Chapter 3
1002 Words
William froze, just as he was about to speak.
Evelyn had already taken the dress and was dragging him towards the fitting room.
The wait felt a little stuffy, so I stepped out for some air.
When I returned, William had also changed into a suit that matched the dress.
At this moment, Evelyn was holding his arm obediently. They looked like a couple about to walk down the aisle. Even the salesperson beside them sighed, saying they were a perfect match.
I didn't miss the flicker of realization in William's eyes when he heard this. If Evelyn hadn't cruelly abandoned him to study acting abroad, she would be William's wife now.
When they were together, how many people praised them as a golden couple, a perfect match? So, William must also regret choosing me in his youth, regretting not marrying Evelyn.
I let out an inaudible chuckle. When I looked up again, my eyes met William's. In an instant, a rare look of panic appeared in his eyes.
"Isabel, don't misunderstand. There was just a matching suit, so I tried it on. It's also preparation for the company's promotion." William shook off Evelyn's arm and walked quickly towards me.
I took a step back, avoiding his approach.
"I understand," I said with a polite smile.
With that, I turned and walked out. "Since the clothes have been chosen, I'll go back first."
"I'll take you. Our house is quite far from here." William caught up and grabbed my arm.
"No need, I can take a taxi. Mr. Moore, don't forget, you're about to start building momentum for your couple. It wouldn't be good to have a scandal now."
He and I had a hidden marriage; in the eyes of the public, we were strangers. Now it seemed that it had saved me a lot of trouble in getting a divorce.
William wouldn't let go of my hand until Evelyn whined, "I can't go back alone. I'll be chased by fans."
The force on my hand disappeared. William explained somewhat urgently, "Isabel, go back first. I'll be home early tonight."
It was the expected outcome. I didn't stay any longer.
I took a taxi to pick up the divorce agreement that had already been prepared. I spent the afternoon packing my things.
Sitting on the sofa, I waited one last time. He kept his word this time and came home before work was over. He even brought a bouquet of my favorite roses.
*****
I took the roses and put them aside. I took out the divorce agreement from behind me and placed it on the table. "Let's get a divorce. I don't want what doesn't belong to me. Let's split the savings 40/60. Consider it compensation for all my years of hard work in the Moore family."
William's eyes darkened. He read the agreement over and over again in disbelief.
He choked out a few words, "Are you trying to play hard to get?"
His eyes swept over the pile of luggage I had piled up in the living room.
He laughed angrily. "Isabella, have I been too good to you these past few days? Threatening me with divorce is too childish."
I frowned and corrected him word for word, "It's not a threat. It's the result of careful consideration."
"Don't pretend, Isabella. This kind of trick will only disgust me. I won't argue with you this time. Think about it carefully." With that, he took his car keys and went out, kicking the roses hard before leaving. The rose-red petals scattered all over the floor.
I was silent for a moment. I picked up the bouquet and threw it in the trash. Then I waited for the moving truck I had booked to arrive.
In the following weeks, there was a noticeable increase in messages from William. He would often share various things with me, along with a hint of ingratiation. He never mentioned the divorce I had brought up. Whenever I brought it up, he would disappear.
I didn't want to drag things out with him any longer, so I decided to ask him to meet. He probably thought I wanted to reconcile with him because his voice was cheerful. "I have a surprise for you tomorrow."
William asked me to meet him at a restaurant. There were many familiar company employees in the private room. But in their eyes, I was probably more like William's pursuer, always on call and occasionally delivering meals and warmth.
Ignoring their gazes, I found a corner to sit in and watched Evelyn chattering and fooling around with them. Occasionally, I would hear them call her "Boss' wife". She would smile without denying it as if she was admitting it. She looked at me with an apologetic smile but didn't explain.
I suddenly became curious. He had called so many people. What exactly was the surprise that William was talking about?
At this moment, William arrived late. When he saw me, he wanted to come over, but Evelyn grabbed his hand and stopped him.
This ambiguous move immediately caused the colleagues in the private room to jeer. Coupled with the fact that their couple hype had been intensifying recently, someone boldly asked, "Mr. Moore, can you fulfill the fans' dream today?"
"Yes, yes, you are both good-looking. Such a perfect match. At least give her a hug!" The voices grew louder and louder. Evelyn shyly moved closer to him, looking at him with moist eyes. William seemed to subconsciously place his hand on her waist.
Seeing that the two were about to hug, everyone held their breath in excitement. Someone couldn't hold back their excitement and whistled and cheered.
Only then did William seem to wake up from a dream. He looked at me abruptly, his lips trembling. My hand, which was holding a sunflower seed, paused. I met his gaze directly and said with a chuckle, "How boring would a hug be? Why not a French kiss? What do you guys think?"
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