Chapter 292: Wishing My Ex–Husband a Speedy Marriage
“Mom!”
Alijah spotted her and ran over.
“I got you a present. Do you like it?”
“Oh, and… yesterday was your birthday. Sorry I didn’t say happy birthday.”
“Is it too late to make up for it now?”
Gemma froze for a second.
So they came because of what Noah said last night.
She let out a self–deprecating chuckle.
“Took you guys long enough to remember my birthday, huh?”
All those years of marriage, Marcus never once asked when her birthday was.
And Alijah never cared about things like that.
Her birthday had always been ignored.
And honestly, because of her past, she never paid much attention to it either.
But last night–that was different. It was the first real birthday of her life.
A meaningful one.
She had finally gotten something she had longed for. Now, she refused to settle for anything less.
Still, she reached out and took the gift from Alijah.
“Hope it’s nothing expensive. I’m broke and can’t afford to return the favor.”
After all, those so–called compensation payments from the divorce? Never saw a dime.
People say where a man spends his money is where his heart is.
And Marcus? He had spent barely anything on her.
Less than what he dropped on a single film investment for Mabel.
Now, for whatever ulterior motive, Marcus was desperate to get her back.
But she wasn’t that stupid.
Alijah hesitated.
“Mom, do you work this late because you need money?”
He had seen people at Wilsons Group working overtime for extra cash.
Never understood why.
I mean, they only made five or six grand a month.
What was the point of working yourself to death for that?
But now, seeing his mom struggle over just a little money… it confused him even more.
“Mom, why don’t you just come home?
We have everything you need. You don’t have to work so hard.”
Gemma raised an eyebrow.
“Everything we have at home–did you buy it?”
Alijah shook his head.
“No.”
“Then…. does any of it really belong to you?”
His pupils shrank.
When he stayed with Margaret, he never had to worry about food or toys.
But the one time he accidentally broke an ashtray, she exploded.
Said some nasty things.
Even took away the LEGO set she had just bought him.
And there was nothing he could do about it.
Because technically, it was hers.
Setting
12:31 D
Chapter 292: Wishing My Ex–Husband a Speedy Marriage
“I work…. because I want to own things myself.”
Alijah lowered his head.
He finally understood what she meant.
Weird.
He used to think he couldn’t talk to Mom.
Mabel’s words always made more sense.
But now, his mom’s words didn’t sound so bad. Actually, they even helped him sort out his thoughts.
He suddenly knew exactly why he had been struggling.
And more importantly, how to fix it.
From now on, he was going to make sure Dad gave him his allowance directly.
No more letting Grandma control it.
That way, he’d have a little freedom.
And when he grew up? He’d make his own money. Never let anyone have that kind of power over him again.
“Mom… thanks. I get it now.”
“But don’t worry, I made this gift myself. Didn’t spend a penny.”
“You–you don’t have to feel-” stressful.
Gemma gave his shoulder a light pat.
“It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Alijah turned red. “N–No problem.”
Marcus watched them, a wave of emotions washing over him.
Mothers and sons never stayed mad at each other for long.
With enough time, Gemma was bound to forgive Alijah.
“Gemma, this is for you.”
He held out a box. Inside was a jewelry set she had once admired in a magazine.
It had been bought at an auction by an antique dealer, and Marcus had spent months tracking the guy down and paying a fortune to get it back.
She was going to love it.
“It’s not appropriate.”
She took a step back, avoiding him, her expression turning cold.
She might not have custody of Alijah, but as his mother, she still felt responsible for him.
So every time they met, she tried to give him a little guidance.
But Marcus? She owed him nothing.
She just wanted to stay away from him.
“Gemma, why not? I picked this out just for you! You remember this set–it’s Glacier’s Love!”
Of course, she remembered.
“I liked that jewelry because the designer said it symbolized eternity. Glaciers never melt, and love never fades.”
“But obviously, that meaning doesn’t fit us anymore.”
Marcus rushed to explain.
“No, Gemma, I’ve always been serious about you! I was just… slow to realize it. But now I know–you’re the one I want.”
Gemma waved him off.
“Doesn’t matter anymore.”
“How can you say that?”
She smiled.
“Because I don’t love you anymore.”
“It took just a few years to go from being completely in love with you…. to feeling nothing at all. Turns out, glaciers do melt. And love? It has an expiration date.”
Marcus shook his head.
‘I don’t believe you!”
Gemma’s smile was calm, as if she had long since figured it all out.
Setting
12:31 D
Chapter 292: Wishing My Ex–Husband a Speedy Marriage
“Believe it or not, it doesn’t change a thing. But since you came all this way, as your former wife, I sincerely wish you and Miss Merrick a happy marriage.”
Marcus flinched.
“You… already know?”
Gemma shrugged.
“If what you just said to me was true, then you shouldn’t be dragging an innocent woman into this.”
“But if it was just about business… don’t waste your time on me.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
A black car was parked nearby. She pulled open the door, got in, and disappeared into the traffic.
Marcus stood frozen in place.
He hadn’t come looking for Gemma sooner because of the whole Merrick family situation.
But he and Octavia were just a business arrangement—there was no love between them.
Still, as he watched Gemma’s car fade into the distance, an unbearable bitterness rose in his chest.
So this… was what it felt like to be left behind.
“Max! I knew I’d find you here!”
Margaret stepped out of a car and grabbed his arm.
“Come back with me.”
“What’s going on?”
“It’s your beloved Mabel–what else?”
Margaret looked furious. Whatever it was, it must be bad–she wouldn’t have come to find him otherwise.
“You know exactly where I stand with her. I’m not going to see her.”
Just the thought of his past with Mabel made Marcus sick to his stomach. What the hell had possessed him back then?
Now, just remembering it made him want to scrub his skin clean.
Setting
