Pairable Love

Chapter 17

Alexander left the restaurant, phone to his ear. Nolan’s voice came through, “Mr. Tudor, there’s something…”

“Spit it out.”

“Ms. Russell asked about your schedule. I told her you’re at Tranquil Bay. She might…” Nolan trailed off as Alexander spotted Esme waiting at the entrance.

Alexander hung up and walked over to her. “Esme.”

Esme spun around, grinning like a kid. “Alexander!”

Alexander glanced down, his voice soft. “Why aren’t you resting in the hospital? What are you doing here?”

“Alexander, I’m really sorry about what happened at the villa. I’ve been on edge all day.”

“I went to the company and home to find you, but you weren’t there. I had to ask Nolan about your schedule. Alexander, please don’t be mad at me. I truly realize my mistake.” She gently held his arm, her voice tender.

Alexander got it. She was always so careful around him, scared of messing up. She just wanted to see if he’d really marry her, so she played a little trick. But he actually went to the hospital to question her.

“I’m not mad at you.” Alexander pinched her cheek and held her hand.

“Really?” Esme was anxious. Alexander was so hard to read; she could never guess his thoughts. Every time he looked at her gently, she wished she could see if his tenderness was real or just an act.

“Esme, you need to trust me. Alright?” Alexander bent down slightly, full of affection for her.

As they spoke, Esme glanced back. Elizabeth was coming out. Seeing them, she turned to leave.

“Elizabeth!” Esme quickly called out.

Elizabeth couldn’t help but look over. She heard Esme say, “I’m sorry for what happened at the villa today. It was my fault.”

Elizabeth didn’t say a word, just got in the car. Her apology felt like a pile of crap—gross and attracting trouble.

Alexander called out, “Elizabeth.” Esme clung to Alexander’s arm, still uneasy.

Chapter 17

Elizabeth leaned against the car door, staring blankly at Alexander. “What?”

“Tomorrow at nine, City Clerk’s Office. We’re getting divorced.” His voice was ice-cold.

Elizabeth’s grip on the car door tightened, but she quickly pulled herself together. She smiled, calm and firm. “Fine.”

Alexander turned to Esme. “Let’s go. Have you eaten? I’ll take you to dinner.”

Elizabeth’s car zoomed past, no hesitation.

Inside the car, the air was thick. Esme had no clue where Alexander was taking her, her mind stuck on his divorce. She couldn’t help but ask, “Alexander, are you really divorcing Elizabeth tomorrow?”

Esme clutched her seatbelt, whispering, “Well, it’s a relief for both of you.”

Alexander’s eyes darkened. Was it really a relief? Had this three-year marriage been a burden? No. If it was a relief, it was for Elizabeth, not him.

“When you divorce Elizabeth, I gotta work even harder to make your family like me,” Esme said.

Alexander squeezed Esme’s hand. Esme had never felt so secure. She knew Alexander’s willingness to marry her wasn’t out of love but because she had saved him years ago. No matter the reason, being with Alexander was enough for her.

Esme looked out the window. She wished Elizabeth would just die. That way, no one would know it was Elizabeth who saved Alexander back then, not her.

The next morning, Elizabeth got up super early. She was on a call with Felix while doing her makeup.

Felix said, “There were two S-class big orders on the black market this morning. You interested?”

“What kind of orders?”

“Someone’s offering a hundred million for a rare ginseng plant!”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, her voice lazy, “Is rare ginseng really worth that much?”

There were a few seconds of silence before Felix asked, “Boss, be honest, do you have that rare ginseng?”

Chapter 17

“No, how could I have something so precious?” Elizabeth posted, her tone light.

Felix laughed.

Elizabeth glanced at the time. She needed to leave now.

“Bye, I gotta go get divorced. Talk later.” With that, Elizabeth hung up.

When Elizabeth went downstairs, she found her family sitting neatly in the living room, waiting for her.

“What are you all doing?”

Elizabeth stopped, slung her bag over her shoulder, feeling the weight of their stares.

Celine crossed her arms, “Elizabeth, get that divorce today, and I’ll teach you a killer medical skill.”

Declan looked nervous, “Sweetheart, you’re gonna get divorced, right?”

Rose blinked, “Elizabeth, you’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

“Don’t worry, Elizabeth won’t back out! Right?” Grant looked like he’d die if she did.

Elizabeth was speechless. Her family couldn’t wait for her to get divorced.

“Wait for my good news!” was all she could say. She was getting divorced, not married. Shouldn’t it be sad? But her family treated it like a celebration.