Chapter 5 Don't Underestimate Her

• In the cozy café, Wrenley gazed out the window, watching cars pass by, and pondered why she had agreed to this coffee rendezvous. A sigh escaped her lips, carrying a tinge of resignation.
• Meanwhile, Yalena observed Wrenley closely, noting her mixed expressions of confusion and absence of sorrow. She took a sip of her coffee before speaking softly, "Miss Mitchell, I owe you an apology."
• An intrigued Wrenley furrowed her brow. "Miss Stewart, why are you apologizing to me?"
• With a hint of helplessness, Yalena began to explain, "I believe you're aware of my history with Spen. Since both of you have chosen different paths, there are matters I feel compelled to clarify with you."
• Wrenley maintained her composure and asked calmly, "So, what is it you wish to share?"
• After a brief moment of locking eyes, Yalena finally spoke, her words drifting out slowly. "Spen and I were childhood sweethearts, even made promises of a lifetime together. But for reasons unbeknownst to me, my grandparents and relatives didn't quite fancy me. They went to extreme lengths, even using my own mother to pressure me into breaking things off with Spen. My mother's health isn't the best, and to spare her worry and discomfort, I reluctantly ended things with him.
• To make him give up on me, I decided to flee, and in a rash moment, I married someone else in hopes it would help him move on completely. I can only imagine the pain Spen endured during that time. Samantha confided in me, saying he drowned his sorrows in alcohol. It's clear I hurt him deeply. Until he crossed paths with you..."
• Wrenley listened intently. Her hand was clenched tightly beneath the table as emotions stirred within her.
• "Encountering someone with a voice akin to mine served as solace for Spen during those dark days. I acknowledge the unfairness of this situation, Miss Mitchell. Nonetheless, I am grateful for your companionship this past year. Without your presence, he may not have endured. I express my gratitude for standing by him, serving as a substitute in my absence." With these words, Yalena rose from her seat to offer a deep bow.
• Wrenley couldn't suppress a bitter irony at Yalena's expression of thanks. What is there to be grateful for? To be thanked for playing the fool and for being Spen's substitute for a year? For tending to the wounds of the man I love, yet can't be with?
• Wrenley couldn't shake off the discomfort gnawing at her as she observed Yalena sitting across from her. Despite the sincerity etched on her face, Wrenley felt a discordant note in the air, like a melody out of tune.
• Curiosity piqued, her inquiry cut through the ambiance like a sudden gust of wind. "If your affection for him runs so deep, why would you ever marry someone else?"
• Yalena was taken aback, seemingly caught off guard by the question. She had momentarily thought Wrenley might not be able to handle the truth, so she tightened her grip on her hand and forced a smile.
• "It's because my heart only beats for Spen that I walked the path of divorce. My return was prompted by..."
• But Wrenley had already grown weary of their conversation. Rising to her feet, she towered over Yalena with a calm but piercingly acerbic tone.
• "Yet, despite your deep love for each other, you both seek comfort in the arms of others. It's quite a paradox, isn't it? Your love seems to be a tale of enduring hardship with no room for nobility."
• Yalena's façade cracked. Thus, it revealed a flicker of hurt beneath her composed demeanor. She narrowed her eyes slightly and met Wrenley's gaze with a mixture of vulnerability and defiance. "Miss Mitchell, if my words have caused you discomfort or inflicted harm, I offer my sincerest apologies."
• Wrenley's lips curled in a wry smile as she picked up her bag, her eyes lingering on Yalena's hurt expression.
• "No need. After all, it was my decision to end the marriage," she uttered before turning on her heels and walking away, leaving Yalena staring after her in stunned disbelief, her expression a mix of confusion and realization as she watched Wrenley's retreating figure.
• Only when Wrenley was out of sight did Yalena's expression cool, her earlier shock giving way to a composed facade. She had underestimated Mitchell as her probing inquiries had been a litmus test of sorts. With Wrenley's keen self-awareness laid bare, matters were simplified.
• Upon exiting the coffee shop, Mitchell hailed a cab back to her apartment. But just as she was about to step out of the car, her phone rang.
• She hesitated for a moment, her gaze darting uncertainly to her phone before ultimately deciding to answer the call.
• "Hello, Grandma..." Her voice trailed off, a mixture of apprehension and reluctance evident in her tone.
• "What's going on? You're planning to get divorced, and you didn't even bother discussing it with the family?" Carrie Mitchell's voice rang out sternly, piercing through the air.
• Wrenley gripped her phone tighter. "Grandma..."
• "If you have something to say, say it to me in my face. Come over immediately," Carrie instructed.
• "Grandma, I..." She began, her words faltering under the weight of Carrie's authority.
• "What's the matter? Suddenly, you're not willing to listen to me?"
• Wrenley bowed her head in resignation and finally acquiesced. "Okay, Grandma, please don't be upset. I'll come over right away."
• After hanging up, she let out a heavy sigh. "Take me to Crestwood Villa."
• …
• Upon her arrival at the villa, Wrenley stood outside the gate, her troubled expression mirroring the turmoil within her heart. Just as she was about to step forward, she heard the sound of a car door closing behind her.
• She turned slowly and found herself face-to-face once again with the individual she had encountered only moments before outside Bloomgates villa.
• When Spencer's gaze fell upon her, a subtle crease formed between his brows, hinting at his inner turmoil. He opened his mouth to speak, but before any words could escape, he found himself ensnared by her penetrating stare.
• "Why would Grandma know about our impending divorce? Did you tell her?"