Key fought back now, could she really stand a chance against Autumn? Serena thought that it was highly unlikely.
After Britney stormed off, Autumn quickly turned to Dawson. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Faulkner.” If she had slapped Britney, Damien would have retaliated, and escalated to Hank; she’d be in the wrong. That uncontrollable urge she felt earlier was too impulsive! He thanked him again.
Seeing that Dawson remained expressionless, Jamie stepped in to reassure her. “Don’t worry about it. Britney had it coming.” Dawson glanced at Autumn. She remained calm. Even with red wine splashed all over her, her expression didn’t change, as if Britney humiliating her was nothing new.
Had she been living like this all along? Was Damien really blind to it? Autumn met his gaze again, and Dawson said quietly, “A verbal apology wouldn’t mean anything, so I didn’t make her apologize to you in person.” After all, Bilmay was still his half-sister. If she acted out of line, he at least owed Autumn an explanation. “I’m already very grateful,” she replied. Watching Belowy splash the wine on herself was far more satisfying than an apology.
Dawson frowned, his voice cold. “Is that all you’ve got! You’re Damien’s wife. Are you really afraid of Britney?” Autumn said nothing. Jamie looked stunned. Just as expected, Daws never paid attention to things he didn’t care about. That was why he hadn’t noticed Damien’s cold attitude toward Autumn during dinner earlier.
“Mr. Faulkner, Autumn and Damien have already filed for divorce. The certificate will be finalized in two weeks,” Jamie added calmly. Dawson had a pint. Rico was the one trying to push Autumn toward Dawson, but the two barely knew each other. In fact, Jien was more familiar with Autumn than Dawson ever was. Hearing that, Dawson shot Janar a look, then turned to Autumn, saying nothing. Autumn could only nod. “Yes.”
After a brief pause, Dawson turned and walked out without a word. Jamie stayed by Autumn’s side and said softly, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bring up your private matters; I just thought that if Mr. Faulkner knew about you and Damien, he wouldn’t keep questioning you or get the wrong idea.” Autumn gave a small nod. “I understand.”
Jarnia added gently, “Honestly, I think you’re making the right choice by going through with the divorce. Britney’s attitude toward her own sister-in-law made it clear just how little Damien cared about Autumn.” Autumn kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, more precisely, on Dawson’s broad shoulders. Just beyond him, she could see Rico and Robin waiting patiently.
Since deciding to get a divorce, Autumn had unexpectedly met a number of kind, warm-hearted people. Roten was always calm and gracious, quietly supportive no matter the situation, and had never once dismissed her. Even Dawson, who seemed cold and aloof at first, had shown her a surprising gentleness through his actions. Autumn wondered whether her past obsession with Damien had blinded her. Was her past marriage a kind of trap, one that kept her from forming meaningful connections? Whatever the reason, something in her was beginning to shift.
Catching up to Rico, she expected him to bring up the incident, but he simply inquired, “Fancy a game of tennis tomorrow?” She agreed, and that response marked a subtle shift. Even just yesterday, she would have found a reason to say no. But now, her awakening thoughts led to action, like stepping out of her comfort zone and making new friends. Rico had seen Dawson stand up for Autumn and wasted no time seizing the opportunity.
“We’ve got another game coming up,” Ir said casually. “Want to join?” To everyone’s surprise, Dawson spoke up, “You two go on ahead.” Inviting her to play tennis was the perfect opportunity. Refusing right away would make anyone seem...