The Billionaire's Divorced Wife

Chapter five

After spending a few hours out with Emily to clear her head, they finally returned home, with Cara having mixed feelings—joy, sadness, and a hint of relief. Although she felt much better after the parties and all the awesome continental meals they explored in expensive restaurants together, the thought of the divorce still stung.

As she settled on the sofa in the bedroom given to her by Emily, Cara absentmindedly turned off airplane mode on her phone, expecting to find a few missed calls and text messages. What she didn't expect were the multiple missed calls and unread messages from a familiar number.

Curious, Cara opened the messages and her eyes widened in surprise as she read the heartfelt apologies from Derrick's grandfather, Maximilian. The messages were filled with regret and pleas for Cara to come to his villa so they could talk.

Feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity, Cara hesitated for a moment before steeling herself and deciding to call the number back. The phone rang a few times before Maximilian answered.

"Hello?" Maximilian's voice was gruff but filled with a hint of anticipation.

"Hello, Grandpa Max. This is Cara," she said, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity.

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Maximilian spoke. "Cara, my dear. I'm so glad you called. I wanted to talk to you about what my grandson has done. Dearest, I'm deeply sorry about everything he's done to you. I didn't know you've been having such a hard time and I have been oblivious to the situation this whole time. Please, forgive me and come to my villa whenever you see fit, let us talk.”

Cara listened as Maximilian expressed his apologies and regret for his grandson's actions, his words filled with sincerity and remorse.

“Perhaps…this is all my fault. Maybe I shouldn't have pressured him into getting married two years ago. It's all my fault that you're going through this…” his hoarse voice shook, almost as if he was on the brink of tears.

Despite the anger she still felt towards Derrick, Cara couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the old man.

"Mr. Maximilian, I appreciate your apologies, but my mind is made up. I don't want to go back to that marriage. I guess it was doomed to fail from the start. After finding out that he was seeing another woman, I was deeply hurt. Your grandson never loved or held any regard for me…Sir.” Cara said firmly. "I want to move on from this chapter of my life."

There was a pause on the other end before Maximilian spoke again, his voice heavy with disappointment. "I understand, Cara. I respect your decision. But I hope you understand that I am against his actions."

Cara felt a pang of sadness at Maximilian's words. She knew that he had been supportive of their marriage from the beginning, and hearing the pain in his voice only deepened her agony.

"Thank you, Mr. Maximilian. I wish you and your grandson all the best," Cara said politely.

"Thank you, Cara. And if you ever change your mind, know that my door is always open to you," Maximilian said earnestly.

“I appreciate your concern, Sir, but I don't think I'll ever change my mind. I've thought hard about everything, and I've ultimately decided to put my happiness first.”

Cara acknowledged him once more before ending the call, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She knew that turning down Maximilian's offer to talk meant closing the door on that chapter of her life for good, but she also knew that it was the right decision for her well-being.

Just then, Emily walked in with a tray of cookies. She was a food lover and would spend most of her free time munching on something. She also loved to cook and made delicious meals to keep Cara happy.

“That smells delicious.” Cara complimented as she took a cookie from the tray.

“You know I never miss a chance to try out a new recipe. Who was that on the phone just now?” She questioned, taking a big bite of a cookie.

Cara sighed deeply. “It was Derrick's grandfather.”

“Sir Max?”

Cara nodded. “He found out about the divorce and he was furious. I guess Derrick wasted no time to tell him about it.”

Emily grimaced in annoyance. “I'm pretty sure he already introduced that woman to him. He's so shameless!”

“I suppose so. I feel bad for Grandpa Max. He doesn't support any of this, and he wanted me back, but…I just had to turn down the offer.”

“You did the right thing. Don't let anyone guilt trap you. I know Derrick's grandfather looks out for you, but Derrick himself doesn't care about you at all. The divorce is best for everyone.”

Cara agreed with a slight nod and walked to the window.

“In the meantime, I might as well look for a job. I can't keep bothering you like this.”

Emily frowned.

“You're not bothering me, silly! We've discussed this before. You can stay as long as you want. No need to rush.”

Cara beamed and the duo hugged warmly.

“What on earth would I do without you, Emily?”

“Well, you won't have to find out, 'cause I'll always be here if you need me.” She grinned proudly.

Just then, Cara's phone buzzed unexpectedly, startling the pair. She looked at the caller ID and was shocked to see who it was.

“Derrick?!” she and Emily chorused, surprised.

Quickly, she picked up the call and Emily signaled her to turn on the speaker.

“What do you want from me, Derrick? You have no business calling me.” Cara's voice was tinged with anger, and to her surprise, he merely chuckled coldly.

“You're right about that. I have no reason to call you, but I believe you have in your possession something of mine.”

Cara clenched her jaw tightly. Hearing his voice only served to aggravate her even more.

“And what might that be?”

“The VIP card I gave you. I want it back.”

Cara was deeply annoyed, but she fought hard to suppress it, and the urge to scream at him over the phone.

“Fine. I'll give it back to you tomorrow.”

When Derrick ended the call, he placed the phone on the table beside him as Valerie, seated by his side, caressed his partly exposed chest.

“Babe, why do you have to tell her that? She doesn't have to come here, you could simply block her access to the card, you know.”

Derrick chuckled deeply.

“I know, Baby. But I want to see the look on her face when she sees us together, don't you?” He turned to face her with a proud grin.

Valerie thought for a moment and smiled mischievously.

“Oh yes, babe. That's brilliant. I will surely make fun of her.”