CHAPTER 59: CHAPTER 59: HE’S IN HER HEART

She couldn’t just overcome the obstacles of these three years instantly. Ethan left quietly without mercy back then, and she has struggled alone over these three years.

Moreover, she hasn’t divorced yet.

Chloe noticed she wasn’t looking well and stopped asking, gently patting her shoulder.

——

The next day, at the old Gardiner Clan residence.

Florence Fuller found some free time today to visit Old Mr. Gardiner, who had just bid farewell to a friend he was playing chess with when she arrived, making him extremely happy.

He was a little anxious about Florence mentioning the matter with Luke Gardiner. He knew he had wronged this girl and didn’t even know what to say.

Florence could see it, so she made a cup of tea and handed it to Old Mr. Gardiner: "Grandpa, don’t worry. I’m not here to talk about Luke Gardiner today."

Old Mr. Gardiner was surprised: "I thought you..."

"You said if Luke agrees to the divorce, you wouldn’t interfere in our matters. I’ve sent him the divorce papers, but my secretary told me he tore them up immediately." Florence said, "Grandpa, I understand your feelings. I’ve been treated well since marrying into the Gardiner Family. I’ve accepted the external ridicule and slander. But there’s no doubt I’ll eventually divorce Luke. If he’s unwilling, I’ll go to court. Grandpa, you’ve chosen not to interfere at all, and I’m grateful."

Old Mr. Gardiner sighed: "Girl, you are a good one."

Luke has always been indulgent since childhood. As the only son of the Gardiners, he’s been spoiled, and his current unrestrained, carefree attitude is partly their responsibility.

"I may need to leave SJ for a while and return to the Fuller Family to handle some matters," Florence explained. "The Fuller and Gardner families have gained much from this alliance, and since you know I’m set on divorce, there’s no need for the Gardiner Clan to worry about the Fullers or Gardiner Clan anymore."

Old Mr. Gardiner looked at her: "Are you really sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Florence," Old Mr. Gardiner set down his teacup, "from the start when I chose you, I felt you were gentle and quiet. When I first met you, you didn’t speak at the dinner table at all, and they said you were shy, but I felt you were very composed."

"When it came time for the marriage alliance, you asked me to ensure the Fuller Family brought shares as dowry and insisted on keeping the Gardiner Clan’s bridal gifts. I thought you were opinionated yet patient—a good girl. Though Luke brought you burdens and harm, I didn’t need you to describe it—I knew it. Later, when you started your business, focusing on work, using the Gardiner Family wife’s title smartly—even denying joining Gardiner Clan outright—I grew more confident about you."

"I knew you didn’t plan to stay long with the Gardiner Clan. I intended to pair you with Luke, but he hasn’t risen to the occasion, still acting the same, yet he’ll always be part of the Gardiner Family."

Old Mr. Gardiner looked deeply at her: "During these days, I thought of a proposal—would you consider it?"

Florence Fuller: "What is it?"

"First, join Gardiner Clan and have a child with Luke—whether a son or daughter, they’ll inherit Gardiner Clan in the future. Regardless of Luke’s future status, you can step into his role and raise the child."

Old Mr. Gardiner clearly thought deeply about these words, and Florence could see his earnest expression but chose to shake her head.

"If I only pursued power and status, I’d agree with your request. But from the start, I’ve not wanted this kind of life."

Everything now feels like being pushed by force—back then, her life was straightforward: aspiring to master a beloved instrument, working hard to join a band, then tour the world.

Returning to the Fuller Family shattered everything.

Laura Yates and Michael Fuller directly arranged her future: what school to attend, what major to study, even extinguishing her chance to study abroad when the marriage alliance was announced.

At twenty-three, she married into the Gardiner Family—now she’s twenty-six.

Perhaps, she was truly free before fifteen, after which the Fuller Family controlled her, then the Gardiners constrained her at twenty-three.

"That’s right," Old Mr. Gardiner slowly stood up, "through these years, generation after generation, the Gardiner Family has never really felt like a family."

Florence watched his slightly stooped figure—over eighty, his hair and beard turning white. The vast old house now stood with just him, lonely and desolate.

——

After leaving the old house, Florence visited the hospital. Evelyn Shaw and Charles Shaw were working, while Amelia Linney had just returned from a walk downstairs with her caregiver.

Florence watched Amelia from afar, noting she had indeed recovered quite a bit, her face showing more color and seeming fuller, lacking the previous skeletal thinness.

Leaving the hospital, her phone rang.

The familiar name "Ethan Harper" appeared on the screen—it was still the same number. Her hand trembled slightly, a sense of disorientation.

Though days have passed, she seemed to have accepted his return and yet not entirely.

There seemed to be a feeling of resentment in her heart—reluctant to answer, but still compelled to.

"Florence," his tone was as gentle as the wind, "What are you doing? Have you eaten?"

Florence got into her car: "What’s up?"

"Let’s have a meal together," Ethan suggested. "I found a famous seafood restaurant here in SJ. You might have tried it before. Want to meet up for it?"

Ethan’s words were gentle and relaxed, yet within, he felt slightly anxious. There was silence for a long while before she responded affirmatively.

He smiled: "See you soon."

He knew her heart still held him—there was still a chance.

"Sir," James Jones returned from outside, handing over the sorted documents, "Although Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Gardiner..." Seeing Ethan’s chilling gaze, he corrected, "Though Miss Fuller’s marriage is strained, their divorce proceedings seem rather unsuccessful."

Ethan frowned.

"Miss Fuller has previously contacted Berna—a well-known divorce attorney," James continued.

Ethan glanced briefly at Luke Gardiner’s profile, his eyes showing disdain. If it weren’t for needing to leave unexpectedly three years ago, Florence would never have married into the Gardiner Family.

He resented—resented himself.

Bustling Seafood Restaurant.

Florence parked her car and headed inside. She bumped into Christopher Somerset and Daniel Knight as they exited, with Christopher greeting her first: "Sis."

Daniel tagged along, calling out: "Sis, you’re here for seafood too?"

Florence nodded, then looked at Christopher: "Are Evelyn and the others not allowed to use phones during their closed training?"

Christopher nodded: "What’s up? You need to talk to her?"

"I called her, but she didn’t answer. Later she replied, saying she’s in two days of closed training without phone access."

"Their group is quite capable, and the company has decided they’d be the first debut group, so they’re fully focused on them, using closed training. Don’t worry, I’ll watch over her regularly."