Chapter 175 An Unexpected Twist
Alexander, sensing the women needed privacy for their conversation and not wishing to impose, broke the silence first. "I’m gonna go grab a bottle of water," he announced, tactfully excusing himself from the room.
As soon as he was out of sight, Amelia wasted no time in voicing her concerns. "Are you seriously telling me you're not proceeding with the divorce?" she asked, her tone incredulous.
Ava responded with an embarrassed chuckle, "It would appear so. We're not parting ways just yet."
Amelia's exasperation was palpable as she retorted, "You must be joking! After all the to-and-fro, how can you just change course again? What exactly is happening between you two?"
The constant oscillation of Ava and Alexander's relationship had left Amelia feeling drained. If their lives were a television drama, she would be hurling invectives at the screen.
Ava sighed, her voice heavy with resignation. "Grandma's health is deteriorating. She insists she's fine with us separating, but I know it's causing her pain. I don't want to add to her distress, so I'm postponing the divorce for now."
Amelia's frustration was evident. "And how long do you plan on doing that? You can't keep putting your life on hold to keep others content. Weren't you the one who told me about Alexander and Isabella's escapade at the resort? And you're still not divorcing him after that? I can't believe you!"
"Amy, that was a huge misunderstanding. Nothing transpired between them," Ava tried to explain.
Amelia's response was a cold, sarcastic laugh. "So, she would stoop to any level, wouldn't she? Did she resort to such tactics because Alexander wouldn't give her the time of day?"
Ava sighed, "The situation between Alex and me isn't as straightforward as it seems. As much as I want to leave, for Grandma's sake, I'm willing to endure."
Amelia shook her head, "You're being foolish. I can't believe you're willing to tolerate this indefinitely."
Ava tried to sound hopeful, "Alex promised he'd keep his distance from Isabella."
Amelia smirked, "And you believe what men say? I bet he just wants to have his cake and eat it too."
Ava defended him, "Amy, Alex isn't like that."
Amelia countered, "He's already crossed a line with Isabella, and you're still defending him?"
Ava was at a loss for words. Deep down, despite everything that had transpired with Isabella, she couldn't shake off the belief that Alex wasn't the type to cheat. However, she couldn't explain the complexities of their relationship to Amelia. After all, she and Alexander had a history spanning ten years. No one could fully comprehend their feelings.
Ironically, in the eyes of Alexander and Isabella, she was the other woman.
"So, do you plan on telling him?" Amelia asked, gesturing towards Ava's belly.
Ava hesitated, "I...I don't know. I thought the divorce was a done deal, but now everything's up in the air."
She continued, "I’d rather tell Grandma than Alexander. She's always wanted grandchildren, and I've been keeping this secret. The guilt is unbearable."
Amelia sighed, "It seems like you’re living your life for your grandmother. Maybe you'll feel free when she's gone," she blurted out before quickly covering her mouth, "I'm sorry, that was insensitive. I didn't mean it that way."
Ava offered a faint smile, understanding that Amelia meant no harm. "It's okay. Grandma is getting old, and perhaps Alex and I will prolong this until her passing."
The thought of losing her grandmother was a painful one. If given a choice, she would willingly sacrifice her own happiness for her grandmother’s health and longevity.
Seeing the distress on Ava’s face, Amelia realized that even if Ava stayed married to Alexander, she wasn’t truly happy. Prolonging this situation was beneficial to no one. Ava's selfless actions for her grandmother's sake made her seem like such a foolishly good-hearted girl.
"So, are you and Alexander going to resume your marital roles, or is it just a charade for your grandmother's sake?" Amelia asked.
"I'm not sure. We're currently sleeping in separate rooms, and it seems it will continue that way."
"But if you're not sharing a bed, what if he turns to Isabella? You can't let that woman benefit from this."
"I can't be intimate with him right now. The marriage has turned into such a mess, and I'm pregnant, so..."
Suddenly, a shrill scream echoed from outside the hospital room.
