Chapter 1 Divorce
"Did you hear? Master Edmond's first love, Fiona, is back!"
"Shh! Stop talking, Mrs. Rogers is coming!"
As Yvonne Rogers entered the grand hall of the Rogers manor, the first thing she saw was the two people leaning close together.
The man was strikingly handsome, the warm yellow light of the hall softening his sharp features, adding a touch of gentleness.
He was listening intently to the woman, who was laughing and chatting animatedly. His usually cold eyes now glowed with warmth, like stars in the galaxy.
Fiona Stone was wearing a strapless white chiffon dress, her flaxen hair falling over her shoulders in a cascade of curls as she leaned delicately against Edmond.
They looked perfect together.
If only the man wasn't her husband.
Yvonne's eyes narrowed slightly as she gracefully stepped forward.
"Edmond."
Edmond's brow lifted slightly. "You're late."
Yvonne curled her lips, her gaze mockingly sweeping over Fiona. "Well, you got company anyway."
Edmond's brow furrowed, a hint of displeasure flickering in his eyes.
"Ms. Hall, I assume. You're as stunning as they say, a perfect match for Edmond," Fiona said with a smile, breaking the sudden tension. "After all these years, Edmond's taste hasn't changed a bit."
Yvonne looked at the face that bore a faint resemblance to her own and smiled faintly.
How boring.
She mischievously stepped forward and intimately linked her arm with Edmond's, her gaze cool.
"That's not right, Ms. Stone. It's true that people tend to reminisce about the past, but eventually, they all move forward."
As soon as she finished speaking, Fiona's expression stiffened for a moment.
But she quickly recovered, forcing a smile as she gently tugged at Edmond's arm. "Well, Edmond, you'll have to spend more time with me so I can see how you've changed over the years."
Edmond's eyes lowered slightly, and he gently pulled his arm away from Fiona's grasp.
"Fiona just returned to the country. I'm just looking out for her."
'Looking out for her?'
Yvonne's lips curved into a faint smile, but her fingers gripping Edmond's arm trembled imperceptibly.
Of course, he should look out for her. Fiona was the one who held his heart.
And she? She was just a contractual wife.
She smiled as she softly agreed, "Of course."
Laura Rogers's birthday banquet began, and Laura beamed as she led Fiona onto the stage.
"Everyone, today is not only my birthday but also the day my goddaughter Fiona has returned home."
Her gaze was mocking. "Fiona, like my son, Edmond, is a top graduate from Eldoria University. In today's world, such an outstanding and gentle woman is rare. It's a pity that my father-in-law didn't agree back then. Oh, Fiona, you and Edmond were meant to be. But after that..."
Fiona lowered her eyes shyly, as if on cue. "Godmom, let's not talk about it. It might cause trouble for Edmond."
The room immediately buzzed with whispers, and mocking, pitying glances were cast toward Yvonne.
A hint of amusement flickered in Edmond's eyes as he glanced sideways at Yvonne.
Although their marriage was nothing more than a contractual arrangement to fulfill his Grandpa's dying wish, Edmond couldn't help but want to see a trace of jealousy on that cold face.
Yet the woman, with her understated makeup, simply smiled politely, her gaze clear and unbothered.
As if none of this had anything to do with her.
Edmond's brow furrowed instantly.
Just as Yvonne felt the weight of his gaze on her, her phone vibrated.
The next moment, her calm and composed amber eyes lit up with wild joy.
"Boss, we've found a new bone marrow match for your mother."
Yvonne struggled to suppress the trembling in her fingers as she quickly replied.
The reason she had agreed to the contractual marriage with Edmond was because his bone marrow was a match for her mother.
However, due to his health condition, he couldn't donate. Thus, Yvonne had pinned her hopes on having a child with his bloodline to find a match for her mother.
Two years had passed, and besides Edmond, she had never expected to encounter a second miracle.
"Yvonne."
The low call pulled her back to reality, and Yvonne instinctively looked up at the frowning man across from her.
Edmond's face carried a faint impatience, as usual.
Yvonne suddenly let out a soft laugh, her gaze fixed on his face.
"I have something to take care of. I'll be going now."
With that, she walked confidently toward the door under everyone's gaze.
Edmond was stunned, his hand tightening around his wine glass.
He had been too lenient with her these past two years!
He had already explained to her the situation between him and Fiona. What was she still upset about?
The ride back to the villa was silent.
Edmond coldly glanced at Yvonne, who was still on her phone, before heading into the bedroom.
After washing away the annoying smell of alcohol, he noticed that Yvonne hadn't returned to her room as usual.
Edmond's brow lifted slightly, a hint of pleasure in his eyes.
"Are you jealous? Fiona is like a sister to me. If you're going to bring this up, don't bother."
Yvonne shook her head with a smile, pulling out a stack of pre-drafted documents.
"Mr. Rogers, you're overthinking it. I have no interest in your personal affairs. It's just that the time is up, and you should sign these as soon as possible."
When Edmond saw the title of the document, his breath hitched, and his eyes turned sharp.
The cold words "Divorce Agreement" were printed clearly.
"Yvonne! Don't push me!"
Edmond sneered, his long, bony fingers gripping her delicate chin tightly. "Do you think divorcing me will get my attention? Don't forget your place!"
Edmond's grip was strong, and Yvonne's chin ached from the pressure.
But compared to the pain in her heart, it was nothing.
Yvonne raised her head slightly, her gaze steady. "Exactly because I know my place, now that the time is up, we should get a divorce. As compensation for these two years of playing my role, Mr. Rogers, ten million will suffice."
Edmond's thin lips pressed, his eyes a mix of confusion and anger.
Yvonne pursed her lips, suppressing the trembling in her fingers as she signed her name in the right corner of the bottom.
"I'll move out tomorrow. Please transfer the money to my account promptly."
With that, she stood up without a hint of hesitation and walked out of the room.
"Wait."
Edmond's voice was dark and cold. "There's still a part of our agreement that hasn't been fulfilled."
Yvonne paused but didn't turn around.
"It's no longer necessary."
As she walked away resolutely, that inexplicable frustration once again took hold of Edmond's mind.
He threw the stack of documents onto the floor and leaned back against the headboard, closing his eyes.
Two years... Already? That was so fast.