### Chapter 2
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Asher was taken aback.
He had been hearing Beatrix mention freedom frequently, with Adeline occasionally echoing the sentiment. But he never expected that this so–called freedom would mean Adeline handing him a divorce agreement!
Beatrix picked up a bouquet of flowers nearby.
“Asher, since I returned, I’ve remembered everything you’ve done for me.”
“I never thought you’d be willing to do anything for me, even risk your life.”
“So, I had Adeline sign the divorce agreement. Now we can finally be together!”
Asher’s friends, who had come to visit him, burst in as well.
“Congratulations, Asher, you finally got the girl.”
“Young Master Asher is really lucky, not only did you win back your beloved, but you also managed to get your wife to agree to a divorce. That’s quite the feat!”
No one mentioned what would happen to Adeline.
Asher thought about the three years he had been married to Adeline. Everyone around him said she was not right for him. Adeline didn’t care. To her, as long as they truly loved each other, others‘ opinions didn’t matter.
Asher struggled to keep his voice steady, “So, where is Adeline?”
Everyone in the room was caught off guard. Silence filled the awkward atmosphere.
Beatrix looked a little guilty. She suddenly couldn’t meet Asher’s eyes, “She left. Adeline’s parents came to pick her up, and I heard the whole family went abroad.”
After a thirteen–hour flight, I landed in Iceland. I originally planned to come here with Asher after his birthday. I had even reserved the largest and best Presidential Suite for us to enjoy. But who knew he was such a jerk, not worth everything I did for him.
That night, soaking in the hotel’s hot spring, I finally felt a long–lost happiness. Maybe Beatrix was right. Ending this marriage truly is freedom.
I’m free too.
I turned on my phone, and messages poured in.
[Adeline, where are you? Why is your phone off?!]
[Adeline, listen to me. What Beatrix said is a lie. It’s not what you think.]
[Come back, let’s talk it over.]
I was ready to delete and block him. I gave him nine chances, isn’t that enough? Even if he kneels and begs, saying I’m the one he loves, not Beatrix, I don’t care anymore.
The phone kept ringing with his calls. I saw Asher’s name and hung up decisively. He wouldn’t give up, calling again and again. Asher, known in the Beijing Circle for being cold and indifferent, had never been this persistent.
Asher was desperate. He sent a picture of the divorce agreement, torn to pieces.
[Adeline, our divorce agreement is void.]
[You’re still my wife. You must come back and explain to me.]
It was like a last–ditch effort from someone with nothing left to lose. I was surprisingly amused. The irritation Beatrix caused almost vanished.
<
It was like a last–ditch effort from someone with nothing left to lose. I was surprisingly amused. The irritation Beatrix caused almost vanished.
I took a photo of my divorce certificate.
[You can tear up your agreement, I have a backup here.]
[I also got the divorce certificate.]
[Thanks to you, Asher. Your lawyer said as long as I agree to divorce, I can leave anytime.]
Seeing Asher trying to backtrack, it’s a pity I have no regrets for him. What I wanted, he could never give me.
Knowing Asher was still trying to contact me, my parents were furious.
“This kid from the old Carter family really has issues. When you married him, he didn’t appreciate you. Now divorced, he clings on.”
“Sweetheart, we need to be more discerning in the future. Looks aren’t important, character is.”
I chuckled dryly. Actually, I wasn’t entirely drawn to Asher because of his looks. He probably doesn’t remember.
I pursued him not because it was love at first sight. But because, when I transferred back to China, he was the most dazzling person I saw at school.
Back then, Asher didn’t have the so–called Beijing Circle title. He wasn’t as cold and distant as he is now. I had a crush on him for many years. After graduation, I thought I’d never see him again.
Who knew, later, the Carter family suddenly faced a crisis. Asher’s parents both died in a car accident, and the family’s assets were mostly taken by relatives. I worried something might happen to him, so I went to the Carter mansion in the middle of the night, seeing him kneeling in front of his parents‘ shrine, eyes filled with desolation.
Then his wrist adorned with Prayer Beads, the Beijing Circle laughed that he’d be eaten alive by relatives. I told myself I couldn’t leave him alone. So, I clung to him for many years.
Many of the Carter family’s businesses were secretly supported by me. When the Carter family was stable, Asher finally agreed to my proposal. I thought we would be happy like this forever. But everything turned out to be false. There’s no possibility for Asher and me anymore.
My parents, fearing for my sadness, took me on a tour of various European countries. I almost forgot about Asher. Just occasionally passing by a certain spot reminded me of past promises.
My mom mentioned someone back home was desperately trying to find out about me. I thought it was Asher, telling her not to worry.
But she tapped my arm.
“Is Asher the only one in your mind? Can’t it be someone else?”
“How did I raise such a dense daughter?”
I was filled with questions. Really couldn’t think of anyone else who’d care so much.
My mom reminded me, “Uncle Parker’s youngest son, remember? You played together as kids!”
That’s when I realized. The Parker family hasn’t been peaceful these past two years. Young Master Jasper Parker was managing the family business while keeping tabs on me. But he never appeared before me, because everyone in the Beijing Circle knew I married Asher. Not until news of my divorce spread did he start frantically searching for me.
After hearing this, I didn’t feel much.
“I don’t want to date anyone right now. All men are the same. Who can promise that if they like me now, they won’t like someone else later?”
“Maybe they like me because I remind them of someone, or someone else reminds them of me.”
I’ve had enough of men’s troubles. I have my parents. If I want kids, I can have them on my own.
<
But I never expected Jasper Parker to follow me to Europe. I was taking photos in front of the Notre–Dame Cathedral. An Asian handsome guy suddenly tapped my shoulder, pointing at my tripod.
“Adeline, need any help?”
His face stunned me for a moment, and then I looked at him warily.
“Who are you? How do you know my name?”
His face turned bright red. He mumbled, unable to speak a word. Just as I was about to lose patience, his eyes suddenly welled up.
“Adeline, I’m Jasper Parker. I asked Aunt where you were, I’m sorry.”
“I just want to say one thing.”
“Adeline, will you give me a chance?”
I was at a loss for words. To say I hadn’t let go of Asher, maybe not. But accepting someone’s pursuit so soon felt strange.
During my silence, Jasper’s tears suddenly flowed down his face.
“I’m sorry, Adeline. I was too timid all these years to confess.”
“I don’t expect you to accept my confession. I just hope you let me stay by your side.”
“I promise, you’ll see my sincerity.”
I gave in. After all, just letting him stay by my side for a while isn’t a big deal. Let it be.
From Jasper’s words, I learned Asher had a major outburst back home. Beatrix was kicked out by him, becoming a laughingstock in the whole Beijing Circle. Asher couldn’t understand why, after giving Adeline promises and knowing how much she loved him, everything changed with Beatrix’s return.
Beatrix was overconfident. Asher drinking for her made her believe he loved her more than life. Without Adeline, marrying into the Carter family was just a matter of Asher’s words. So she told Asher about her bet with Adeline.
“Actually, I was just joking. Even if you broke the vow nine times, if Adeline didn’t want to divorce, I couldn’t do anything, right?”
“Asher, Adeline knows we’re true love. She’s just too embarrassed to cling to you.”
“Shall we invite her to the wedding? As a thank you for letting go.“‘
Before she finished, Beatrix’s face was slapped hard. In shock, she looked at Asher, whose eyes were red like blood, filled with fear.
“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”
He responded with another slap, knocking her to the ground, her face swollen like a pig’s head. Asher still wasn’t satisfied. He grabbed Beatrix’s shoulders, shaking her violently.
“From the start of the marriage, the one I loved was always Adeline!”
“Give her back to me! Give her back!”
But now, they had no idea where Adeline was.
I didn’t expect Jasper to be more persistent than I thought. In three months, he showed kindness to me in every possible way. Whatever l wanted to eat, he had it airlifted from the source. Wherever I wanted to go, he booked the whole place in advance, ensuring my plans never fell through.
I asked him, “You know my family is also wealthy, right?” Not wanting him to think I was some gold digger. Spending money won’t solve everything
“I’ve loved Adeline since we got married! Give her back to me!”
12:08 PM
<
But now, they don’t even know where Adeline is.
I didn’t anticipate Jasper Parker’s persistence.
For three months, he has gone out of his way to be kind to me. Whatever I crave, he has it airlifted from its place of origin. Wherever I want to
visit, he books the entire venue in advance so my plans are seamless.
I asked him, “You realize my family is wealthy too, right?” I feared he might see me as a gold digger, thinking money could solve everything.
But Jasper looked genuinely confused, “Aside from spending money on you, Adeline, I don’t know how else to show my care.”
Yes, Jasper’s pursuit is very respectful. He only tries to understand what I desire and fulfills my wishes. But he never expects me to be with
him or to reciprocate his efforts.
I used to pursue Asher in the same way. Back then, I believed love could overcome all obstacles. I thought if I sincerely loved Asher, he would feel it and respond with the same emotions. Asher was quite the manipulator. Whenever I was about to give up, he’d offer a glimmer of hope. Perhaps it was having a meal together. While I cut steak, he’d eat salad across from me. Or maybe it was watching a movie together. We’d book an entire theater. I’d cry my heart out over the love story, while he’d sit with headphones on, reading Buddhist scriptures.
thought it was progress. But now, I’ve realized the truth. I didn’t leave him because of Beatrix; I let him go. Asher won’t change for me. Being with me is a burden for him.
Now, I don’t know how to face Jasper. I looked into his eyes, hoping he’d know I was sincere.
“What if I never respond to you? What will you do then? Will you regret being so good to me, thinking it wasn’t worth it?”
Just like now, i regret loving Asher.
But Jasper hugged me tightly. His breath warmed my ears. “Adeline, you’re the most wonderful person in the world, the one I love most. You’re worth it. Everything I give you is worth it.”
