Beyond the Divorce

I looked at her helplessly, seeing her aggrieved look.

"How am I the bad guy?" I asked, puzzled.

"Ah! If he gives me a way out, should I just take it? Do you think I'm that cheap? Am I really what people say I am? Am I just a pushover?" Lauren said indignantly.

I could only say that I wasn't her and couldn't fully understand her feelings and current state of mind.

But I thought, sometimes, you just need an olive branch.

Just as I was thinking that, I heard someone talking at the door. The office door burst open, and Ivanna rushed in.

She exclaimed, "This has become an internet sensation. The whole place downstairs is filled with reporters."

After finishing her sentence, Ivanna noticed Lauren sitting on the sofa, looking dejected. She asked, "Why are you here so early? Isn't it?"

That sentence immediately drew a sharp gaze from Lauren.

Ivanna added belatedly, "I didn't mean anything. I just thought you must have reconciled by now."

She awkwardly chuckled and coughed. "That's enough! You should forgive him. He got down on one knee for you."

"His slap left me covered in bruises, and my heart still aches. You want it to be over just like that? I have to forgive him just because he got down on one knee? What kind of person do you think I am? Am I really that worthless?" Lauren said disdainfully.

Ivanna and I exchanged glances speechlessly.

However, Lauren was not entirely wrong.

She had endured so much over ten years. When she finally reached a turning point, she was hit in the face with an apology. Accepting it immediately might make her seem too eager.

People might think she had been waiting for this opportunity, and Lauren would likely be labeled a calculative woman.

People nowadays were quick to criticize or praise. It was hard to say what they really wanted, especially when dealing with someone like Oliver.

Everyone had their eyes on him, and many women were eager to attract him.

Some had even boldly approached him last night.

"What you said makes sense. This needs to be handled with caution," I couldn't help but say.

Lauren suddenly became spirited, as if she had found an ally and a sympathetic ear.

"See, I told you! Finally, someone who understands me." Lauren sighed. "You think I did nothing wrong, right, Chlo? Right?"

Ivanna glanced at me, looking a little displeased. Then, she said, " Lauren, I have a question for you."

Lauren gave her a sidelong glance. "What?"

She had probably guessed what Ivanna was going to ask.

I smiled faintly. "You don't have to ask that."

"I just want her to admit it in person. Don't be nosy." Ivanna stopped me.

Then she looked at Lauren, who seemed conflicted, and asked, "Do you still have feelings for him? me the truth, don't

Diell

We're practically sisters."

Lauren, feeling awkward, swallowed but remained silent.

Ivanna, unyielding, said, "Tell the truth. Speak up!"

"We were together for ten years. We'd probably still feel something for each other, even if it's just a familial bond, right?" Lauren defended herself.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Don't mix things up. I'm asking if you don't want to let him go. Is there still love between you?" Ivanna insisted.

Lauren gave her a disdainful look, probing, Looks like you understand what it's like now. Have you forgotten what you were like just a few days ago? You were a zombie!" en.swhovels.net

Ivanna chuckled and immediately responded, "I've always said I loved Jared. So when he disappeared, I felt like dying. Now, I'm asking you."

Ivanna and I both looked at Lauren.

She remained silent, blowing on her coffee and unwilling to answer.

I commented, "Why are you even bothering to ask? She was on the verge of collapse when I saw her yesterday. Otherwise, why would she come running here like this?

"Of course she loves him. Ten years isn't a short time. She invested ten years in him, the best years of her life, without any regrets.

"She's endured all kinds of criticism and insults. If you think she doesn't love him, you must be out of your mind," I said.

I saw Lauren's hand that was holding the coffee cup tremble.