Chapter 2 Let Us Get A Divorce

She spoke in a hushed tone, her body barely managing to contain its intense trembling, as if she had exhausted all her strength and courage. Colton gave a cool, detached smile. “What do you think?” The mockery and disdain in his eyes made Francesca realize that since the scheme against him three years ago, her family and she herself were nothing more than clowns. Francesca's heart ached so intensely it was almost numb. I must be crazy to think that Colton likes me... If I found myself in such a situation, where manipulation prevented me from marrying the person I once loved, I would probably harbor a profound resentment toward the manipulator for the rest of my life as well. How could he possibly fall for me? He must wish nothing more than for me to be out of his life. It's been three years. Do I really want to be Mrs. Zeller for the rest of my life? Am I truly ready to stake my lifetime of happiness on this? Looking at the indifferent man before her, Francesca felt a heartache so intense that she could barely breathe. “I...” Francesca tried to speak, but she found her throat dry and sore. The immense pain made it impossible for her to utter a complete, simple sentence. “I... understand.” After finishing her words, she turned and left the bathroom. Her silhouette appeared both fragile and forlorn. As Colton observed her receding figure, his brow creased in thought. In that instant, he found himself questioning his actions. Was I too harsh with my words tonight? Perhaps she was also a victim three years ago. However, soon after, Colton's gaze turned serious. Francesca is part of the Beckmans, so how could she possibly be a victim? She must have some knowledge about what happened in the past. Even if she was unaware, she should have stepped forward to reject the proposal when the Beckman family suggested a marriage alliance with my family years ago. If she was truly brave and kind, she should have admitted to the media the underhanded tactics of her family, rather than allowing the happiness of three individuals to be compromised. Upon returning to the mansion, Francesca found herself staring at its emptiness. She couldn't help but ridicule the ludicrous and terrifying thoughts that had haunted her for the past three years. She fancied that Colton would fall in love with her after their marriage, imagining they could grow old together like any other ordinary couple. She was tired. Francesca dialed Colton's number, aware that after dinner, he would always head over to Elsa's place. “Hello.” A gentle female voice rang out. Francesca recognized it as Elsa's voice. “Put Colton on the phone,” Francesca said, not interested in exchanging pleasantries with Elsa. She didn't like Elsa, and obviously, the feeling was mutual. In a way, the two of them were romantic rivals. “He's in the shower. He doesn't have time for you right now.” Upon hearing these words, Francesca clenched her fists, her nails digging painfully into her flesh. Yet, she no longer felt any pain. Her heart had been shattered for the past three years. “If he doesn't show up at the mansion within the next fifteen minutes, you can forget about us getting a divorce.” Francesca seemed certain of something as she spoke to Elsa with unprecedented firmness. “You, the renowned actress, will forever be a mistress.” After she finished speaking, she promptly hung up the phone, not leaving any room for Elsa to utter another word. Ten minutes later, the sound of a car engine came from the courtyard. Francesca gave a bitter smile. Whenever the matter concerned Elsa, Colton would show up in an instant. He could somehow reduce a journey that should have taken fifteen minutes to just ten. Colton walked into the living room, the subtle fragrance wafting through the space significantly diffused his mounting anger. “Francesca, how dare you threaten Elsa?” Colton looked at Francesca seated at the dining table. He strode toward her, noticing a document on the table, along with a bottle of red wine and two glasses. “So what if I threatened her?” She lifted her gaze to meet Colton's, her eyes no longer filled with the fear and admiration of the past. “Three years ago, I even dared to scheme against you, didn't I?” Upon hearing her bring up the matter from three years ago, Colton immediately lost his patience. Annoyed, he pulled back a chair, the sound of it scraping against the floor grating on the ears. He sat across from Francesca with his legs crossed and eyes locked tightly on her. He was curious to see what trick Francesca was trying to pull by calling him over so late at night. Observing Colton's impatient demeanor, Francesca clenched her fists tightly. With a resolute and intense look directed at Colton, she declared, “Let's get a divorce.”