Chapter 10

"Divorced? How is that possible? Hello? Mrs. Forbes? Hello!" The accountant held the phone. He was dumbfounded. Just a moment ago he saw Zayn's high-profile declaration of love in the news. And now she said they were divorced? Were the wealthy always that capricious? But without her footing the bill, how was he supposed to do with the bills? At the hotel reception, Mason handed over his identification to check in while Josephine stood to the side, reviewing the bills sent by the accountant. The payment was made to a resort hotel, and the booking was for the couple's suite. She recalled mentioning that hotel to Zayn and he promised to take her there during a holiday when he had the time. He never kept that promise. But now, he suddenly had time, just not for her. She couldn't understand. Nadine could flaunt her relationship and stomp on her dignity all she wanted. But why did Zayn allow it? Was he blinded by love or had their three years meant nothing to him at all? As she was silently glad she had left in time and avoided being the fool to reimburse the mistress' expenses, a man with blonde hair suddenly approached the counter. The man stood tall at 6'2" and had his shirt collar hung open casually, revealing taut chest muscles. With one side of his shirt tucked into the pants, his long legs seemed to extend endlessly from the waist, like a sculpture brought to life. Was he a model? Even Josephine, who was used to seeing handsome and beautiful faces, couldn't help but glance at him. But that single glance was enough for the man to notice. He turned his head, locked eyes with her, and curled his lips into a mischievous smile before blowing her a kiss. Flippant—that was Josephine's first impression of him, she quickly looked away, unwilling to engage. But at that moment, Mason leaned over excitedly, his voice trembling, "Ms. Dunn, it's Arthur! Oh my God, it's Arthur!" "He's Arthur?" Josephine was surprised. He was merely a cinematographer despite having such an excellent appearance? By coincidence, Arthur sat right beside her. As she glanced up, their eyes met again. He waved at her, his lips curled into a charming, playful smile, as if daring her to be ensnared by his charm. Suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, she managed a polite smile. After all, he was a fellow professional. They might work together someday. It was best to leave a good impression. Fortunately, her check-in was completed at that moment. Grabbing her room card, she walked away without hesitation. Inside the elevator, Mason sighed with regret. "Ms. Dunn, why didn't you take the chance to introduce yourself to Arthur? He's an international top-tier cinematographer. His schedule is packed! He's only in Crestwood to support a film and his appearance fee was a staggering ten million!" She didn't mention his demeanor had made her feel uncomfortable. She casually replied, "I'm not in the mood to socialize right now. Mason didn't press further. After all, she wasn't really in the best of moods. But still, missing the opportunity was such a pity. After checking into the hotel room, Josephine headed straight to the master bathroom. As the warm water sprayed onto her face, she finally let her tears fall, and soft sobs escaped her lips. She had been betrayed by the man she loved, and her three-year marriage crumbled overnight. How could she remain calm and composed? She just didn't want to show it. She didn't want to be the laughing stock or let others look down on her. Still, the thought of Zayn enjoying a sweet and romantic time with Nadine made her heart ache like she was being stabbed. But she told herself that only when showering and only when the hot water could mask her tears was she allowed to cry. In front of others, she must be strong. Her father had told her the same thing when her mother left her. A child without a mother must never show weakness in front of others. Because no one truly cared. They might feign sympathy outwardly, but they would mock her and belittle behind her back. So, when she emerged from the bathroom, her expression had returned to her usual calmness. "Ms. Dunn, your phone rang several times… It was Mr. Forbes calling." Josephine paused with her hand on the refrigerator. After retrieving a bottle of cold water, she took a sip, then walked to the table and answered the call. "Josephine, you finally picked up! I was so worried. Why didn't you come home?" Mason quickly moved away to give her privacy but couldn't help eavesdropping. Josephine's barely settled emotions flared up again. She tightened her grip on the phone, took a deep breath, and replied coldly, "You didn't go home either, did you?" If he had, he would have seen their empty bedroom. He would have read the letter she left for him. And he wouldn't be saying such pointless, meaningless things now. "I didn't go home because I was working late. I told you this, didn't I? How about this, I'll bring my work home. You can stay with me while I work. Tell me where you are, and I'll come pick you up." Hearing his anxious tone, she wavered slightly. "I…" "Zayn, are you done?" Before she could respond, Nadine's voice came through the phone. Josephine froze. A wave of sharp pain spread from her chest to the limbs, leaving her ice cold and numb. She thought, "Zayn Forbes! Even while you're saying such things, you're with her? What am I to you?" Even for a breakup, couldn't it be amicable? Must he be so cruel and trample on her feelings? Her eyes shut tightly, and she hung up without a word. The phone rang again almost immediately. She chose to switch it off. Out of sight, out of mind. All she wanted was a good night's sleep. Around 7:00 am the next morning, after having breakfast with Nadine, Zayn finally returned home, looking visibly exhausted. The moment he entered the yard and saw the remaining tree stump, his expression turned cold. "Didn't I tell you to fix the acacia tree?" Luke sighed helplessly. "I already called someone to take a look. They said if the branches were cut, they could regrow. But since it was chopped off at the base, the tree is beyond saving." Josephine! What had she done? "In a fit of anger, you cut down the symbol of our love. Now it's destroyed beyond repair. You'll regret this in the future." He crouched beside the stump, his face full of anguish. "Find more experts, spare no expense, and fix it!" Luke could only nod. "Josephine… She didn't come home all night, did she?" Luke shook his head again, hesitating as he wanted to say more but chose not to. Zayn closed his eyes before striding into the living room. Seeing the wedding photo on the wall had been restored, his expression softened slightly. "Call Josephine. Tell her there's an urgent matter at home and that she needs to come back."