In recent years, Reginald's legs were unable to stand, his spirit was listless, and he had suicidal tendencies.Arabella later developed a habit.Whether it was day or night, as soon as he disappeared, she would worry about what reckless thing he might be contemplating and would go looking for him. She would only feel at ease once she found him.Even after his legs healed later on, this habit remained unchanged.Arabella pushed open the door to the adjacent guest room. The bed was empty.She then went to the study; it was also vacant.The bathroom, shower room, balcony, downstairs, and even the kitchen—she searched everywhere but couldn't find Reginald.Her heart began to beat chaotically, pounding violently.She knew he wouldn't attempt suicide now, but she still felt that innate fear.Pushing the door open, she quickly walked to the yard.A huge lightning bolt suddenly tore through the pitch-black night, illuminating it as if it were daylight, followed by a deafening clap of thunder
"Arabella returned to her grandmother's hospital room.Margaret saw her pale face and asked with concern, 'Darling, what's wrong? You look quite distressed.'Arabella shook her head, walked over to her grandmother's bedside, held her hand, and started chatting and smiling with her.Margaret, in a fit of temper, didn't wait for them to exchange more words. She grabbed Arabella's wrist. 'Come with me to the corridor for a moment.'In the corridor, Susan looked into her daughter's eyes. 'That Reginald hasn't been bothering you again, has he?''No, he hasn't.''Then what's upsetting you? I'm your mother, you should tell me if something's on your mind, not stew over it alone!' Margaret grew increasingly anxious.Arabella calmly said, 'Reginald's father came to visit me.'' Northridge has been disturbing you?''He wants us to divorce.'Margaret scoffed, 'When Reginald was confined to a wheelchair, he didn't mind you being with Reginald, did he? But now that Reginald is better, suddenly th
"She hadn't expected Reginald to figure it out so quickly. Remembering what Northridge had said about keeping certain things from him to preserve the father-son relationship, she tried to maintain a facade of nonchalance."You mentioned divorce before. I've told you, I can't bear being with Chloe."Reginald's hand rested on her back. "You're lying. I've deliberately distanced myself from her recently."Arabella's lips curved upward, but her eyes held no mirth. "You two are childhood sweethearts, a perfect match. I'm just a hired hand for you. Now that your leg's better, this hired hand should leave."She heard Reginald sharply inhale, and he held her tighter. "By saying that, you're demeaning yourself."But he leaned in and whispered softly to her."I've never seen you as a hired hand, truly. You're my lawful wife, and I've always respected you."Arabella felt a pang, but her tone remained light. "You were the one who proposed divorce first, and now you're dragging your feet. I admit,
Northridge's face darkened as he spoke, "Business and compassion don't go hand in hand, nor do profit and virtue. I am, first and foremost, a businessman; business revolves around profit. A businessman who doesn't prioritize profit isn't truly a businessman. As for why I did what I did, I explained it to Arabella a few days ago, and she agreed."Recalling the humiliation at the café, Arabella felt her scalp prickle, a discomfort she didn't wish to relive.She gently released Reginald's hand and stood up. "Mr. Northridge, may I speak with you alone?"Northridge glanced at her icily. "To the study, then."As Arabella started to follow, Reginald accompanied her.She shook her head at him. "No need."Reginald squeezed her hand. "Come out if it gets too much. There's no need to endure.""I will," Arabella replied.In the study, her grandfather practiced calligraphy, his brush dancing on parchment, leaving tranquil characters in ink. He looked up as Arabella entered, offering a kind smile.
Alarabella's heart ached as if cruel fingers were gripping her neck. She longed to say, "Let's not get divorced."However, Northridge's words echoed in her mind. She was chosen to be Reginald's wife because Chloe was overseas at the time, and Alarabella was so similar to her. She was replaceable. Over these three years, any woman who replaced her would eventually win Reginald's love and attachment.It was like losing a precious pet cat or dog suddenly. There would be some sadness for a while, but as life continued, it would soon be forgotten. At most, a fleeting regret in moments of reminiscence.Alarabella held back her tears, gently stroking Reginald's chin, her voice filled with cheer. "It's getting late, you should go back."Reginald held her hand. "Let me take you to your building."Alarabella silently agreed.The night breeze carried a hint of intoxication as they strolled among the buildings, shadows dragging lazy footsteps under the dim light of the street lamps. Though they w
Chloe's injuries have now surpassed the slap Arabella gave her yesterday. Clearly, someone followed her, seeking additional revenge.Arabella called Allison directly and asked, "What happened to Chloe's face?"Allison burst into laughter uncontrollably, giggling until she finally managed to convey, "That fool went to flirt on her way home last night, and when the thugs stopped her car, they dragged her out and knocked her unconscious with her useless bodyguard! Now her face looks like a pig's butt. It's too perfect! Let me laugh a little more. Hahaha!"After Allison calmed down, Arabella asked, "Did she report it?""Of course. The police checked the security footage, but that section of the road recording is corrupted, no leads whatsoever!"Arabella secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Whoever targeted Chloe, they were friends in common hatred. She hesitated for a moment and asked cautiously, "Did you go see her?"She really wanted to know if Reginald went to see her, but the thought e
Reginald glanced at her, nodded slightly, gave a faint smile, exchanged a few brief words with the gallery director, and then strode over to where they were standing.Emily suddenly halted, lightly adjusting her dress.Arabella also paused, puzzled. "Why did you stop all of a sudden?" she asked.But at that moment, Emily became flustered as Mr. Reginald approached, unable to pay attention to Arabella's question, her eyes bright as she gazed at him.Before Arabella could speak, Emily enthusiastically extended her hand. "Hello! I'm Emily, nice to meet you. And what should I call you?"Reginald only gave her a cold glance, not taking her hand. "I'm here to see Arabella," he said calmly.Emily looped her arm around Arabella's, flashing a bright smile. "Oh, she's my dearest friend, we share everything, even our birthdays. So, whatever you need to tell her, you can tell me too!"Suppressing a laugh at her friend's boldness, Arabella held back.Reginald evidently had no interest in wasting t
Chloe kicked into the air, her eyes widening in astonishment as she looked at the man who appeared out of nowhere.Arabella caught a whiff of a familiar men's cologne, fresh and mild with a hint of tobacco. She looked up to see Reginald.She quietly let out a breath, a hand against her pounding heart, and smiled as she asked him, "How did you get here?"Reginald's face remained expressionless, but his eyes were as icy as his tone when he glanced coldly at Chloe and said to Arabella, "I finished the call, didn't see you, asked the waiter, and found this place. Are you okay?"Arabella shook her head.Chloe reacted quickly, abandoning her previously arrogant demeanor and standing obediently, head bowed. She said softly, "Reginald, I wasn't trying to kick Arabella. My shoe was uncomfortable, I just wanted to check it. You misunderstood me."Reginald sneered, "I'm not blind."Chloe paused for a moment, her lips pursing as if about to cry. She said, "Reginald, please don't accuse me wrongly