Chapter 9 Sudden Awakening
I'd never received flowers from Edward. He'd buy them for his mother, for Anne, but never for me. I'd convinced myself he simply wasn't the romantic type.
Staring at the bright bouquet in front of me, I felt all sorts of things.
I was still mad and hurt from Edward ditching me to see Anne last night.
But this sudden bouquet felt like a warm ray of sunshine breaking through my cloudy mood.
My hands shook as I held the flowers.
I gently touched the petals, feeling their softness, imagining Edward's tenderness.
But Edward didn't know I was allergic to pollen.
I wanted to smash the flowers on the back of his head and tell him it was too late!
But my arms felt too weak, and in the end, I couldn't do it.
I held onto the bouquet until I got out of the car, never letting go.
I really liked it, but a bouquet wasn't enough to forgive Edward.
Before I walked in the door, Edward grabbed me and said, "Diana, we need to talk."
I stood there with the flowers in my arms, both of us like silent statues, not knowing what to do.
After a long pause, he said, "Lately, you seem to have some issues with Anne."
"No, how could I have issues with your sister?" I emphasized "sister."
"You know Anne is my sister! Don't let personal reasons affect my relationship with her. How do you think Anne would feel?"
A cold laugh escaped my lips. "How Anne feels? Have you ever considered how I feel?” I held his gaze, the bouquet suddenly a heavy burden. "Thanks for the flowers, Edward, but I still want a divorce. My lawyer will send the papers to your office.”
Edward's face was stern, his sharp gaze making me uncomfortable.
I ignored him, holding the flowers in one hand and my medication in the other as I walked in, only to find Anne waiting in the living room.
Anne, as enthusiastic as a puppy, rushed over as soon as she saw me.
"Diana, why are you taking medicine again?" Anne said, snatching the medication from my hand.
"I can't even take a sip of such bitter medicine." Watching Anne's fake concern, a wave of disgust rose in me, but I said nothing.
Maybe the movement was too much and affected her injury, Anne lost her balance and knelt in front of me.
As Anne clutched her butt in pain, Edward walked in.
"I'm so jealous you have Edward to care for you. Unlike me, no one helps me when I fall." Anne pretended to get up.
Edward extended his hand, but Anne recoiled as if shocked, her eyes avoiding his.
"Diana, can't you give me a break? Anne was just concerned about you. Do you have to go this far?"
Edward's sudden outburst made Anne feel guilty. "It's okay, Edward. It was my fault."
Anne stood up, put my medication in the fridge, and went into the kitchen.
She poured me a cup of hot water.
I was afraid Anne might pull some trick, like making me spill the water and burn myself.
I leaned on the sofa and said lightly, "Just put it on the table. I'll drink it later."
Anne placed the cup on the table and sat next to me, chatting.
This seemed like the first time in four years that Anne paid so much attention to me when Edward and I were both present.
Anne's sudden enthusiasm made me uncomfortable. I was clearly in the right, justified, and full of grievances, but in the face of Anne's kindness, I couldn't respond appropriately.
Whether I expressed my coldness to her or not, made me feel like I was bullying a child, giving me a sense of guilt.
I coaxed her, "Anne, I'm tired. Let Edward keep you company."
Anne smiled and said, "Okay, rest up for a bit. I'll come find you later."
"Melissa, can you take care of these flowers for me?"
"Yes, Mrs. Howard." Melissa took the flowers from my hands right on cue.
As I headed upstairs, I overheard Anne telling Edward, "See, Edward? I told you Diana would like the flowers. She even asked Melissa to arrange them! How about a little credit?"
I felt a lump in my throat, like I was being choked, and my cheeks flushed.
I stopped halfway up the stairs and called out, "Melissa, can you come to the bedroom for a sec?"
Melissa nodded and followed me up.
"No need to make lunch. Take a few days off. I'll give you the address of the new place once I'm settled. Did you unpack my luggage from yesterday?"
Melissa nodded honestly.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
I ignored Melissa, who looked like she wanted to say something, and answered the call as I walked into the room.
As the call connected, I heard typing. "Diana, what's going on over there? Has Edward finally fallen for your lingerie strategy?"
I wasn't in the mood to joke with Lila and said, "Don't mention it. I have a question for you. Can you help draft a divorce agreement?"
Lila exclaimed, "Of course! This is a piece of cake for me. Which heartbroken woman wants a divorce? Just give her my contact info."
"I'm the heartbroken woman you're talking about."
Lila's voice shot up, "Diana! You're finally waking up. I've been telling you, you can't rely on a man!"
I absentmindedly fiddled with the leaves of a plant in the room, lost in thought.
"I'm worn out from giving so much." I didn't share all my doubts with Lila.
Lila didn't push, simply agreeing. "In that case, I'll draft the agreement as soon as possible.” She paused. "This is a small task, though. You could handle it yourself, couldn't you? You were always as capable as me back in school.”
"So many years have passed, and you've become a famous lawyer in the city, a strong woman dominating the courtroom like a man, while I've stayed at the same level."
Lila and I met in the same private elementary school, went to the same middle school, high school, and college. During our junior year, we both received the honor of being named "Rising Star of Law" at the Law School. However, upon graduation, I got married and gave up my career.
Lila, successful in her career, didn't forget her unambitious friend and persistently recommended me to her law firm's partner, "Nolan has always admired you. You know Nolan Scott?"
I still remember how proud Lila was when she said that, as if she were Nolan.
Nolan was a renowned lawyer in the country, with over thirty offices nationwide. His office in Wind City was located in the most valuable building in the CBD, a true leader in the legal field.
I was tempted early on. If it weren't for Edward forbidding me from working outside, I might have thrived in the workplace like Lila.
Being a lawyer required a solid foundation.
So, I decided to find my law books and review them.
I went to Edward's study, not expecting him to be working.
Edward's face was cold, and he asked, "What do you want?"
I explained, "Sorry, I didn't know you were here. I'll just grab a few books and leave."
Edward's brow furrowed slightly, and he looked at me indifferently, "What kind of book?"
I didn't stop my hands and said, "My law books from college."
Edward should have known what I intended to do, and the sound of his mouse clicking incessantly was driving me crazy.
I pretended not to care about him, continuing to search for the books I needed.
Edward's eyes were as cold and indifferent as ever. "You want to go back to work? I won't allow it."
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