Chapter 10
Robin let the driver take Kane to see Constance while he returned to the state court.
“When Elena left the divorce certificate here, did she say anything? Did she mention where she was going or ask you to tell me to find her?”
The clerk looked at him with a complicated expression, tinged with a trace of disdain.
“Ms. Larson didn’t say a word. You two are divorced, so why would she still want to get back together with you?
“She even walked out of the court smiling. She looked like she was in a great mood. Honestly, she seemed like she really wanted this divorce.
“I heard some of that call too. You’ve already got someone new in your life, so why cling to her? You don’t look like someone who’s short on money or women.”
Robin pressed his lips tightly together as countless thoughts flashed through his mind. It was true that he wasn’t lacking in women. There would always be countless women flocking to him if he wanted.
But the only woman he had ever loved was Evangeline. He only kept Constance around because of how much she resembled Evangeline. When it came to Elena, though, he couldn’t quite figure out what he truly felt.
She barely resembled Evangeline at all. She looked more like her own mother–striking, bold features, with a personality that was both strong–willed and gentle.
Six years ago, when Elena agreed to the arrangement between the Marsh and Larson families and married him, he had only viewed her as a tool a convenient woman to help raise his son.
Kane had just been born and was physically weak from a difficult birth. Elena went to great lengths to learn how to care for him. Robin kept her around only because Kane needed a mother.
But his heart wasn’t made of stone. Elena had done everything she could to care for both him and Kane, trying her best to become a part of the family.
He grew used to her presence over time. He grew used to the way she quietly gave and and she eventually earned a small place in his heart.
gave,
If Constance hadn’t appeared, maybe they could’ve lived a simple, peaceful life together, just like many ordinary couples. But he couldn’t let go of Evangeline. That was why he kept Constance close.
Still, wasn’t Elena aware of all this? Hadn’t she tolerated it for years? Why couldn’t she keep going now?
She needed him and Kane. And they needed her just the same. Why couldn’t she just stay? Whatever she wanted–if she had just asked–they would’ve given it to her.
He didn’t lack women. He had already lost Evangeline before, so was he now going to lose Elena too?
Robin couldn’t understand it. He no longer wanted to see Constance, so he went back home instead.
The lights were on at home, but the place felt inexplicably cold and empty without Elena. Robin noticed that the luggage Elena had packed was still sitting exactly where she’d left it- not a single thing had been moved.
He slowly began to feel at ease.
“Heh, just as I thought. This whole divorce thing was just one of your tricks. You must’ve been hiding somewhere near the state court, waiting to see how we’d react, right?
“You
“You didn’t take your things. That means you’re definitely coming back.”
Robin spoke with confidence to himself as he stared at the luggage. Then, he picked up the phone and called his assistant, Andrew Hurst.
“Andrew, cancel all the personnel sent out to look for Elena. No need to search anymore. She’ll come back sooner or later.
“Go buy up all the latest jewelry at the auction house, and make sure the news gets out that I’m giving them to my wife. She’ll definitely return once she hears this.”
Andrew hesitated for a long while, then asked doubtfully, “Mr. Marsh, are you sure that’ll
work?”
“I’m sure. Just do it. Elena left all her things at home, so she can’t possibly be serious about the divorce.”
Robin was full of certainty. Andrew wanted to speak up but bit his tongue.
Was his boss certain that Elena simply didn’t even want her luggage anymore? If she truly hadn’t meant it, wouldn’t she have just simply faked it? Besides, he’d already found their flight information.
After some hesitation, Andrew simply stayed quiet and did as he was told. The next day, Constance brought Kane back to the house, unable to hide the smile on her face.
Andrew coincidentally arrived at the same time to deliver several sets of jewelry. When Constance saw them, her eyes lit up–but she quickly hid her excitement.
She ran her fingers over one of the necklaces with delight, smiling shyly and sweetly. “Robin, are these all for me? You really shouldn’t spend so much. You’ve already given me so much.”
Chapter 10
“They’re not for you. If you like them, ask Andrew to get more. These are for Elena,”
Robin frowned slightly, not noticing how her smile had frozen on her face.
Kane’s expression turned dark in an instant. He protested loudly, “Dad, that woman’s already gone! Why are you still buying her things? Just give them to Constance!”
He grabbed a necklace and tried to help Constance put it on. Constance hesitated slightly, pretending to be embarrassed, but still bent down.
After fastening the necklace, Kane beamed. “It looks so good on you! Just take them all- they’re yours now.”
Constance made a show of hesitating. “This isn’t really right… These were meant for Elena. She’ll definitely get upset if she finds out you gave them to me.”
“Hmph, that’s the point–I want her to be upset, Kane muttered under his breath.
Constance didn’t catch that, but Robin did. Perhaps Elena would come back if she got angry?
That thought settled in Robin’s mind, and he didn’t say anything else to stop them, though a strange unease stirred inside him.
One day passed. Then two… and then five. Elena just never came back.
