like how Stella had supported my decisions, I
chose to support her.
After a while, Stella hung up the phone. She and Mitch would return to Rosemont in a few days to handle the divorce, and divide up their assets. When I told Alicia and Barbara the news, their reaction was similar to mine. But in the end, they chose to support Stella.
Sometimes when trust was lost, it was replaced with endless suspicion. Forcing to continue would only bring back the pain. Regardless, Stella and Mitch’s love story and marriage left me with a sense of regret.
That’s when I received a message from Stella. [By the way, Mitch and I plan to have a farewell dinner before we leave. Can you join us? I fear I can’t handle it alone.]
I paused for a few seconds before replying. [Okay.]
Stella and Mitch’s farewell dinner was set in an Italian restaurant. If I remember correctly, Stella really enjoyed the cuisine. I used to accompany her for Italian meals.
When I arrived, they were already waiting for me. A baby stroller was placed next to Stella, and little Yara was sleeping inside.
“Rena, you’re here!” Stella’s face lit up at my arrival
Mitch gave me a glance but didn’t say anything. His gaze lingered on Yara and occasionally shifted to Stella.
I could see the reluctance in his eyes for Stella/and their children. I didn’t understand how they agreed to divorce.
As Stella and I sat on one side, Mitch sat alone on the other. I thought it would be just the three of us, but then Neil appeared. He looked slightly surprised when he saw me,
“Neil.” Mitch waved at Neil.
Neil walked over and sat down next to Mitch.
We were sitting face to face. The moment our eyes met, I felt a bit awkward.
Neil casually shifted his gaze and asked in a deep voice, “You two have really decided to divorce?”
“Yes, we have. We’ve discussed it. Stella answered crisply, without any hesitation.
Mitch, however, didn’t say a word, just kept drinking his water, not looking at anyone.
I had a hunch. He didn’t want a divorce. He just couldn’t convince Stella to forgive him.
“What about you?” Neil threw the question at Mitch, with a pressure that demanded an answer.
“1…” Mitch hesitated, finally raising his gaze to meet Stella’s before quickly averting his eyes, “I don’t know.”
This idiot!
I was at a loss for words. If he didn’t want a divorce, he should express his determination.
Mitch used to be so confident when flirting with girls, but now he couldn’t even find the words to speak.
Stella’s eyes dimmed noticeably upon hearing Mitch’s response. She turned to gaze at Yara in her stroller, her thoughts unreadable.
“You don’t know about this?” Neil seemed equally irked by Mitch’s foolishness. He frowned, “What’s the purpose of inviting me here today?”
Neil rarely spoke to Mitch in such a tone, akin to a boss questioning a subordinate. Though his voice was not raised, it was filled with sternness. Mitch’s face crumpled, a battle of emotions evident. After mulling over it for a while, he finally whispered, “I don’t want a divorce.”
