Chapter 3

Leroy didn’t leave many belongings at Scarlett’s place. Since her recovery, he had been occupied at work and rarely returned home. Later, he took all his daily clothes and essentials to the assigned hostel near the hospital. Hence, he didn’t need to pack much and headed straight home.

“You’re finally home! I missed you so much!” He was welcomed by his elated parents. His mother, Olivia Hersey, embraced him emotionally. “Roy, you’re…”

The sight of his parents, whose hair had turned white, rendered Leroy emotional. Why did they seem to age so rapidly?

Olivia wiped her tears away and asked, “Are you hungry? Let me cook for you. Also, where’s Lettie? How’s she been lately?”

At the mention of Scarlett, Leroy stayed quiet briefly. “Scarlett and I are getting a divorce.”

Olivia was startled. “It’s normal for couples to fight; it’s not something unfixable. You two should apologize to each other and move on.”

His voice was hoarse. “She suggested it.”

She sighed deeply, looking sorry for her son. “Well, I guess it’s about time. Back then, you two married because you wanted to treat your father. Now that you’ve treated her legs and looked after her for years, I suppose you’ve repaid her enough.”

“Truth be told, I’ve always felt guilty for making you sacrifice your happiness.”

Leroy suddenly froze. In the past, he would swallow every grievance and pain he endured without asking for help. But now that his mother gazed at him with empathy and care, he couldn’t help but crumble into vulnerability.

His voice choked up. “Mom, I didn’t marry her simply because of Dad. I had feelings for Scarlett, too. You shouldn’t feel this way.”

That year, at the orientation party, Scarlett donned a white dress and stunned everyone present. Perhaps that was the exact moment she made a lasting impression on his heart.

Thus, later, he changed his major to medicine for her, and for the sake of the contract, he diligently took care of her for the next seven years.

All that happened because of one simple moment—the second he fell for her.

Leroy smiled wryly. Seeing his dejected look, Olivia couldn’t help but shed tears and embrace her son.

“You’re a good son, Roy. I’m sorry to have put you through hardships. Your dad and I have opened a store and can fend for ourselves now. From now on, follow your heart and do what you want to do.”

After Leroy settled back home, he applied for a long leave at the hospital to spend more time with his parents.

The next day, he awoke and was immediately summoned by Olivia to the living room. “Leroy, do you still remember the girl next door, Eve? She’s always had a thing for you. Now that you’re single, you two can finally get to know each other.”

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Leroy headed to the door and burst into a bitter smile. “Mom, I’m still a married man. Aren’t you afraid to smear the innocent girl’s name?”

Olivia glared at him, rebuking, “Nonsense. Didn’t you say you’ve signed the divorce agreement?”

He continued, “Since you’re divorced, you might as well set up a meeting with her. If she’s not your cup of tea, you can still be friends with her.”

Leroy turned to the opening door. Standing outside was Grace Farmer, Scarlett’s best friend and secretary.

“Long time no see!” Grace smiled brightly.

Before Leroy could say anything, Olivia excitedly exclaimed, “Are you a friend of Leroy’s?”

Grace refused with a smile. “It’s alright, Mrs. Olson. Dr. Olson and I will be stepping out to talk about something.”

Grace led Leroy down the building and found a cafe. There, she pulled out a document listing all the terms outlined in the contract, as well as the compensation for Scarlett’s early termination of the agreement.

“There’s a supplementary contract including an additional compensation. Everything totals up to about $10 million.”

He understood Scarlett had always been generous. Although they’d struck a mutually beneficial relationship, he didn’t expect her to offer him additional compensation. Upon seeing the figure on the paper, Leroy began feeling an emotional turmoil again.

Grace, skeptical after seeing his stiff expression, asked, “Are you sure you want to give up on her?”

Trusting the firmness in his heart, he picked up the pen and signed the document.

Grace was taken aback. She truly didn’t expect him to be this gracious and composed.

Later, she lost herself in thought, eventually saying, “At least she’s generous to you. You won’t have to worry about money ever again.”

She and Leroy then parted ways. She’s doing all this because she wants her man back. She’d often noted Scarlett for having a man who gave his everything to her. That was something she knew was a fact from the beginning.

Chapter 4

Well, to her surprise, Scarlett acted decisively, filed for a divorce, and chose to long for someone who abandoned her while she was at her lowest. When that person returned, she even deserted her companion of seven years for him.

Retrieving the signed document, Grace let out a sigh and told Leroy to take care of himself before leaving the cafe. Once she entered her car, she dialed Scarlett’s number after much consideration.

“Lettie, I heard your ex-mother-in-law is arranging a blind date for Leroy. Are you sure you want a divorce?”

The receiver stayed silent momentarily before coldly saying, “We’re divorced. He can see whoever he wants for all I care. Besides, I already have Cedric. So, please refrain from updating me about his life from now on. I have no interest in it and do not want Cedric to misunderstand us.”

Her words caught Grace off guard. For some reason, she found Scarlett’s tone rather strange.

Thus, she jokingly probed, “Is that so? Does that mean I can start pursuing him? I’ll be honest—he’s actually my type. He’s so hot and gentle, and he was so good to you. A doctor is hella busy, yet he came home every day to look after you. Seriously, if he wasn’t so smitten with you, I would’ve pursued him. But then again, you said you’ve always liked Cedric and Cedric only… You wouldn’t call this breaking the girl’s code, would you?”

This time, Scarlett stayed silent for so long that Grace thought she had ended the call. “Scar—”

“Do what you want.” Scarlett interrupted and immediately hung up, leaving Grace no chance to respond.

Grace chuckled helplessly, shaking her head and keeping her phone.

In the meantime, Scarlett sat on the edge of her bed and stared at her incoming call, feeling a sudden thirst. Usually, at this hour, Leroy would’ve prepared a cup of passion fruit tea, her favorite, by the bed. Instead, what lay on her nightstand was a bunch of tangled charging cables. A wave of frustration slowly engulfed her.