CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 17: I DID IT

"Mom, don’t worry. Henry and I both had check-ups, and there’s nothing wrong. Perhaps he’s just too busy and often not at home, so the baby is taking its time." I would be lying if I said I wasn’t moved, but unfortunately, I don’t have the fortune to continue being her daughter-in-law.

"Your father and I often see those scandalous news pieces and have scolded him many times. But you are his wife, you have to keep a close watch, understand?" my mother-in-law reminded me.

Though I knew in my heart that I couldn’t keep an eye on Henry, and soon he would fall for another woman, seeing my mother-in-law’s sincere gaze, I nodded, "Alright, Mom."

After chatting for a while, I joined my in-laws for breakfast and learned that Henry had left early in the morning.

I didn’t give it much thought. My attitude towards Henry now is indifferent.

After breakfast, I drove out to the hospital to settle things with Ivan Underwood.

Ivan had just finished his rounds and returned to the office when I confronted him directly. With a forced smile, I asked, "Dr. Underwood, do you have a moment to chat?"

"No time," Ivan replied bluntly, his fair, handsome face devoid of any smile.

"Are you guilty and afraid to face me?" I sat down next to him and started to accuse him, "I asked you to persuade Henry to get a divorce, but instead you dissuaded my in-laws to Maplewood Gardens. Since when did Dr. Underwood become so chivalrous, following the principle of tearing down ten temples rather than one marriage?"

Ivan glanced at me and replied calmly, "Uncle and Aunt asked about your situation with Henry recently. I simply replied that you wanted a divorce."

Upon hearing this, I felt the urge to cause a scene right then and there!

Does he trade his emotional intelligence for looks? There are so many issues between Henry and me, and he just had to choose "I want a divorce." What do my in-laws think of me now?

Just as I was seething and holding my head, a nurse called Ivan away, leaving me alone in the office. I spotted his thermal cup on the table and immediately rummaged through my bag for a lipstick to throw in.

Might as well poison him, I cursed a few times in my mind, feeling agitated as I left the hospital.

As an unemployed wanderer with nowhere to go, I roamed around before returning home, just in time for lunch. The aroma of food wafting from the kitchen was quite tempting.

Henry and his parents were sitting in the living room, chatting about something with a somber atmosphere. When they saw me return, my mother-in-law smiled, "Zoe, you’re back."

I nodded and sat down beside my mother-in-law. She immediately grabbed my hand and began to scold Henry, "Henry, your father and I have made it clear today; if you get involved in any rumors with those disreputable women again, don’t call yourself my son!"

"Dad, Mom, what is going on..." I looked at my in-laws in shock.

"Zoe, I know you’ve been wronged in this marriage. These years, Henry hasn’t shown any responsibility, indulging himself outside. Only you could tolerate him," my mother-in-law sighed. "Give him another chance, your father and I will keep an eye on him."

Is it because Ivan simply said I wanted a divorce that my in-laws are so worried?

In the past, I never realized how much they valued and liked me. When Henry took Azure to the Preston Family, it was already a done deal; no amount of persuasion could change it.

Henry sat across from me with a cold face, his gaze devoid of warmth. He must think all this is part of my elaborate plan.

Even when I took out the divorce agreement last night, he wouldn’t change his mind.

"Dad, Mom, please don’t worry. Most of Henry’s rumors are just for show in the business world. I believe in him," I said sensibly.

My father-in-law finally spoke, "Zoe, you’re an educated and sensible girl. Trusting Henry is good, but we’ve all seen how his attitude towards you over the years. Don’t be too good to him. Sometimes men take advantage of that."

"Exactly, the more you are good to him, the more indifferent and unappreciative he becomes. What’s unattainable and lost is always the best," my mother-in-law agreed with her husband’s viewpoint.

Hearing my in-laws impart their wisdom on how to manage a husband moved me but also amused me.

Only, Henry’s face had turned even darker.

"Dad, Mom, I understand." I nodded obediently.

Just then, Auntie Lawson came over, "Madam, lunch is ready."

My mother-in-law glanced at Laura Lawson and praised, "Your dishes smell lovely."

I smiled meaningfully, "Auntie Lawson is a great cook. I’ve gained two pounds because of it. Mom, you should try her cooking more often."

"I’ll be going back in a few days, so I might not have many more chances to try it. But you, you’re a bit too thin, could definitely use some more weight," my mother-in-law said to me as she made her way toward the dining area.

I wanted to tell her that there would be plenty of chances in the future.

For the rare family meal, Henry remained very cold. I chatted and joked with my in-laws, keeping the atmosphere somewhat harmonious.

Suddenly Henry’s phone chimed with a notification. He checked it and then glanced at me with a peculiar look.

I was a bit baffled but didn’t think much of it.

It wasn’t until after lunch when I went to rest, Henry came to my room and showed me a photo, "Was this your doing?"

"Zoe did it."

Ivan had sent Henry a photo with an accusation.

The lipstick was floating in the tea in his thermal cup, looking completely out of place.

I admitted, "Yes, why did he have to tattle to your parents?"

"Zoe, have you lost your mind recently?" Henry put away his phone, squinting as he scrutinized me, "What exactly do you want to do?"

In the past, I had little interaction with his group of friends and couldn’t get along with them.

Now, I’m even tossing lipstick into Ivan’s thermal cup!

"I’m not out of my mind. I’ve just come to a realization," I explained calmly, "Henry, I’ve given you ten years of my youth and feelings. Since you will never like me or respond to me, I’ll just live my own life. Is there anything wrong with that? I don’t want to restrain myself like before."

"If liking me for ten years was so repressive and forced, why didn’t you give up earlier?" Henry pressed on, a touch of chill in his refined, handsome eyes.

"I’ll give up whenever I feel like it!" I said, somewhat agitated.

The atmosphere froze momentarily as Henry stared at me for a long time as if I were a stranger.

We remained at an impasse for a while until Henry finally left, ending the standoff. I heaved a sigh of relief and slumped onto the bed, feeling a void within.

That afternoon, as soon as Henry left, I followed suit and headed for "Serendipity."

Every time I visited, Azure was always there. But the day I arranged to meet Ivan, Azure happened to be absent. It was quite odd.

"Miss Hathaway, is it black coffee as usual?" Azure, with her hair in a high ponytail while on duty, always had a fresh and neat look. She treated every customer warmly, with a sweet smile.

"No, do you have any sweeter coffee recommendations?" I asked with a gentle smile.

"Yes, both cappuccino and macchiato are great. They’ll give you a sweet feeling, almost like being in love," Azure cheerfully introduced.

I pondered for a moment and ordered a macchiato.