Chapter 108 Painful Memories
"Clara, I'm not leaving. My husband is still lying in there. How could I possibly go back?" I said coldly. Even though I didn't care much about my relationship with Edward anymore, I still wanted him to be okay. I didn't want him lying in the emergency room with his life hanging by a thread. Plus, Aria in front of me seemed so shady. Even if Edward and I were to split up, I wanted to hold onto the title of Mrs. Diana Howard until the divorce. As long as we weren't divorced, I was the rightful Mrs. Diana Howard.
Seeing that I refused to leave, the woman named Aria dismissed the security and walked over to me, whispering, "Mrs. Diana Howard, you're all dirty, and it's pretty late. You must be exhausted. Why don't you head home and get some rest? Besides, Mrs. Clara Howard is a bit angry with you right now. Why don't you hide for a while and come back to see Edward when she is in a better mood? Don't worry. I'll take care of things here for you."
"You'll take care of it for me? Who are you?" Although her tone was gentle, I didn't want to speak to her kindly. My question left Aria momentarily speechless, but Clara rushed over to shield Aria behind her. Clara said, "Diana, don't make things difficult for Aria. She's Edward's cousin."
"Cousin?" I sneered inwardly. I had known Edward for over ten years and had been married for more than four years, yet I never knew he had such a cousin.
Clearly, Clara noticed my disbelief and, perhaps to dispel my doubts, she softened her tone. "Diana, you always have such big ambitions. You could have been a good wealthy housewife, but you insisted on working as a lawyer. If you were doing well, that would be one thing, but look at your career; it hasn't made much progress. You've even caused so much trouble for the Howard family because of your work. So I advise you, once Edward gets better, to stay home and be Mrs. Diana Howard. When there's a chance, I'll introduce you to some people. Building relationships with them would also benefit the Howard family's business. What do you think?"
She was consciously trying to ease our relationship, but I knew that ever since the unpleasantness with Anne, there was no room for reconciliation between us.
Seeing Clara's initiative to make peace, I couldn't be too harsh. After all, she was my mother-in-law, and the Cooper family taught me to respect my elders. So this basic etiquette I could still uphold.
I softened my tone too. "Clara, I know you are for my good, but I genuinely love being a lawyer. Besides, the current situation isn't entirely my fault. As for the reasons, I don't think it's appropriate to discuss them in front of outsiders. When I get the chance, I'll explain to you in detail where the rumors about me came from."
Clara's mouth twitched, as if she knew what I was about to say. But she didn't want me to expose Anne's misdeeds in front of Aria, so she said, "Diana, I understand your difficulties and your grievances, but Edward and Anne have just been rescued and will need a long period of treatment. I'm getting old, and Hayden's health isn't good either, always needing care. I can't stay at the hospital every day."
She added, "Although Aria is Edward's cousin, it's still somewhat inconvenient to have her take care of Edward all the time. Later, it might be up to you to stay with Edward in the hospital. Today, your clothes are dirty, and your makeup is smudged. Why don't you go back, freshen up, and rest? Come back tomorrow to relieve Aria and me."
When Clara said this, she might have truly had a hint of emotion left for me. After speaking, she tucked my disheveled hair behind my ear and sat back on the bench. Although she wasn't as agitated as when she first saw me, her intention for me to leave was clear.
"Alright, I'll head back tonight and gather some of Edward's and Anne's usual stuff. I've been married to Edward for so many years; I know his habits best." I made sure to emphasize that last part.
Clara didn't seem to catch on, nodding in relief, but Aria's face soured. Her angry expression looked oddly familiar. My professional instincts and knack for reading people told me Aria had some issues, but I couldn't call her out just yet. I decided to retreat for now and figure out her connection to the Howard family later.
By the time Clara's driver dropped me off at the Howard Villa, the sky was already lightening. But Melissa hadn't woken up yet, and the whole place was silent.
I slowly took off the blood-stained white dress and tossed it beside the bathtub. With a clinking sound, a necklace fell to the floor along with the dress. The crisp sound was particularly jarring in the quiet bathroom.
I bent down and gently picked up the necklace. Edward had placed it around my neck just last night, with a tenderness that had made me feel cherished, as if I were the most precious thing in his world.
I carefully put the necklace back on and stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself closely. The reflection showed a slightly tired face, eyes filled with a hint of sadness, but the necklace around my neck shimmered softly, adding a touch of warmth and strength.
I turned slightly in front of the mirror, watching the necklace reflect light from different angles. It was like a brilliant star, illuminating the dark corners of my heart. I wished time could stop at that moment, allowing me to stay in Edward's love forever. However, reality was unforgiving. I didn't know what the future held or if we could return to the past's happiness. But at least for now, this necklace gave me the courage and strength to face everything.
I sighed softly, my eyes filled with confusion and longing, and murmured, "Edward, how much sincerity is there in your feelings for me?" The sound echoed in the quiet room, ethereal as if it came from the depths of my soul, yet received no response.
I slowly walked to the bathtub, turned on the faucet, and watched the clear water flow out, gradually filling the tub. Feeling utterly exhausted, I slowly immersed myself in the warm embrace of the water. It enveloped me, seemingly trying to soothe my inner pain and fatigue.
The steam spread like a thin veil, enveloping the entire bathroom in a hazy mist. The gentle touch of the steam on my skin made me feel waves of sleepiness wash over me. I had thought that after such a tumultuous and painful night, my mind would remain in a state of excitement and tension, making it impossible to sleep. But I was truly exhausted, my body and mind drained of all energy.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
