CHAPTER 44: CHAPTER 44: AWAKENING WITH A WORD

I followed behind the two of them and then got into Ivan Underwood’s car. Joel Sutton and I sat in the back seat, and I was responsible for keeping him steady, so he wouldn’t sway around.

Ivan Underwood asked me, "What’s his home address?"

I shook my head, "I don’t know, just find a nearby hotel for him to rest."

"Okay." Ivan responded and then drove towards the nearest hotel. The whole way, I felt restless, as if I had been caught in some scandal.

Arriving at the hotel, Ivan used his ID to book a room for Joel Sutton.

After settling Joel in, I let out a deep sigh of relief and said to Ivan, "Dr. Underwood, could you take me back to the bar where my car is parked?"

"I’ll just take you home. You’ve been drinking; you shouldn’t drive." Ivan glanced at me, his gaze indifferent. How could someone with such a handsome face not know how to smile?

No wonder he’s good friends with Henry Preston; both of them love putting on a stern face.

But Ivan was right; I shouldn’t drive after drinking. Better to take a ride and let Lane pick up the car in the morning.

I gratefully replied, "Alright, thank you!"

Once back in Ivan’s car, I sat in the front passenger seat. He drove smoothly, and I almost fell asleep with the gentle swaying.

"Why were you drinking with him?" Ivan suddenly asked, jolting me awake.

"He called me, said he had a fight with his girlfriend, and wanted to meet up." I rubbed my tired eyes, my voice weary.

"Do you think it’s appropriate?" Ivan asked again, with a hint of reproach in his tone.

I laughed, "What’s inappropriate about it? My husband is pursuing his girlfriend while I’m here comforting him; it’s quite fair."

Clearly, these words challenged Ivan’s sense of morality. He swerved and parked on the roadside, looking at me sternly, "Zoe Hathaway, what have you become? You used to love Henry Preston so much, I admired you for that, but now? Are you dragging yourself down to get back at Henry?"

I was shocked. Did Ivan really admire me for being a devoted fool in the past?

Well, it makes sense. A man who’s never been in a relationship probably finds my ten years of loyalty impressive, because it’s so different from him.

"I’ve said it before, instead of persuading me, you should persuade Henry Preston to divorce me immediately. I don’t want a penny, and the longer he hesitates, the more I’ll take his last name!" I got agitated, as Ivan had no idea what I’d been through in my past life, and he always triggered my angriest emotions.

That wasn’t enough. I was already on edge, so I shot back like a rattling machine gun, "You think it’s inappropriate for me to have ties with Joel Sutton, but is it appropriate for us to be alone multiple times? Is it appropriate for you to help me keep things from Henry?"

If everything has to be measured by proper criteria, there wouldn’t be a flawless person in the world.

Sure enough, Ivan’s face turned even colder, his dark pupils seemed to freeze, showing clearly that he was angry.

Under the influence of alcohol, my courage inflated, and my voice grew louder, "So what if you’re angry? Issues must be judged right or wrong, love must be judged by who came first. It’s Henry Preston who was unrighteous first; you can’t blame me for being disloyal later!"

"What am I blaming you for?" Ivan angrily questioned me.

"Blaming me for getting close to Joel Sutton, blaming me for not continuing as Henry’s devoted admirer. Henry has so many love interests, does he really need one more of me? What, is he missing a watchdog that can talk?" I blurted out all the emotions bottled up inside, pouring them out in front of Ivan.

After all, he’s the only one who knows all my secrets, except for the rebirth.

I didn’t expect him to be my ally in the previous life, and he’s still my ally in this one. This fate is truly strong.

Ivan was furious, he took a deep breath to calm himself a bit before replying, "I’m not blaming you for those. If you’ve decided to divorce Henry, I actually think it’s a good thing you’ve come to realize. But you should know what kind of person Henry is. If he finds out you knew Joel Sutton all along, and you also know that Azure Vaughn, you’re treating them like monkeys. Do you think he’ll let you off easily? If you want to leave him, don’t set future traps for yourself, got it?!"

This was the first time Ivan spoke so much to me in one breath. After finishing, he bit his teeth, looking like he hated that I wasn’t living up to his expectations.

I was stunned for a moment, it did... make some sense.

Since divorce is inevitable, the groundwork I’m laying now will become reasons for Henry to retaliate against me once he discovers them.

I’ve always planned to make Henry’s path with Azure full of obstacles and difficulties, forgetting that I am also digging a pit for myself.

"Have you really let go of Henry, or have you not recognized your own heart? Are you doing this to smoothly divorce Henry, or are you just finding reasons to continue this entanglement?" Ivan’s words pierced my heart, leaving me both hurt and ashamed.

I fell silent. To be honest, it’s hard for me to answer these questions.

"I don’t want to keep this entanglement going, but Joel Sutton is the only one who gives me some balance mentally, what should I do?" After a while, I looked at Ivan blankly.

I’ve lost myself for ten entire years for Henry Preston. Even if I live another life, I can’t find my center. Maybe only after the divorce will I truly find myself again.

"Find something to do, to enrich yourself," Ivan suggested.

This reminded me of a proposal from my father-in-law. Maybe I should try joining The Preston Group. If nothing else, after the divorce with Henry, managing the shares I get will be more assured.

I nodded thoughtfully, and Ivan continued driving towards Maplewood Gardens.

Once home, I sincerely thanked Ivan. After seeing him off, I turned to go inside.

"Ah!" After just a few steps, Henry suddenly appeared from nowhere, nearly stopping my heart with fright as I let out a scream.

Henry was wearing a black shirt, the burgundy tie a bit loose, with his jacket draped over his elbow, and he smelled strongly of alcohol. He was staring at me gloomily.

I expected him to question why Ivan had driven me back, but he said nothing and turned to head towards the house.

I followed behind him, watching his tall back. His mature body was more solid and attractive than in his youth. Many times, I wanted to embrace him and feel the warmth of his hug, but I never got the chance.

If it weren’t for Laura Lawson’s strong herbal medicine, Henry and I would probably remain chaste until the divorce.