Chapter 8
A week later, the end of the divorce cooling–off period finally arrived. Hannah was ready to move on. She started packing her bags.
Halfway through her packing, Zachary’s assistant showed up with a custom–made gown, insisting she attend a family gathering at the family mansion.
Hannah couldn’t help but feel amused at the sight of the dress.
Legally, their marriage was already over, yet Zachary seemed oblivious, still expecting her to show up as his wife.
Initially, Hannah wanted to decline, but remembering how Cecilia had always been kind to her, and considering she needed to collect some travel documents from her, she decided to put on the dress and head to the party.
The hall was glitzy with life and laughter, the chandeliers casting a warm glow over the clinking glasses and
the soft hum of conversation.
In the center of the crowd, Anna was surrounded by a group of socialites, all fawning over her. The women gazed enviously at the emerald necklace around her neck.
“Anna, Mr. Cole must really adore you.”
“Absolutely, that necklace was just auctioned off at the Velvet Gavel’s. It’s globally limited edition, a symbol of one–of–a–kind love worldwide. We all heard about some mysterious millionaire who snagged it. Never thought it was Mr. Cole!”
“After all these years, Mr. Cole still can’t forget you. I remember back in school, he’d pick you up and drop you off every day. Those packets of gummy bears and chocolates in your desk were all from him. I recall once you two had a fight, and you ignored him for days. He was so desperate to make it up to you that he asked everyone for advice. He even came to me once, tsk, you should see how he looked like back then, his eyes were bloodshot. You ignoring him was like a death sentence to him.”
“Anna, I doubt anyone loves you more than Mr. Cole does. When he found out you had a quickie wedding with someone else, he was devastated. Later, when he learned you were unhappy abroad, he flew over every week just to see you, bringing gifts to cheer you up. Now that you’re divorced, and he doesn’t seem to care much for his current wife, why not just be together?”
“Yeah, absolutely! Be with him!”
Amidst the teasing and laughter, Hannah stood quietly in the corner, watching the scene unfold, listening to others reminiscing about her husband’s past love for someone else.
“Hannah.”
A voice from behind snapped her back to reality.
She turned to see Cecilia and instinctively went to call her “Cecilia“, but caught herself as if remembering something, respectfully saying, “Mrs. Cole” instead.
Cecilia sighed at the change in address but didn’t comment, simply handing over the documents Hannah needed for her trip abroad.
“Hannah, I’ve arranged everything you’ll need for your move. The school year starts early, so I’ve also booked your flight. It leaves in three hours. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Looking at the papers in her hands, Hannah felt a wave of relief. The thought of newfound freedom and a fresh start made her hands tremble slightly.
Taking a deep breath to steady her excited self, Hannah placed the documents in her bag and shook her head.
“Thank you, Mrs. Cole, for everything. I’m truly grateful.”
10.17
Chapter 8
After a pause, she recalled something and added softly, “I have just one small request. If Zachary ever finds out and asks about me, please tell him you don’t know.”
