Chapter 14
“Legally, we have no connection anymore.”
Bastien’s grip tightened on his wineglass until it shattered, red wine mixing with blood as it soaked into the carpet.[]
“You played me.” he snarled. “You deliberately set this up!“[]
Ophelia bit her lip hard, vision blurring. How could she have possibly manipulated him?}
If anyone was manipulated, it was her.]
“I didn’t tell you to run to Anastasia,” she said, voice trembling. “I didn’t make her attempt suicide. The entire racing world is laughing at me, and I never said a word against you. I didn’t question you, didn’t fight with you. I never forced you to get divorced–you proposed it, and I agreed. Is that what you call deception?!“]
By the end, her voice was breaking. Bastien felt a sharp pain in his chest. He’d never heard Ophelia speak so many words at once.]
He’d never heard the raw hurt in her voice before.]
was there now, unmistakable.[]
“Anastasia is in my past. There’s nothing between us, I swear. You’re the one I love, Ophelia. I love you.”
Hearing those words from Bastien’s mouth brought Ophelia no joy, only sadness.
From their wedding day until now, he’d never said it so directly.]
So he was capable of saying it after all.]
“But I don’t love you anymore, Bastien.“]]
“Don’t contact me again. I don’t want to hear your voice or receive any more messages from you!“]
As she moved to end the call, Bastien rushed to speak. “Ophelia, we need to talk. I have the board meeting Friday, but I’ve booked a flight to London for Saturday. Let’s sort this out properly.“]]
“Anyway.it’s my fault for letting you misunderstand. I’m sorry. But we’re still married in every way that counts.“]
Ophelia’s voice turned cold. “We’re not married, Bastien. Don’t make me despise you.“]
She hung up. Wher: he called back immediately, she blocked his number. She’d said everything that needed saying.
The welcome party began that evening at the family’s estate.[]
Ophelia gave a brief speech, and everyone drank and danced, enjoying the celebration.[]
But before the party ended, Ophelia collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital–the tumor had ruptured. Emergency surgery lasted over sixteen hours.]
Her mother wanted to call Bastien, but Connor stopped her.[]
“Don’t. She doesn’t want to see him.”
There was no time to ask questions; all their energy was focused on Ophelia.]
She pulled through, spending a day in the ICU before regaining consciousness.[]
The situation could have been worse. With the family’s medical connections, Ophelia was able to recover at home.[]
Her mother stayed by her side constantly. While unpacking Ophelia’s suitcase, she discovered the divorce certificate and the tumor diagnosis from weeks earlier. The realization that her daughter had been facing this alone left her gasping for breath.[]
Noting the date on the divorce papers, Mrs. Hartley took a photo and contacted associates back in the States to investigate the real reason behind the divorce. When she learned it was because of Anastasia, Mrs. Hartley shook with fury.]
“she won’t get away with this,I swear.“[]
Connor placed a calming hand on his mother’s shoulder. “Mom, we’ll deal with all that when Ophelia’s better. This isn’t about Anastasia–even if she played a part, the real problem is Bastien. He’s the one who made his choices.
Their mother wiped away angry tears. “Ophelia gave the fucking guy everything.”
