5
Everyone was praising Phoebe and Jasper Reed.
Phoebe enjoyed it, nestled close to Jasper, and smiled at everyone:
“Don’t worry! Jasper and I aren’t stingy! We’ll cover everything today!”
Then, Phoebe turned her attention to the precious auction items.
She was thrilled, carefully putting on a jade bracelet.
She had waited for this day.
She was finally going to be Mrs. Reed.
Phoebe happily showed the bracelet to Jasper:
“Jasper, do you think this bracelet looks good?”
Jasper, who hadn’t spoken since Mrs. Reed left, finally came to his senses.
He looked at Phoebe with firm determination:
Sorry! I can’t marry you!”
The banquet hall fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone focused on Jasper, filled with confusion.
They didn’t understand what was happening.
Wasn’t Jasper’s biggest dream to marry Phoebe?
Now that it was coming true, why didn’t he want it anymore?
२५
<
Jasper looked grim, tightly clenching the divorce agreement, veins popping on his forehead.
Phoebe’s face turned a bit sour, but she forced a smile:
“Jasper, what’s wrong? If it weren’t for your mom pushing you into that engagement, we might have had kids by now. Now that we’ve finally cleared the skies, why aren’t you happy?”
Jasper didn’t respond
All he could think about was Adeline being with someone else.
He couldn’t accept it!
The thought of Adeline being someone else’s wife felt like countless bugs gnawing at him, unbearably uncomfortable.
“No! I must find Adeline and get to the bottom of this! I, the Reed Family Heir, can’t just get divorced like this! This isn’t Adeline’s style!”
Jasper gritted his teeth.
Everyone watched, their confusion deepening.
They didn’t understand what was happening with Jasper!
Didn’t he hate Adeline the most?
Why go after her now?
Was it just unwillingness at being dumped?
“Jasper…
Phoebe started to speak, but Jasper stormed off.
He left Phoebe and everyone else at the auction, not caring.
Watching his hurried figure, a thoughtful look appeared in everyone’s eyes.
Phoebe’s face darkened.
“Jasper! Where are you going?”
Phoebe shouted.
But Jasper didn’t look back.
Phoebe quickly chased after him.
Jasper returned home first.
Seeing no trace of Adeline, Jasper slumped to the ground in despair.
He grabbed a beer and drank bottle after bottle,
After a few bottles, his eyes grew hazy.
Phoebe, who had followed him, felt a pang of sympathy.
She snatched the beer from him, eyes red with emotion:
“Jasper! Stop drinking! Adeline is gone; no amount of beer will bring her back!”
She said, placing a hand on his chest, speaking softly:
Jasper! Didn’t your mom already agree for us to be together?”
<
“Anyway, it’s just us at home today, so why not…”
Phoebe’s face showed a shy smile, her soft hand daringly exploring Jasper’s space.
Jasper, with an impatient look, grabbed Phoebe’s hand:
“Sorry! I’m not interested today!”
“As for marrying you… let’s discuss it later!”
Phoebe was stunned.
It was the first time Jasper treated her this
way, and it pained her.
Her face turned sour, but she continued to touch Jasper against his will.
Smack!
Jasper slapped Phoebe across the face!
Phoebe was shocked!
She held her cheek, disbelief filling her eyes:
“Jasper Reed! Are you crazy? You hit me! Don’t you love me anymore? Did that woman Adeline seduce you?”
Jasper’s face darkened, his tone ice–cold:
“Don’t insult Adeline. She’s my wife, and you have no right to treat her like this.”
Hearing this, Phoebe grew even angrier:
Her expression soured. Disregarding Jasper Reed’s intentions, she forcefully touched him.
Slap!
Jasper Reed swung his hand and slapped Phoebe Clark.
Phoebe was in complete shock.
She covered her face, disbelief written all over her eyes:
“Jasper Reed! Are you out of your mind? You hit me! Don’t you love me anymore? Have you been charmed by that woman, Adeline?”
Jasper’s expression darkened, his voice icy:
“Don’t you dare insult Adeline. She’s my wife, and you have no right to treat her like that.”
Hearing this, Phoebe’s anger flared even more:
“Wife? You’re dreaming!”
*She even signed the divorce agreement; you two are done!”
“Didn’t your mom say Adeline’s already with another man?”
Jasper couldn’t contain his fury any longer and lashed out at Phoebe,
“Shut up! Adeline is my wife! She belongs to me and me alone!”
“I won’t divorce hert”
Jasper grabbed the phone from the table and called Adeline directly. No matter how many times he tried, her phone was off.
In the past, Adeline would never turn off her phone. She would even wait by it 24/7 for Jasper’s call. But now…
Jasper was in complete panic. This inability to reach her terrified him.
Seeing this, Phoebe bit her lip and cautiously suggested:
“Jasper, stop looking for Adeline. She’s probably turning off her phone on purpose. Why not focus on me? Our years together could finally mean something.”
“Get out!”
Jasper shouted angrily, shoving Phoebe hard:
“Get out of my house and never come back!”
Phoebe’s eyes brimmed with tears, her expression full of grievance. Just then, Jasper’s phone rang. He glanced at it, disappointment flashing in his eyes when it wasn’t Adeline’s number. He put it on speaker, and Mrs. Reed’s voice came through:
“I’ve arranged everything for the wedding. Hurry up and marry Phoebe Clark, or our family will become a joke in high society.”
“Mom, stop with the preparations! First, tell me about Adeline…”
But before Jasper could finish, Mrs. Reed hung up. When he tried to call back, her phone was off too.
Jasper felt completely helpless. He glared at Phoebe before heading to the bedroom. His face grew grim as he looked at the hidden cameras. He tore them out and smashed them on the ground. Thinking about how Adeline left quietly and even signed the divorce papers, his breathing became rapid.
For years, Adeline had obeyed his every command. No matter how unreasonable his demands, she fulfilled them without hesitation. He claimed to have a cleanliness obsession, so Adeline, a wealthy heiress, personally washed his clothes and linens daily. He made her sit in an alcohol pool, both disinfecting and copying “Women’s Commandments” as punishment, and she obediently stayed there writing all night.
Yet, such an obedient person suddenly left. Jasper’s mind was in chaos. He realized this time he had really messed up.
No way! He had to find Adeline!
Jasper pulled out his phone and contacted the private investigator hired by the vegetarian group:
“Find Adeline as quickly as possible!”
*At any cost, find her!”
Mrs. Reed asked my opinion before sending me away. She asked where I wanted to go. Without hesitation, I said I wanted to go to Maple Country. There, I had my Secret Crush from my student days, Nolan. If it weren’t for Mrs. Reed’s terminal illness and her only wish being to see me marry Jasper Reed, I might already be with Nolan. He is the only light in my heart.
I boarded the plane in a daze. When I opened my eyes again, I was in a very cozy room.
“Addie.”
A familiar voice called out, and I looked over. Compared to the boy in my memory, Nolan didn’t seem to have changed much. Seeing his cold face, my nose tingled, and tears started falling uncontrollably.
Finally, I left Jasper Reed. The humiliation of being stripped and put into a glass box would never happen again.
Addie, don’t cry. I will take good care of you from now on.”
Nolan hugged me tightly, and his warm embrace gradually melted my cold body. It’s been so long since I’ve felt such warmth. Jasper Reed never let me touch him, let alone hug him. Thankfully, it’s all over. I have no more ties with Jasper Reed.
I cried my heart out, holding onto Nolan tightly, unwilling to let go. I told him so much. From why I suddenly left back then to everything that happened before I boarded the plane. Nolan was heartbroken, his eyes turning red.
“Addie! I’m sorry! I didn’t protect you! If I had come to find you recklessly back then, you might not have had to go through all this pain.”
The okay, it’s not your fault.”
I shook my head, my tears falling like broken beads.
“Addie, I’ve been waiting for you all these years
Nolan looked at me. I was stunned.
Waiting for me? Nolan had been waiting all these years. I was incredibly happy, but also felt a bit guilty. Such a good Nolan wasted so many years because of me.
I settled down comfortably in Nolan’s home. Even though I left Jasper Reed, I still habitually washed the bed linens every day until they were spotless. My hands turned red and raw from washing, yet I refused to stop. Nolan was worried sick. He forcibly took me back to the bedroom.
“Addie, you don’t need to do this! We have a washing machine, you can use it instead of torturing yourself!”
“Okay.”
I nodded, agreeing with Nolan. Under Nolan’s supervision, I gradually changed the self–destructive lifestyle I had before.
However, just when I thought things were getting better, I saw
a
“What are you doing here?”
figure I never wanted
to
see again in front of my house.
Facing Jasper Reed, I frowned.
“Adeline, who allowed you to leave me? Talking about divorce so easily, do you even care about me?”
Jasper Reed roared angrily. I found it ridiculous.
“Stop pretending! Weren’t you eager for a divorce? Now that I’m gone, you should be happy.”
Hearing this, Jasper Reed’s face turned somewhat unpleasant:
“Alright, I’m here myself, so stop being mad! Come back with me!”
As he spoke, Jasper Reed grabbed my arm. I quickly shook him off, my expression defiant:
“Don’t touch me!”
“There’s no real emotion between us, and isn’t your love for Phoebe Clark’s mom?”
“Now that we’re divorced, you can openly be with Phoebe Clark!”
“Don’t come looking for me anymore!”
After saying that, I turned to leave.
Jasper Reed blocked my way:
日
عددة
“I don’t agree to the divorce! I heard you’re living with another man now! Don’t you have any shame? As my wife, you mix with other men, how shameless can you be?”
Hearing this, I realized Mrs. Reed must have told him everything. However, my situation with Nolan is entirely different from his with Phoebe Clark. I snorted disdainfully:
*Alright, I’m not interested in talking to you.”
“Besides, you were the one who cheated during the marriage! Don’t think I don’t know what you did with Phoebe Clark!”
“You… how did you know?”
Jasper Reed looked guilty, his aggressiveness instantly diminished:
‘Actually, you misunderstood! I don’t really like Phoebe Clark, I just used her as a tool for amusement.
<
A tool?
I laughed derisively. I never knew a man would humiliate his wife so much for a mere tool. I glanced coldly at Jasper Reed:
“None of this concerns me anymore! We’re divorced now, don’t disturb my life anymore.”
I lost the desire to go out, turned around, and walked back home. Watching my back, Jasper Reed stood there stunned.
“Why are you back so soon?”
Nolan was a bit surprised.
“Nothing.”
I sat on the sofa, feeling frustrated.
Just then, my phone rang. I looked at the screen, frowned, but still answered it.
Phoebe Clark’s smug voice came through the receiver:
“Addie, you probably don’t know yet, but Auntie has agreed to my marriage with Jasper, and she personally prepared the wedding for us. Do you have time to attend our wedding?”
Hearing this, I was stunned, but not surprised. After all, the Reed family is a famous name in City A, and they highly value their reputation. Mrs. Reed would never let things escalate; for the sake of face, she would definitely have Jasper Reed marry Phoebe Clark.
But what does this have to do with me? I absolutely won’t attend their wedding. I coldly replied into the phone:
“I’m not available”
Upon hearing my response, Phoebe Clark’s tone instantly turned malicious.
“Fine! Adeline! Stop pretending! Are you unavailable, or just scared?”
“All these years, Jasper’s heart has always belonged to me. You must be so jealous!”
Hearing this, I was momentarily taken aback but not entirely surprised. After all, the Reed Family is a prominent and influential family in City A, and they place a high value on their reputation. Mrs. Reed would never let things get out of hand; she would ensure Jasper Reed marries Phoebe Clark, even if only for the sake of appearances.
But what does this have to do with me? I have absolutely no intention of attending their wedding. I replied curtly over the phone, “I don’t have time.”
Upon hearing my response, Phoebe’s tone turned sharp. “Enough, Adeline! Stop pretending! Is it that you don’t have time, or is it that you’re too scared?”
“Jasper has always loved me the most all these years. You must be so jealous!”
“Rest assured, I’ll be with Jasper for life, and you’ll never come between us again!”
“And there’s one more thing–I must tell you, Jasper went to Maple Country to buy me a wedding gift. Don’t fool yourself into thinking he went there to see you!”
“I understand. Wishing you both a happy marriage.”
With that, I ended the call. I have no interest in the business between her and Jasper. Whether Jasper is buying gifts or seeking me out is irrelevant to me.
However, the next morning, as Nolan and I were about to leave, we unexpectedly ran into Jasper Reed,
“Who is this? Could this be your Secret Crush from your school days?” Jasper Reed was furious, glaring at Nolan and me with rage.
I couldn’t be bothered with him. I took Nolan’s arm affectionately and prepared to leave.
Jasper Reed stepped in front of us, demanding angrily. “Adeline! Are you deaf or can’t you hear me? Have you been hanging out with this
However, the next morning, as Nolan and I were about to leave, we unexpectedly ran into Jasper Reed.
“Who is this? Could this be your Secret Crush from your school days?” Jasper Reed was furious, glaring at Nolan and me with rage.
I couldn’t be bothered with him. I took Nolan’s arm affectionately and prepared to leave.
Jasper Reed stepped in front of us, demanding angrily, “Adeline! Are you deaf, or can’t you hear me? Have you been hanging out with this Pretty Boy all this time?”
Nolan’s expression turned serious as he frowned, “Watch your mouth!”
Hearing this, Jasper Reed raised his fist and struck Nolan hard in the face. Caught off guard, Nolan fell to the ground.
“Are you out of your mind?” I shouted angrily, rushing to Nolan’s side, deeply concerned. “Nolan, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Nolan smiled at me, dusted off his clothes, and got up.
Seeing this, Jasper Reed’s face darkened. “Adeline! Are you crazy? As my wife, you’re showing concern for another man? Have you no
shame?”
Wife? Wasn’t he the one who insisted on auctioning off his husband rights? Now he has the nerve to say such things.
I looked at him coldly, “Enough! Stop talking nonsense!”
“We no longer have any connection!”
“And I heard you and Phoebe are finally getting married. Let me congratulate you both in advance.”
Jasper suddenly panicked, “Addie, you’re mistaken! I don’t love Phoebe, nor do I want to marry her! I’m only doing this for the family’s reputation! Don’t worry, as long as you come back with me, I’ll kick her out of the Reed Family!”
Looking at Jasper’s earnest expression, I found it laughable. Late affection means nothing to me! I really don’t know what he’s trying to achieve by pretending like this now. Does he think I’m still the same person who would do anything for him? Dream on!
Now, I can’t even stand Jasper Reed for a second. I just want to never see him again in this lifetime.
“Leave, and don’t come looking for me!” I said coldly.
Just then, Jasper Reed’s phone rang. He answered, and I could faintly hear Phoebe’s voice. Seeing this, I quickly pulled Nolan away while Jasper was on the call.
At that time, all major online platforms were already broadcasting Jasper Reed and Phoebe Clark’s wedding. Unfortunately, the ceremony only showed the bride, Phoebe, screaming into the phone while the groom, Jasper Reed, never made an appearance from start to finish.
The entire wedding became a farce. Phoebe and Jasper went from true love to bitter enemies, fighting every day and causing chaos. The Reed Family became a laughingstock in high society.
But none of this has anything to do with me anymore. Now, I’m very happy and content. With Nolan by my side every day, it’s more than enough for this lifetime.
