Chapter 14

"Don't cry.” Leonard pulled out a napkin and handed it to Stephanie. Stephanie did not respond. She simply raised her head and continued to weep. "Leonard, if I had known you were in a car accident, I would’ve returned to marry you. Even if I became a widow on our wedding day, I wouldn’t have any regrets. Why did I return only to find out you no longer belong to me?" Leonard wanted to say he had never belonged to anyone. However, upon seeing her in such distress, he replied, "It means there’s no destiny between us. Let the past stay in the past. You’ll find someone better." "I don’t want to.” She grabbed his sleeve and said, "Leonard, I only love you for the rest of my life. I know your marriage is just an arrangement. You don't love her at all. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have dated me. Since you’re awake now, you should divorce her." "Do you think marriage is a game, and I can leave whenever I want?" Leonard grew impatient with her crying. "Jackson, take Stephanie home and let her rest." Jackson entered the room and saw Stephanie crying uncontrollably. She clung to Leonard and refused to let go. "No, don't! Leonard, I don't want to be separated from you! My life will be worse than death without you!" Jackson could not bear to hear her cries. However, after a glance at his boss's furrowed brow, he had no choice but to intervene and escort Stephanie out. Finally, there was silence. Leonard felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Stephanie had been well-educated and reasonable during his relationship with her. It was Leonard’s first time witnessing such a tantrum from her. Nonetheless, he did not feel as remorseful as her. He had pursued a relationship with Stephanie because he was at an age where marriage seemed appropriate. Furthermore, her family background was favorable. Stephanie was talented and the most renowned lady in Queenston. Such a woman was suitable for marriage. As for his lesser-known fiancee from the Jones family, Leonard had not given her a single thought. Despite everything, he ultimately married Lisa. Even if he divorced Lisa, there was no need to have any strings attached to Stephanie. Leonard quickly put his personal affairs aside as he examined the documents on his desk. No woman was as important as his career. … Stephanie descended the stairs, unable to believe Leonard had mercilessly let her go. "Ms. Stephanie, please enter the car," Jackson said as he opened the door. "Jackson, tell me how Leonard is getting along with the Jones family." Stephanie refused to get in the car. Instead, she was eager to glean some information. "I’m sorry, Ms. Stephanie. It's inappropriate for me to disclose Mr. Leonard's private life." Jackson shook his head. Stephanie gritted her teeth. ‘It seems Jackson’s lips will remain sealed.’ Since Stephanie could not obtain any information from him, she had no choice but to seek answers from someone else. "Nevermind. You don't need to see me off. I'm not feeling great and want to walk by myself." Jackson did not force her. Instead, he replied, "Then please be careful." After leaving the office, Stephanie drove to the Parker family’s home. … Michelle happened to be at home and welcomed Stephanie. "Michelle, this is a necklace I bought when I was a guest at an earl's house during my European tour." Stephanie took the gift she had prepared from her bag. "I heard the renowned jeweler James designed it. I know you enjoy collecting various necklaces, so I purchased it from the countess." "Oh, that’s so sweet of you!” Michelle's eyes lit up. Collecting jewelry was one of her hobbies. "How much was it? I’ll reimburse you." "No, I'm just glad you like it. I also bought a watch for your mother-in-law. I know Melissa has a fondness for collecting them." Stephanie unveiled all the gifts at once. Her eyes became red, and tears fell onto the back of her hand. "Oh, you..." Michelle felt sympathy for her and quickly wiped her tears with a napkin. "I'm just sad," Stephanie said in a choked voice, "I didn't know Leonard was in a car accident until I returned. Then I found out he's married." Michelle asked in surprise, "You didn’t know?" "How could I have known? I was busy preparing for the tour quite some time ago, and I traveled to eight countries in 20 days," Stephanie explained, "When I returned yesterday, my parents told me Leonard was in a car accident. “They were open to the marriage initially but didn't want me to become a widow when they heard Leonard might not survive. I would’ve returned if I had known, regardless of anything. I want to spend the rest of my life with him, whether he is dead or alive." "No wonder," Michelle muttered, "Your parents firmly declined when we approached them. Now I understand why. I thought Leonard wouldn't make it, either. The Jones family only agreed to marry off their daughter because they're hungry for money." "Michelle," Stephanie sniffed and lowered her voice, "Tell me. What’s with Leonard and that woman?" "Leonard doesn't like her at all," Michelle replied and expressed dissatisfaction, “Leonard kicked her out of the house yesterday." "Really?" Stephanie's eyes lit up. "Stephanie, you're far better than her." Michelle sighed and continued, "Lisa isn’t suitable for Leonard. She comes from a lower-class family and lacks respect. Also, she has caused trouble and disrupted the peace in this house since she arrived." Stephanie was overjoyed. She did not expect the Parker family to dislike Lisa so much. "Michelle, please don't say that. I heard the Jones family is also involved in the construction supplies business in Queenston. My father mentioned they were seeking business partnerships with real estate developers." Upon hearing this, Michelle's expression turned even more disdainful. "It's truly embarrassing to have relatives like the Jones family." Footsteps sounded from downstairs as the two conversed. Lisa initially intended to fetch a glass of water from downstairs but overheard Michelle's words. The latter’s voice was not exceptionally loud, but Lisa’s ears picked up every word. "Michelle, how did my family embarrass you?" Lisa questioned, her gaze fixed on the woman beside Michelle. The woman looked older, with a gentle and dignified appearance. Tears covered her face. She looked like someone who could make a man's heart soften whenever she cried. Michelle glanced at the pajama-wearing Lisa. Lisa had dark black hair and an adorable face, giving her a sweet appearance. She looked around eighteen years old. After glancing at Lisa, Stephanie immediately felt relieved. ‘Leonard would never be attracted to someone like her.’ "You've disgraced our family," Michelle stated bluntly, her words cutting through the air. "Please tell your father to stop seeking business opportunities everywhere. It's embarrassing." Lisa calmly responded, "If you feel ashamed, perhaps you can introduce some business prospects to my family. That way, we won't have to seek help from others."