Chapter 4

Diana remembered the first time things began to unravel between her and Vincent. It was within the first month of Vincent's return after his two-year disappearance. He had returned from Winderbay and brought Gabriella with him, setting her up comfortably in Heyton. After introducing her as his life savior and younger sister, he had even gifted her a villa on Heyton's expensive lands. That evening during dinner, he had seemed distracted and constantly glanced at his phone. His hesitant expression had made Diana's heart tighten. Still, she had forced herself to stay calm until… He abruptly stood up. Wearing a deep frown, he said, "Diana, Gabby's having stomach pains. I'm going to check on her." "If her stomach hurts, take her to the hospital. You're not a doctor," she replied, trying to contain her irritation as her fingers clenched involuntarily. "No, it's not that kind of pain doctors can help… There's no need to call one either." He was already putting on his coat, concern and anxiety clouding his face. He continued, "She's frail, and it's her first time in Heyton. She is unfamiliar with everything here, and she needs someone with her to feel safe." Diana looked up at him. She was far too smart not to guess the truth. "She's on her period, isn't she?" Her voice was steady with no outbursts or accusations. When Vincent froze, she knew she was right. "Enjoy your food. I'll check on her and be back soon." With that, he turned and walked out without looking back. From behind, Diana called out, "What if I don't let you go?" The only answer was the sound of the door slamming shut. Snapping back from the memory, Diana instinctively reached out to touch her cheek, only to find it wet with tears. She wondered what it was that caused love to curdle and fade, that made people forget. She and Vincent had grown up together. Though their marriage was tied to business interests, their affections for each other had been mutual and genuine. They were each other's first love, and the Vincent in his younger days hadn't been as cold as he was now. Back then, he had been arrogant and unruly. He had been obsessed with cruiser bikes, and he had been known as a difficult person in Heyton. He listened to no one and was a tyrant among his peers. Yet, he yielded only to her. Vincent had once said, "Diana is more important than my life." He used to say Diana was special and one-and-only. He wanted no one else but her for life. She never doubted his sincerity, but love could change. Even the deepest love could decay over time and slip unnoticed until it was gone. She took out her phone and sent him a message. "No need for the belated birthday gift. Don't waste the effort or time." After all, a late compensation meant nothing. In the car, Vincent caught a glimpse of the text on his phone, and a strange tightness clutched his chest. He had no idea why, but it felt oddly suffocating. … At the Gyleon residence, Kenneth was livid. "You want a divorce! Are you out of your mind! Don't even think about it!" The Gyleon family had relied on the Hendrix family's support for years. If that relationship were severed, the Gyleon family would crumble in no time. "What happened, Diana? You and Vincent seem fine." Compared to Kenneth's rage, Beatrice Palmer was gentler. Much of Diana's gentle nature and good-looking features had come from Beatrice. "Mom, he'll always have a place in his heart for Gabriella." It was harder to maintain a strong front in front of the family. Diana's weak side showed as her eyes turned red. "No. I don't care what happened, but you're not getting a divorce. Even if he has dozens of mistresses outside, that's just a man's nature. It's not like he slept with her either. "If you divorce him, you're no longer my daughter." His face was cold and tense as he glared at Diana. Diana was stunned. Then, a bitter smile crept onto her face. What a ridiculous scene. To a businessman, profit outweighed everything, and sacrificing his daughter's happiness meant nothing. "Dad, am I your daughter… or just a bargaining chip?" Her nails dug into her palms as she fought to hold back her tears. "Enough. We're still family. Don't raise your voice," Beatrice said, looking distressed as she pulled Diana into a protective embrace. Only then did Diana's tears fall silently. "Mom, I'm going back now," she softly murmured with her head hung low. In her heart, a divorce was final. She was too tired to continue this game. "Diana…" Beatrice called out with worry and tried to stop her. "It's dark, so why don't you—" "Let her go! She's all grown up and thinks she can do everything as she wishes now," Kenneth snapped, his expression sullen. After leaving the Gyleon residence, Diana looked up at the sky. The stars twinkled, but the moon hid behind the clouds and was barely visible. She laughed bitterly. She wanted nothing but a divorce, for she had married Vincent without anything back then. Now, she was utterly dejected. Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. It was a picture of Gabriella and Vincent standing side by side. Gabriella still had her stage makeup on. This time, she was filming a horror movie set in the Varethian era, playing a young heiress who returned from studying abroad. Diana had to admit that Gabriella was stunning. Whilst Diana had subtle and delicate looks, Gabriella's features were sharp and defined. The alluring Gabriella had eyes that held the galaxy. She was captivating and full of pride. Her vibrant personality only served to highlight Diana's quiet, understated composure. Sometimes, Diana agreed that she might prefer someone like Gabriella, too, if she were a man. Gabriella was beautiful, energetic, and full of spirit. In contrast, Diana was dull and quiet. "Diana, I'm here to report in!" A cute sticker followed. "Please don't be mad. Vincent and I are just friends. I've let go of the past." "He used to say he wanted to marry me and be with me forever, but I knew that was just because he lost his memory. I can take those promises and vows from the past two years as a dream. I see you as my older sister, so please don't be mad." Gabriella's messages came one after another, but Diana didn't reply. However, Diana never expected Vincent to storm in angrily the next morning. Diana was still having breakfast when the doors slammed open. Vincent charged in with a gloomy expression. "Diana, how long are you going to keep making trouble?" Vincent questioned. His accusatory roar hit her like a slap and left her stunned. "What did I do now?" she asked, slowly regaining her composure and looking up at him. A crisp sound echoed in the air. Diana froze. Vincent had slapped her. Her knees buckled slightly, her body trembling as she stood in shock. "Do you know that because of what you said, Gabby almost died yesterday?" Vincent's expression was ice-cold.