Brandon couldn’t help but laugh. “Would you still like me to be your assistant next time?”
With a weak wave of her hand, Natalie said, “No, Mr. Larson. You’re fired.”
If she allowed Brandon to act as her assistant for a few more days, she was only going to run into more trouble.
It was right about sunset at this time. Brandon glanced at the clock on the wall, and smiled. “Well, it’s time to get off work. My task is done. Let’s go home.”
As soon as Natalie heard the words “get off work”, she felt an immediate surge of energy. After tidying up, she took Brandon’s hand, and the couple made preparations to head home.
As they were deciding what to eat for dinner, a mysterious figure suddenly appeared in front of them.
This took Natalie by surprise. After taking a closer look, she realized that it was Garrett, who she hadn’t seen for a long time.
Garrett’s visage bore the weight of exhaustion, his desolate expression a far cry from the suave and debonair nobleman he once was.
For the first time, Natalie saw him in such a state, gasping in astonishment,
“What’s wrong with you?”
With a feeble attempt at a smile, Garrett replied, “I’m fine.” Brandon crossed his arms and regarded him with indifference. “You can’t torment yourself like this just because your wife and child left you. Who are you trying to impress with this misery?” His eyes shimmering with pain, Garrett murmured, “Yes, they’re not with me, and no one will care about what I look like.”
The memory of the last time, he saw Laney and their baby had grown hazy. To alleviate his pain, Natalie quickly changed the subject. “What brings. you to us today?” Snapping out of his thoughts, he managed a bitter smile. “I wanted to share a meal with you. Do you have time?” Exchanging glances, Natalie and Brandon sighed.
They retreated to an elegant restaurant, reserving the most secluded private room.
As the food arrived, Garrett filled his glass with wine and downed it in one swift motion.
“Laney…” Garrett paused, his voice muffled. “Is she doing well? Are she and our baby happy over there?”
Natalie chose her words carefully before responding, “They’re doing fine. I spoke with her a few days ago, and she said they’re happy there, and your baby is thriving.”
She assumed Garrett would find solace in her words, but, to her surprise, he merely shook his head and released a wry chuckle. Undeterred, he continued to drown his sorrows in several more glasses of wine.
“Garrett, you…” Natalie glanced at Brandon, hoping that as his close friend, he would advise moderation.
But Brandon shook his head, whispering, “Let him release his emotions. He’s been holding them in for too long.”
As a close friend of Garrett’s, Brandon maintained contact with him, staying informed about his situation to some degree.
Ever since Laney had taken their child and left, Garrett had buried his pain beneath an avalanche of work, fearing he might lose control and hurt them if he sought them out.
He never returned to his family home, either.
Ever since Laney’s departure, Garrett found refuge either in his office or the once-promising abode he and Laney had acquired. Despite his parents’ persistent pleas for his return, he stood his ground, unwavering in his refusal.
Their relationship strained, Leo and Vera found themselves in a quandary. They didn’t dare to trouble Laney again, nor did they insist on seeing their granddaughter.
Garrett didn’t cease until the last drop of wine on the table had vanished.
Inebriated, Garrett slumped against the table, eyeing the two friends. “Why are you still so close?”
He laughed bitterly, his sorrow palpable. “If you ever have children, you’ll make wonderful parents. Unlike me—I’m useless, unable to see my wife and daughter.”
Brandon, typically composed, furrowed his brow at Garrett’s anguish. “When do you plan to bring Laney and your baby back?” he inquired.
“Bring them back? Do I even deserve that?” Garrett’s voice cracked, clutching his hair. “Laney wants to divorce me! She asked for a divorce! She doesn’t want me anymore!”
“What?” Both Brandon and Natalie reeled in shock.
“What happened? Did Laney tell you she wants a divorce? Could there be a misunderstanding?” Natalie, perplexed, asked.
She had never heard Laney mention divorce, and her conversations with her suggested she still loved Garrett.
Despair etched on his face, Garrett choked out, “Yesterday, I received a divorce agreement from Laney, along with the wedding ring she returned to me…”
“Laney actually sent over the divorce papers?” Natalie blurted out, incredulous.
She had initially assumed their dispute was a mere conflict, with Laney’s demand for divorce born from a moment of anger. She never expected Laney to actually deliver the papers. It seemed Laney was determined to end the marriage.
Suddenly, Natalie recalled not seeing a ring on Laney’s finger during their recent video call.
Had Laney made up her mind then?
This revelation only deepened Natalie’s confusion.
Throughout their conversation, she had sensed Laney’s lingering love for Garrett. How could she rush into divorce so hastily? Garrett, intent on drowning his sorrows, discovered his bottle was empty. He beckoned the waiter to bring more.
