Chapter 0010

Caroline’s POV:

After William left the villa, he didn’t return for two whole days. I found it to be a blessing in disguise, honestly, but I couldn’t yelp but grieve over knowing how he must have been very happy with Sophia and their son. They were a family, something I knew I would never grow to have, especially with my limited time on this Earth.

Although those thoughts constantly loomed over my head, I made up my mind not to let them influence me. It was easier said than done, but I just needed to focus on taking a good rest during those two peaceful days.

My goal was that when the birthday party inevitably rolled around, I could at least maintain some of the dignity I valued in front of outsiders. I would need it before the divorce finally kicked off.

When the day of the birthday party finally arrived, I had no choice but to show my face to all the friends and family who had shown up for Sara’s birthday bash.

I tried my best to play the role of a good wife and entertained the guests with a forced smile. The only motivation that kept me going was that I could finally end this horrible relationship after the party was over.

The atmosphere wasn’t helping my mood, either. One would think that being surrounded by smiling faces and cheerful chatter would somehow lift the grief I felt in my heart, but if anything, it only made my grief stew all the more.

The villa was done up with brilliant white and gold decor, with balloons and posters hung up exclaiming excitement for the birthday woman.

It all made me sick to my stomach. I couldn’t stand to be in such a happy environment when turmoil boiled deep in my heart.

The cherry on top, of course, was Sophia, who appeared at this lovely occasion in a beautiful dress, the same one I assume was talked about in that provocative video sent to me two days prior. There was not an ounce of guilt or shame in her face, and she was greeting all of William’s family like they were her very own.

I kept my mouth shut and my eyes dry, for I couldn’t let my vulnerability show in front of all these people.

The atmosphere was harmonious around William and Sophia as everyone came to greet the darling baby George in Sophia’s arms.

When Sara turned up to dote over the bright-eyed little boy, my thoughts bitterly turned to how it should have been my baby being fawned over.

Instead, it was William and Sophia who were happily raising their son together, showing him off like a prized jewel. Meanwhile, my baby hadn’t even had the chance to be born or held.

As tears pricked my eyes, and suddenly the world felt all too suffocating I had to step outside lest I humiliate myself in front of William’s entire family.

I entered onto the front porch with a hand clutching my chest, trying to get a steady grasp on my own breathing. Why was I shaking so much? I needed to find a place to be alone so I could wallow in my grief in peace.

As I hurried toward the stairs, I heard a young voice yell out behind me. I looked over my shoulder just in time to see one of William’s little cousins dash past me with his friends.

Unfortunately, I was gracelessly pushed to the side and into a waiter holding a tray of red wine. One of the glasses tipped over faster than I had time to react, and soon my green dress was stained with an ugly reddish purple.

The waiter apologized profusely, but I turned away to hide my immense embarrassment. My mind was racing on how I could sneak back in and get changed without being seen, but before I could even process it, a suit jacket fell upon my shoulders.

I peered over in surprise to see a warm and familiar face.

“Martin!” I cried, my heart leaping with joy for the first time that night. “What are you doing here?”

Martin’s chuckle was relaxed and casual, and I felt safe being at his side. “I’ve come here with my family. William’s family and mine are fairly close, actually.”

“Really?” I inquired with surprise. This was my very first time hearing about it, but then again, William wasn’t one to let me get involved in business dealings or family matters. “Well, thank you for your help,” I told him sincerely. “I’ll wash the jacket before I return it to you, alright?”

He immediately dismissed me with a wave of his hand. “Hey, don’t worry about it,” he said generously. “Would you like to talk elsewhere?”

Although I’d been avoiding conversation that entire night, Martin’s appearance eased my frayed nerves a little. “Yeah, of course. Come on, the terrace has plenty of room.”

As we were climbing the stairs, Martin piped up, “I didn’t know you hung around these circles. What are you doing here?”

“Ah, I kind of have to be,” I admitted, leaning against the railing that overlooked the forest surrounding the villa. “My marriage to William is coming to an end soon, but since I’m still his wife, I’m obligated to be here.”

Martin’s brow jumped to his hairline. “You’re married to William?” he asked with immense surprise.

My “yeah” was very dull and unenthusiastic, and it was something he picked up on right away.

Martin’s expression was soon set with concern and seriousness. “Is he… is he good to you, Caroline?”

Out of everything I’d expected him to say at that moment, I certainly hadn’t anticipated him to ask that. I honestly didn’t know what to say.

Martin clearly saw my embarrassment and patted my shoulder to ease my discomfort. But the peaceful atmosphere didn’t last for long, for the silence was soon torn through by a roaring voice.

“Caroline! What are you doing here?” William stormed swiftly towards us, and before I could even react, he grabbed Martin’s hand and yanked it from my shoulder.

“Martin! I’ve told you on multiple occasions to stay out of my affairs!” he snapped with bared teeth. Martin hardly seemed intimidated “What part of that do you not understand? Now you dare mess with my wife! Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?”