Chapter 7 The Humiliation

Annabelle lay on the floor for a long time before struggling to get back into her wheelchair. The once warm and cozy bedroom was now a complete mess. However, Samuel didn't seem to notice. All he remembered was how unreasonable she had been. Annabelle let out a soft laugh, as if mocking herself. The next moment, she called her lawyer, Benjamin Hartwell. "How much longer will it take?" she asked. Benjamin sounded pleasantly surprised. "I was just about to call you. The process is nearly complete, and the agreement is ready. Whenever you're free, I can bring it over." Annabelle subconsciously rubbed her palm. Five years of marriage could be completely over in less than five days. She pushed down the last trace of attachment and told Benjamin to deliver the documents that evening. Before she had a chance to review them, Samuel called her to join a family dinner. The Feltons did not like Annabelle, and she rarely attended their gatherings. She couldn't understand why Samuel was insisting that she come this time—until they got in the car. "Annabelle, Lucas is a restless kid. I figured I'd hold him and sit here instead. You don't mind, do you?" The backseat that was once reserved for Annabelle was now taken by Elise, and Samuel was sitting right next to her. Annabelle didn't spare Samuel a single glance. After a brief pause, she said calmly, "Not at all. Go ahead." Samuel was caught off guard by her attitude. He hadn't expected her to let it go so easily. When they arrived, he instinctively tried to help her into the car. However, Annabelle braced herself despite the pain from her burn and forced herself into the front passenger seat. Samuel quickly reached for her wheelchair to fold it up, but she subtly avoided his hands and swiftly packed it up herself. As Samuel watched his hand being brushed aside, a wave of disappointment stirred in his chest. Yet, his pride kicked in, and his face turned cold once more. As the car moved forward, Annabelle sat quietly in the front seat, while Elise, Samuel, and Lucas chatted happily in the back. After listening for a while, Annabelle finally realized it had been Elise's idea to bring her along to the family dinner. Elise claimed it was to "bring everyone closer", but Samuel knew perfectly well that she and the Feltons had never gotten along. Still, just because Elise suggested it, he agreed without a second thought. Annabelle glanced at the rearview mirror and caught the soft expression on Samuel's face as he looked at Elise. A dull ache settled in her chest. Only now did she realize this was what it meant to love someone. It wasn't a kindness he pretended to show, but a natural, genuine love. Annabelle kept her eyes on him through the rearview mirror until her face was wet with tears. She snapped back to reality and realized belatedly that tears had silently streamed down her face. She quickly turned toward the window and closed her eyes, pretending to sleep as the tears slowly dried in the breeze. The Felton family dinner was the same as always. Whether they were close or distant, everyone showed up for the gathering. Five tables were filled with relatives of all ages. Aside from a few familiar faces, Annabelle barely recognized anyone. She had planned to stay quiet and make it through like usual, but Elise kept bringing her up. "I've lived abroad for a long time. I just found out Sam is married. Let's all raise a glass to her for taking care of Sam these past five years," Elise said. Elise had grown up with Samuel, so the people at the table were closer to her than they were to Annabelle. Even though most of them didn't really like Annabelle, they all raised their glasses after Elise's suggestion. Annabelle felt like she was walking into a trap. She forced a smile, raised her glass, and drank it all as a sign of respect. Her tolerance for alcohol was low, and her face quickly flushed. However, Elise wasn't about to let her off that easily. "That won't do. Everyone here toasted you. How can you stop at just one drink? Am I right, Sam?" Samuel looked at Annabelle's cold face and gave a deep grunt. "It's not often you come. Who are you turning your back on? If you hate the Feltons so much, then why did you marry me?" Annabelle was stunned for a moment. He was the one who had proposed to her. Then, she smiled to herself. What was the point of arguing now? They were getting a divorce anyway. She was about to say she was done, but Elise suddenly stood up and took hold of her wheelchair. "Annabelle can't move around easily. I'll help her make sure everyone gets a toast of their own. Right, Annabelle?"