Chapter 7

Autumn, though reluctant to discuss her personal life, briefly explained to a worried Yvonne, “We’re already divorced.”

Yvonne was astonished. “You’re divorced? But you loved him so much…”

Autumn calmly replied, “Yes, we’re divorced.” Yvonne quickly accepted the news, understanding Autumn’s decision. Damien simply didn’t love Autumn; his inconsistent behavior needed no further explanation.

Yvonne hesitantly asked, “…Will Mr. Caldwell marry Ms. Mason?” Immediately regretting her forwardness, she apologized, “I’m so sorry. Please forget I asked.”

Autumn simply answered, “I don’t know.” Having failed to elicit any genuine affection from Damien over three years, she had no insight into his current feelings.

They ended the call. Autumn’s thoughts turned to Emilia. She’d met Emilia before Damien, but only learned after marrying him that Emilia was his first love, holding a special place in his heart.

Their connection was complex, stemming from Autumn’s aunt, Christine Green. After Virginia’s accident, Darius moved abroad, leaving Christine to manage the family business Autumn’s grandfather had founded. inexplicably, Christine fell in love with Emilia’s father. Emilia’s mother had died, leaving three children, yet Christine married into the Mason family. This is how Christine became Emilia’s stepmother.

The Masons then ran a small, insignificant business in Havenmoor. Christine invested heavily, building it into the present-day Mason Group. Over time, the Masons joined Havenmoor's elite, and Emilia became a prominent heiress.

Before Virginia's accident, Autumn was close to Christine. Even after Christine’s marriage, they frequently met. Autumn considered Christine a mother figure, but Christine’s attitude chilled after Autumn married Damien. Years passed without contact.

Autumn initially assumed Christine was preoccupied with her new family. She grieved this distance but eventually accepted it. In retrospect, Christine's change stemmed not only from her new family but also from Autumn's marriage to Damien.

Olivia’s call interrupted her thoughts. “Are you free Wednesday night?”

“I am,” Autumn replied, her tone even. “What’s up?”

“Let’s meet at the Havern Restaurant. My treat.”

Autumn worked excessive overtime that week due to the CEO of Westgate Group's imminent return. She didn't arrive at the Havern Restaurant until 8:00 pm on Wednesday. Upon arriving, she saw Olivia storming out, clearly upset.

“What happened?” Autumn asked.

Olivia gritted her teeth. “I was planning a belated birthday celebration, but some jerk reserved the whole place.”

It was a belated birthday dinner? Olivia had invited Autumn earlier that year, but Autumn, ecstatic about her pregnancy, declined to surprise Damien. Damien promised to be home early but didn't arrive until after midnight; Barry answered the phone. Autumn only then learned Damien had been out drinking and forgotten her birthday.

The next day, Autumn messaged him, asking if he remembered. He replied only after a day. Excitedly, she opened the message, hoping for acknowledgment. It simply read, “I’ll be home at eight. Have dinner ready.”

The message felt like a cold shower. She’d received similar messages throughout their marriage—instructions, not affection, completely disregarding her feelings.

That day, Autumn decided to treat her birthday as ordinary. She was therefore deeply touched by Olivia's belated gesture.

Calmly, she said, “I’m touched.”

Olivia, after grumbling about the reservation, felt remorseful. “Forget it. My fault. I should have booked in advance. This place usually has empty tables.” She handed Autumn a gift bag.

Autumn asked, “What’s this?”

“Your birthday present. Keep it. I’ll get the car. We'll go somewhere better.”

Olivia left for the parking lot. Autumn examined the gift bag; the logo was from the jewelry store where she’d sold her wedding ring. It likely contained a bracelet. Olivia had been secretly planning this since then? Her actions contrasted sharply with her previous demeanor.

A wave of happiness washed over Autumn, her first genuine happiness in days. But it was short-lived.

“Mr. Caldwell, Ms. Mason, Mr. Walters, this way, please!”

Autumn recognized the names and the unlikely coincidence. She saw Damien and Emilia, arm in arm with Barry and others, entering the restaurant. They looked perfectly matched. Damien’s gaze towards Emilia held a tenderness Autumn had never witnessed. Autumn recoiled.

The restaurant manager greeted them. “Mr. Caldwell, everything is ready.”

Emilia asked Damien, “What did you prepare?”

Damien replied gently, “You’ll see.”

Emilia asked Barry. “Tell me.”

Barry eagerly detailed the white decorations, the hand-made lily bouquet, and the custom necklace. Damien tried to stop him but was too late. Spotting Autumn, Barry froze. “Autumn?”