Chapter 201 Is Antonio Asking for a Divorce?
Once they were comfortably seated at the café, Antonio didn't waste any time. "Why did you want to see me?" he asked directly. Serene, with an air of nonchalance, ordered two cups of coffee and offered him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry about my father. He got a bit carried away..."
Antonio's deep black eyes narrowed at her words. After a moment of contemplative silence, he turned his gaze back to Serene. "The engagement between the Jerret and Valencia families was arranged by our elders without my consent. As you know, I already have a wife, and I intend to spend the rest of my life with her. I don't hold any grudge against Mr. Jerrett, but please make sure he understands this."
His words were like a dagger to Serene's heart. She clenched her hand beneath the table, out of sight, and after a moment, managed a gracious smile. "I was already aware of this. I understand your position. I asked to meet you today to apologize for my father's impulsive behavior, nothing more."
Relieved that she wasn't going to bring up the engagement, Antonio's brow softened. "I'm sorry, I will find a way to repay you for saving me, but marriage is not an option."
"I trust you, Mr. Valencia. You're not a man who goes back on his word," Serene responded with an understanding smile, taking a sip of her freshly served coffee.
"Alright, Ryan is still in the hospital. I need to get back to him." With that, Antonio rose to leave.
Serene watched as he left his untouched coffee behind. Her fingers tightened around her own cup, a flicker of barely noticeable resentment flashing in her eyes. "Take me with you. I have a friend who works at the hospital, and we planned to meet after her shift. I can visit Ryan too. Besides, it would be good for you to have some help so you're not overwhelmed..."
She stood up, not giving Antonio a chance to refuse, and started walking towards the exit. Antonio frowned, a headache brewing, but considering the mountain of work awaiting him in Ryan's hospital room, he knew he couldn't devote all his attention to Ryan's care. Reluctantly, he agreed.
Meanwhile, James had brought Sarah and the children back home. But the moment Sarah stepped into the villa, she found Lucien sitting on the sofa, a dark expression on his face as he stared at her. She furrowed her brows and approached him, the children trailing behind her.
"Sarah, let's not beat around the bush. How can a woman like you be worthy of Antonio? I believe you know deep down that you don't deserve him!" Lucien launched his attack before Sarah could even respond.
Frowning in displeasure, Sarah was taken aback. She hadn't had the chance to fully express herself at the hospital in front of Ryan, and now Lucien was here, taunting her in her own home. She shot him a cold glare and pulled her children closer.
"Whether I deserve Antonio or not is not for you to decide. My husband is Antonio, not you!" Sarah retorted, surprising even herself. Lucien's face twitched in response, but then he seemed to remember something and raised his eyebrows smugly.
"I admire your confidence. But you're not aware yet, are you? Ah, of course, why would he tell you?" Lucien's coy demeanor made Sarah's heart sink.
What didn't she know? Had Antonio done something without telling her?
Sarah's frown deepened. "Just spit it out, Lucien. I don't have time for your games."
With a triumphant stroke of his beard, Lucien declared, "Let me enlighten you. Antonio's new marriage is already arranged. He brought Ryan back to the old mansion today to discuss this very matter! The incoming Mrs. is leagues ahead of you in every aspect. If you have any sense, sign the divorce agreement promptly and make your exit! Otherwise, it will be your own dignity that's lost, and you'll be the one ejected!"
His tone was dripping with sarcasm and malice, making no effort to conceal his disdain for her.
A wave of unease washed over Sarah, causing her heart to flutter anxiously.
However, recalling Antonio's firm declaration at the hospital that he had no intention of divorcing her, she found her calm.
"Unless he tells me himself, I won't believe a word you say. I know you're just trying to sabotage our relationship. This is our business, and whatever transpires between us is none of your concern," Sarah retorted firmly. She gathered the two children and made to ascend the stairs, eager to escape the elder's taunts.
Lucien, however, smirked with ill intent. "Is that so? I hope that even after you see these photos, you'll remain just as resolute... Oh, I see, you won't leave until you're humiliated upon his return, right? You may be able to stomach the loss of face, but the Valencia family certainly can't."
With a sharp slap, he flung a stack of photos onto the coffee table.
His throw was forceful, causing some of the photos to scatter and land haphazardly at Sarah's feet.
Instinctively, Sarah glanced down and immediately recognized a familiar figure in one of the photos.
Beside Antonio stood a woman, smiling at him with affection.
Sarah knew that woman; it was Serene.
And Serene was donning a men's coat, unmistakably the one Antonio had worn that day...
Judging by the timestamp, it was not long ago.
Wasn't Antonio supposed to be at the hospital caring for Ryan? Why was he meeting with Serene again?
Upon seeing Sarah's stunned expression, Lucien continued, "Open your eyes wide and see clearly. Antonio is engaged to Serene. You, an outsider, dare to involve yourself with him. If you have any sense, sign the divorce agreement and leave. Can't you understand? They are in love, and the mistress has intentions!"
Engagement...?
The word hit Sarah like a ton of bricks.
So, that was the reality of the situation.
Blinking, Sarah turned her gaze to the coffee table. Alongside the photos, there was a thick stack of documents—
A divorce agreement!
Lucien, standing right before her, flipped to the back of the agreement, to the section that concerned both parties.
In an instant, it caught Sarah's eye.
Antonio had actually signed...
He truly intended to marry someone else!
A wave of icy realization washed over Sarah.
She couldn't comprehend. How could someone who had always insisted they would never divorce suddenly change his mind?
How could he secretly meet other women and sign a divorce agreement behind her back?
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