Chapter 4 What Is the Meaning of This
- "You think you can come and go whenever you want?"
- Elisa could not free herself and looked at him puzzledly. "What do you want?"
- "It was you who brought up the divorce! It was also you who got tangled up with Linda!"
- He won't listen to reasons! I've never seen his mood this volatile before.
- Seeing her hesitance, Gareth grabbed her hand tightly and said solemnly, "Grandma wants to see you, so you are coming to Wickam Manor with me tonight!"
- Elisa frowned and looked at Gareth dumbfounded. "Is something wrong with you? Shouldn't you bring Linda to see her?"
- Gareth's expression darkened further at her harsh words. "I've told you just now. Grandma wants to see you! Otherwise, why would I bother spending time alone with you?"
- Elisa snorted. "When Grandma wants to see me in the past, you would always find all kinds of excuses to prevent me from going. Why do you now insist on me going?"
- Gareth’s lips pulled into a smug smirk. “Elisa, let’s be real. If Grandma hadn’t insisted, do you honestly think I’d be standing here wasting my time on you? She treats you like a goddamn treasure, and you can’t even bother to visit her? Too busy, huh? What a joke.”
- Elisa pressed her lips together, keeping her thoughts to herself. Memories of her time with the Wickam family flooded back—Julia had always treated her like a real granddaughter, warm and loving in every way that mattered.
- Instead of responding, she stayed quiet, falling in step behind Gareth as they walked through the gates of the Wickam family’s sprawling old estate.
- The moment Julia saw her, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She practically sprinted over, grabbing Elisa’s hands with all the excitement of a kid on their birthday. “Oh, my sweet girl!” Julia’s voice bubbled with affection, her love evident in every word and touch.
- Elisa’s chest tightened. She wanted to tell Julia about the divorce papers, to rip the Band-Aid off and get it over with, but the words kept catching in her throat.
- How could I shatter Julia’s joy?
- At dinner, Julia’s energy was contagious. She piled food onto Elisa’s plate like she was trying to feed an army, doting on her with the kind of care that left no doubt about who was her favorite. Meanwhile, Gareth sat there like a third wheel, practically invisible.
- Surprisingly, Elisa seemed completely at ease. She smiled, laughed, and chatted with Julia, her natural warmth shining through.
- Gareth, however, couldn’t keep his irritation in check. “Alright, Grandma,” he cut in, his voice laced with impatience, “what’s with the sudden dinner invitation? What’s going on?”
- "How long has it been since either of you last came back here?" Julia's tone turned sharper as she looked at Gareth, recalling how cold and indifferent he'd always been toward Elisa, never showing the slightest bit of appreciation.
- Her anger flared even more as she continued: "Is it so hard to spend some time with me? Your grandpa is always traveling for work, leaving me alone at home. And yet you dare to ask me such a question?"
- Gareth had nothing to say.
- He continued to eat his food and did not say anything.
- On the other hand, Julia grew even more agitated and slammed her hand on the table. "No matter what, Elisa is your wife, and you should cherish her. Why do you keep going to the hospital to spend time with that cunning woman? Have you not embarrassed the Wickam family enough?"
- Gareth's expression turned sullen. "Grandma, Linda saved my life."
- "She saved your life? Anyone can see she is deceiving you!" Julia scoffed.
- Gareth frowned and glared at Elisa.
- Elisa could tell from his expression that he definitely thought it was her who had reported him.
- Previously, I would worry that Gareth would misunderstand, but now… Hah!
- The dinner consisted mostly of Julia scolding Gareth. Julia did not mince her words or show him mercy.
- Elisa felt satisfied listening to Gareth being scolded. It even felt like someone had avenged the indignity she previously suffered.
- After chatting with Julia for a little longer, Elisa and Gareth finally headed out of the manor.
- However, Elisa was in a dilemma.
- Julia still did not know that they had divorced. Furthermore, they still acted as a couple and shared a car.
- Under his grandma's watchful gaze, Elisa reluctantly got into his car.
- Elisa couldn’t be bothered to talk to him. It wasn’t until the car turned a corner, out of his grandma’s sight, that she immediately said in a low voice, "Stop the car."
- Her voice sounded like a command, prompting Gareth to scoff and said, "Where are you rushing off to? Are you running off to meet another man?"
- Elisa sneered. "Why aren't you stopping the car? Don't tell me you are reluctant to divorce and want to bring me home."
- Screech!
- The car stopped abruptly.
- Elisa smirked when she saw Gareth red with fury and said before he had a chance to argue, "If you wish to divorce, do it faster. Otherwise, don't blame me for changing my mind. I will keep pestering you and make sure you can't marry her or divorce me!"
- After saying that, Elisa reached for the door handle to get out.
- Click!
- Gareth suddenly locked the door.
- Elisa frowned and turned to Gareth. "What is the meaning of this?"