Chapter 161 Your Darling
Had she known the truth from the beginning, had she been aware that Alexander had never truly severed ties with Isabella, she would have never consented to their marriage.
A heavy silence fell between them.
Ava broke the quiet, her voice steady, "I've obtained our marriage certificates. Ethan must have informed you, correct?"
Alexander responded with a noncommittal grunt, "How did you acquire them?"
"Grandma invited me for a discussion," Ava revealed. "It appears she was aware of our impending divorce all along. She overheard our conversation on my birthday night when we returned to the house. She was also privy to the fact that Isabella had returned to town."
A frown creased Alexander's brow, "And how did Grandma take the news?"
"Are you concerned that she might be heartbroken?" Ava retorted.
"Grandma's advancing in age, her health is deteriorating," he defended.
"Really? I question whether you genuinely believe that."
Alexander's eyes sparked with irritation, "What are you implying?"
"It's quite simple. Perhaps you still harbor resentment towards Grandma for insisting on our marriage and preventing you from being with Isabella."
Ava found it hard to believe that Alexander held no grudges against his grandmother.
Alexander managed a strained smirk, "Regardless, she remains my grandma."
"Right, Alex, she is your grandma. If I do leave, please look after her. Visit her frequently, bring her joy, and speak words that she delights in hearing." Ava's voice wavered, her eyes misting over.
"And where do you plan on going?" Alexander's brow furrowed deeper, his gaze reflecting a wave of concern.
"We're divorcing. Once it's finalized, I will no longer be your wife. My future whereabouts are my concern alone, and you will no longer have any say in the matter."
In truth, Ava was uncertain of where she would go—anywhere to escape the heartache, perhaps.
Alexander stared at her in silence, his mouth opening as if to speak, but ultimately, he remained quiet.
Ava continued, "Grandma willingly handed over the marriage certificates, consenting to our divorce. There's no need for us to hurry or sneak around any longer. You should focus on recuperating in the hospital for the next few days."
After a prolonged silence, Alexander finally spoke, "Ava, I have a question for you, and I want an honest answer."
"What is it?"
"What exactly is the nature of your relationship with William?"
"We're friends, why do you ask?" Ava received no answer from Alexander, who instead posed another question, "You claimed to have become close friends with him the first time you met, during your graduation ceremony. Doesn't that seem a bit hasty?"
"What's hasty about it? Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'birds of a feather flock together?'"
"So, you found a kindred spirit in him, then."
Did this mean that as a couple, they had failed to see eye to eye?
"Alex, we're over. My relationship with William is none of your concern."
Alexander offered a half-smile, "That may not be entirely true."
Ava's brow furrowed, "What are you implying?"
Alexander's words seemed to carry an ominous undertone.
"It means nothing."
Regret washed over Ava. Why had she come here, to see the indifference etched on his face? She rose from her chair, announcing, "I'm leaving."
As she neared the door, Alexander called out, "Wait."
Ava turned, "Is there something else?"
"You're just going to leave me here?"
"Do you want me to call Isabella for you?" Ava had already retrieved her phone and dialed Isabella's number.
Before Alexander could respond, Ava spoke into the phone, "Isabella, Alex is in the hospital, at XX Hospital."
After delivering the message, Ava ended the call.
"Who gave you permission to call her?" Alexander's face darkened with anger.
"Shouldn't I have? She's your darling, isn't she? Seeing her will likely improve your mood."
With a final, sarcastic remark, Ava turned and exited the hospital room.
Alexander clenched his fists, the chill in his eyes intensifying.
