Chapter 2 Miss L

Eugene was sitting in the living room watching the morning news when Jessica, clad in pajamas, pushed open the door and greeted him, "Good morning, Eugene."

"Good morning, Jess," he responded gently, gesturing towards the breakfast already prepared on the table.

Jessica sat down but didn't start eating. Instead, she looked pitifully at the man in front of her, her eyes flickering as she began to explain, "Eugene, it was too late yesterday, and I didn't get a chance to explain. Two years ago, I..."

Eugene simply pushed the milk towards her and said understandingly, "I know. Your aunt told me. It was my grandfather who forced you."

Jessica's expression briefly froze, but she quickly regained her composure and continued, "It wasn't entirely that. I wasn't brave enough. Eugene, don't blame your grandfather."

Eugene nodded lightly, continuing to eat his sandwich without saying a word.

Seeing this, Jessica asked the question she wanted to ask, "Since you're already married, what about us?"

"I divorced her, Jess," Eugene replied coldly. "Don't misunderstand. I married her just to stop my grandfather from pressuring you. Now that you're back, I have the right to make decisions about my own life. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

With that, he pulled out the divorce agreement that had been signed early the previous morning and showed it to her. The woman had crossed out all the money and property he had given her and had apparently left early.

Yet even so, Eugene still felt that she was just putting on an act. She couldn't survive and would eventually come back to ask him for money. He was sure of it!

Jessica obviously hadn't expected Eugene to do this, nor did she realize how important she was to him. A smug smile threatened to creep onto her lips. She immediately moved closer to Eugene, ready to say some affectionate words, but Eugene's phone interrupted her.

Eugene glanced at the caller ID: Grandpa.

Why would Grandpa call from the hospital so early? Did Leah tell him about the divorce? If it was because of that and it worsened Grandpa's condition, he would make that woman pay!

He put a finger to his lips to signal Jessica to be quiet and answered the call, preparing himself for Grandpa's furious questions. But to his surprise, Grandpa seemed to be in a good mood and said with a smile, "Eugene, where's your wife? Her phone is off. Are you two out on a date today? No need for Grandpa to send gifts then?"

Gifts? Was today a special day? Eugene's mind raced, afraid that Grandpa would figure it out.

He stammered in response, "Um, Grandpa, her phone ran out of battery. She's taking a shower now."

Grandpa seemed satisfied with this answer. "Then I won't disturb your sweet moment. Please give Leah my blessings and wish her a happy birthday! And hurry up and give me a grandson!"

Before Eugene could respond, Grandpa hung up.

Birthday? Today was that woman's birthday!

Jessica, who had overheard the conversation, immediately felt a sense of crisis. Her eyes darted around as she quickly grabbed Eugene's hand, looking pitiful as she said, "Eugene, I'm really sorry for her. I shouldn't have come back today. I ruined her birthday."

Her words immediately stirred up guilt in Eugene. He and that woman were divorced now, so what did her birthday have to do with him? She hadn't even celebrated her birthday for the past two years, and now that they were divorced, it was even less relevant, right?

With this in mind, he quickly grasped Jessica's hand in return, smiling as he shook his head. "No. Her birthday has nothing to do with me. It's none of your concern."

Jessica leaned against him satisfactorily, her head rubbing against his neck. She soon noticed the continuous pop-up messages on the iPad [Tonight at 8 p.m., in celebration of Miss L's return and birthday, the Starlight Voyager will open for free viewing routes, featuring a luxurious fireworks banquet. Everyone in the city is invited to join the festivities!]

"Wow, who is this Miss L?! The Starlight Voyager, which hasn't sailed in so long, is being activated for her. Eugene, let's go too!"

Eugene looked at the overwhelming birthday celebration advertisements on the iPad, his brow furrowed. Was this just a coincidence?

***

On the other side, in the back seat of the Rolls Royce.

One of Leah's older brothers, Jason King took Leah's hand and gently squeezed it.

"Finally got to celebrate your birthday after two years.When second brother Marcel heard you were coming back, he prepared a lot of fireworks to welcome you. Tonight at eight o'clock on your Starlight Voyager. He didn't have time to go, so he asked me to take you."

"I'm not in the mood for that."Leah replied, sadly.

She leaned against the seat of the car, fighting back her tears.

Jason looked at his sister's distressed expression, seething with hatred as he clenched his teeth. "That jerk ruined your birthday. I should have burned down his house earlier! I should go beat him up again!"

Leah withdrew her hand from her brother's grasp, leaning against the car window and burying her head in self-derision. "It's not him, it's me being stupid. I actually thought he would love me..."

Jason watched her shake her head helplessly. Two years ago, Leah had given up everything at home and insisted on marrying that jerk. They had anticipated this day, but when faced with their little princess, they never dared to disappoint her. Perhaps this was indeed what she needed to experience. Only then could she truly understand the world.

He turned slightly, his expression serious as he looked at his dejected sister, his voice low and earnest. "Leah, don't forget you have a greater responsibility. I gave up my dreams for you, managing the company for two years. Dad is getting older. You don't really plan to give up and ignore everything, do you?"

Indeed, his words sparked a reaction from Leah. Her eyes immediately lifted, turning slightly to look at her brother. She knew Jason didn't want to be in business; he had higher artistic ideals, while Marcel was determined to pursue a career in law. The three siblings had once made a pact to change the world from different perspectives, to become legendary figures through the ages. But now, only Jason and Marcel were still holding on to that dream, while she was trapped in the so-called love, unable to extricate herself.

That was the dumbest thing she could do!

Jason noticed the change in his sister's expression, as if he saw her two years ago when she was still full of ideals. He quickly seized the opportunity to encourage her. "Come back, Leah, back to the world that belongs to you."

Leah sat up straight, her gaze sharp as she turned solemnly to face Jason, pledging, "Sure, I will."