C07
Vincent looked at the dress he had sent for Jude. Upon return, the dress was untouched and still in its original
condition.
At first, he couldn’t grasp the whole situation. He frowned as he asked, “What do you mean, missing? Isn’t she at
home?”
“I’m afraid it’s more than just not being at home…”
The secretary handed him the divorce papers with a conflicted look on his face.
Vincent was instantly stunned–locked.
Before the man could say anything, Estelle walked over with a hand on her belly.
Seeing the divorce papers, she scoffed. “Judith is really something. She’s an adult, but still playing these breakup games. Does she think she’s some young girl?”
“Vince, she’s just angry because you defended me yesterday. She knows you threw her that birthday party and that you’re doing something special for her, so now she’s trying to pull the strings to get you to bow down to her. Judith has always played men like this–I know her too well.”
“She’s unbelievable. She was the one who hit me first and now she’s acting all high and mighty. Doesn’t she realize how much effort you put into organizing her birthday party and designing that dress for her? You really didn’t
have to, but you did and this is how she repays you–no heart at all.
“Don’t worry, Vince. If you ignore her, she’ll show up again sooner or later. She’s almost thirty, been throug multiple miscarriages and can’t even have kids anymore. Who else would want her? She’d crawl back to you if she could. Women like her just can’t let go of the things she has. You can’t give in to her, or she’ll start thinking she’s in control.
However, Vincent remained silent, his eyes fixed on the divorce papers.
In the section for the wife’s name, “Judith Blair was written with such force that the ink almost bled through the paper. It was clear how determined she was when she signed.
Vincent knew Jude well–she would never joke about something like this.
Not long after they married, Jude got pregnant with their first child. He remembered sitting on the couch with her, watching videos.
One video showed a woman who would threaten divorce every time she argued with her husband and the man would always apologize.
Vincent had no respect for such tactics, he hated being threatened.
Back then, Judith looked at him and said firmly, “Vincent, since I married you, I’ll never casually mention divorce. But if one day I do say it, you’ll know I truly mean it.”
At the time, Vincent was preoccupied with how to get rid of the baby Judith was carrying. Estelle had come to him in tears while saying that Kenneth was impotent. The woman also said if Kenneth didn’t become the CEO of Long Enterprises, she would suffer.
It was the reason Vincent didn’t take Judith’s words seriously back then. After remembering that day, panic began creeping up on him.
After Estelle spoke, the other guests around them cast mocking glances. The mockery wasn’t directed at him, but at Judith.
Due to her repeated miscarriages, people in their circle had started calling her “The Miscarriage Maiden” behind her back.
Vincent had heard these rumors before, but had always brushed them off with a laugh. Now, though, those stares were unbearable and he began to feel resentful toward Estelle.
Today was Jude’s birthday. Did Estelle really have to say such things in front of so many people?
Others might not know the reasons for Jude’s miscarriages, but Estelle… she was far from clueless about it…
Vincent’s expression slightly darkened. “Estelle, Jude is still your younger cousin! Don’t you think the way you said about her was a bit inappropriate?”
Estelle froze for a moment, looking a bit embarrassed. “I–I’m… that’s not it. It’s just Judith was being rude to you
that I couldn’t held back.”
“Is that so? I’ve known Jude longer than you. She’s never been anyone’s doormat and she’s never dangled herself in front of any man. Even when you took Kenneth away from her, she didn’t chase after him. So why are you saying these things about her? Didn’t you once tell me that you considered her as a friend too?”
Vincent then looked around at the guests. “This party is over. I’m going to find my wife. Please, feel free to do as you wish.”
Estelle quickly grabbed his arm, trying the same trick she had used in the past again. “Vince, I’m feeling a bit
unwell. Please don’t leave.”
But this time, Vincent wasn’t buying it. He had always thought of Estelle as a fragile, delicate woman who needed
his protection.
After hearing what she just said, his perception of her had been shattered.
Vincent pulled his hand away from Estelle.
“If you’re feeling unwell, go see a doctor. Ken should be back in the country today. You should be with your husband, after all, I’m just your younger cousin,” His voice was cold.
“I’ve done everything I can for you. From now on, you and Ken can handle things yourselves. This is the end of
the road for us. I’m going to find Jude now”
“And one more thing–those words you said earlier? I don’t ever want to hear them again. Don’t take advantage of
Jude and then trash her. Be careful with how you act.”
With that, Vincent turned and walked out without looking back.
a
As soon as he got home, his private doctor called.
“Mr. Long, wasn’t the fashion show you organized for Estelle supposed to be private? How did it get leaked outside? What if the Madam sees it? She just had a miscarriage, she can’t handle any more stress!”
Vincent then realized that someone had taken secret photos of him and Estelle and posted them online, all for the sake of gaining attention.
Did Judith see them too?
Just then, he received a message–Judith had sent him a voice message.
08
