Chapter 7

A flicker of surprise crossed Laurel's eyes. She wasn't expecting Willow to respond so calmly. She started believing that Willow might not have feelings for Chad. As her hostility faded, Laurel affectionately linked arms with Willow and put on an innocent act. "You don't know how much I relied on Chad, Ms. Stanford…" While her voice was soft, there was an unmistakable tone of pride. "Chad handled the entire divorce for me. When my ex-husband's family was shamelessly causing a scene at the hotel entrance, he stayed up all night just to find a lawyer to drive them off. During the asset split, he used the Lawsons' connections to get me the best deal possible…" Laurel's gaze glimmered with adoration as she spoke. "Even my nightmare of a mother-in-law backed off after hearing Chad's words." She suddenly lowered her voice and spoke somewhat coyly, "Honestly, I didn't marry my ex-husband out of love—I didn't really have a choice. But fate has a funny way of working. Chad and I are not blood-related, nor are we siblings by name any longer…" Laurel's words seemed to be a blatant reminder to Willow that Laurel had once married someone else out of ethics. But now, there was nothing left standing between her and Chad. Willow swirled the glass of champagne in her hand and followed up. "So, you're saying that… you like Chad?" Laurel's face immediately flushed red. She lowered her head and whispered softly, "I… I don't know either… But I've been reliant on Chad since I was young…" Her voice was tinged with a tone of nostalgia. "Back when I was young, Chad would stay by my side the entire night when I had a fever. When I was bullied by classmates in school, he would show up at their houses. When I first started my period, he was the one who rushed to buy me sanitary pads…" Willow's heart grew emptier as she listened on. She suddenly realized that even though she had grown up together with Chad as his childhood friend, her bond with him could never compare to the one he and Laurel shared while growing up in the same household. Chad, who had treated Willow with rigid politeness and formalities, was constantly gentle and indulgent with Laurel. Willow had understood this too late—she had had been burnt by the fire before letting go. "Ms. Stanford…" Laurel suddenly looked up, her gaze cautious as she probed, "Do you think… the way I see Chad… is strange?" Willow quietly stared at her. Laurel's schemes were so poorly planned, and her possessiveness toward Chad was so transparent. As his wife, Willow couldn't believe how Laurel was saying all this straight to her face. However, Willow suddenly smiled, indulging Laurel when she said, "Not at all. I think… Chad probably likes you a lot too." "So then, Ms. Stanford…" Laurel's voice was almost inaudible when she asked, "Will you give Chad to me?" Willow stared at Laurel's eyes full of anticipation. She calmly said, "Perhaps I will." She didn't reveal that she was already in the process of divorce—she didn't want Laurel to have too much leverage. However, Laurel was clearly satisfied with Willow's vague answers. A victorious smile bloomed on her face, as if Chad were already firmly in her grasp. … Laurel was fast asleep in the backseat while they were on the way back. Chad looked at Willow through the rearview mirror and softly apologized, "Babe, I promise I'll definitely make our relationship public." Instead, she smiled gently. "It's alright. We're just married on paper anyway, I understand." Upon seeing her calm reaction, Chad felt an unexpected panic rise within him. He anxiously promised, "Give me a week at most—I'll definitely…" "We're here," Willow interrupted him, realizing that the car had already pulled up in front of the house as she glanced out of the window. A day turned into a week, a week turned into a month, and a month turned into a year. She no longer anticipated Chad's promises. Willow would just treat the five years of marriage as a dream. Now that she was awake, it was time to pack up and leave. The city's colorful neon lights flickered in and out, just like her hope throughout the five years—bright for a moment before going out. And now, Willow finally learned to stop waiting for the light that was never meant to be hers.