Chapter 126 I've Only Ever Liked Albert
The night was deep, and the streetlights cast a dim yellow glow over the alley.
Yvette walked beside David, their bodies flickering with light and shadow.
Their shadows stretched long, overlapping, but Yvette kept her distance from David.
The night breeze was cool. Yvette rubbed her arms, and David noticed.
"Are you cold?"
"I'm fine." Yvette's mind drifted back to the conversations she overheard that afternoon.
Turns out, even her cherished memories were fake.
Albert had never been sincere; he just wanted what David had.
No wonder he forgot their memories so easily.
Thinking about it, Yvette felt a sharp pain.
David moved closer, trying to share his warmth but not too close to disturb her.
Yvette lowered her eyes, her lashes casting shadows.
"You don't have to be so nice," Yvette's soft voice echoed, "Albert and I are getting a divorce."
David was stunned. "You're divorcing Albert?"
"Yes." Yvette's voice was small but certain.
David's heart filled with mixed emotions, his breathing quickened.
He stopped, turned to Yvette. "Yvette."
She stopped too, looking into his eyes.
Their gazes met, and David finally spoke his buried feelings.
"It was never about Albert. It was always about me."
Panic flashed in Yvette's eyes. She tucked her hair behind her ear. She knew about David's feelings from the conversation she overheard.
She wanted to interrupt, but it was too late.
David looked into her eyes. "Yvette, I blew it before. Since you're ending things with Albert, I'll wait for you."
The streetlight reflected in David's eyes, making them shimmer.
His eyes were warm, but Yvette's were sad.
If she had loved David, would things be different?
But her heart and the events weren't in her control.
Yvette exhaled and spoke carefully, not wanting to hurt him but being honest.
"Sorry, even though Albert doesn't love me, I've only ever liked him."
Whether it was the cool breeze or Yvette's clear words, the drunken Albert suddenly sobered up.
After Victor's reminder, Albert hurried to find Yvette, only to see her with David.
Anger and alcohol made him furious.
But then Yvette said she had only ever liked him.
Albert's cold hostility melted away.
He quietly watched Yvette's back, a smile forming on his lips.
Yvette unlocked the door, and Lassie peeked out.
"Albert, want to come in for a bit?"
"No need," David smiled. "Just making sure Yvette got home safe. Goodbye, ma'am."
"Goodbye!"
Lassie looked embarrassed and glanced at Yvette. "Did I mistake him again?"
"Yes, that's David," Yvette said calmly while changing her shoes.
Lassie quickly shut the door, glaring at Yvette. "I told you to keep your distance from him. If he really likes you, what will the Valdemar family think? What will Albert think?"
Yvette pursed her lips, finally agreeing with Lassie for once.
"I get it," Yvette said, slipping into her slippers. "I'm tired, heading to my room."
"Wait, I need to tell you something."
"What?"
"Emily's getting married soon. Her husband is from Luken, you met him last time."
"Okay," Yvette said, lifting her eyelids. "When's the wedding?"
"This weekend. Are you and Albert free?"
Yvette hesitated, then frowned. "I have time, but Albert might not."
To avoid more questions, Yvette added, "He's pretty busy, you know."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Lassie opened the door, surprised. "David, something else?"
The smell of alcohol on Albert had faded. Hearing Lassie's words, he frowned but then relaxed.
"Mom, it's me, Albert."
"Albert?" Lassie looked flustered. "Come in! Yvette told me you have a brother who looks just like you, so I thought it was him."
Yvette was surprised to see Albert. "Why are you here?"
"I just wanted to," Albert said, raising his hand. "I bought this for you."
Yvette looked closely; it was a snack from a shop near their high school. She had craved it during her pregnancy and asked Albert twice, but he never responded, so she gave up.
What was he doing?
"You bought this?" Yvette asked, shocked.
"Yes," Albert handed her the snack. "Eat it, I'm leaving."
As Albert turned to leave, Yvette handed the snack to Lassie and quickly followed him out.
"Wait," Yvette called out.
"Do you need something?" Maybe because he was drunk, his usually indifferent eyes had a hint of a smile.
"I heard your conversation with David," Yvette said seriously.
Albert paused. "What did you hear?"
"I heard that you never liked me."
Albert was about to speak, but Yvette cut him off.
"Don't worry, I don't like you anymore."
Albert frowned. "You don't like me anymore?"
"Yes," Yvette nodded. "So you don't need to do these things out of guilt."
Albert asked, "Why do you think I'm doing this out of guilt?"
"If not guilt, then what? Did you fall in love with me just because we were childhood friends? Then your love is too cheap." Yvette's voice had a hint of laughter but also a touch of coldness.
The smile on Albert's face faded, and he became serious.
His lips pressed into a straight line, his voice slightly hoarse. "In your eyes, nothing I do is right. So what do you think I should do?"
