Chapter 5

The delayed sting on Diana's cheek finally set in. Taking a deep breath, she looked at Vincent's cold face and bitterly asked, "And what exactly did I say?" When he shoved the so-called "evidence" in front of her, she let out a cold laugh. She stared into his raging, stormy eyes and mockingly said, "I'll never be able to say those filthy, vulgar words. Plus, anyone can send an anonymous text." "If it wasn't you, who else could it be?" Vincent's rage intensified. Seeing that Diana was still trying to defend herself, he stepped forward and gripped her shoulders. Her face paled at the pain. His hands trembled with anger as he hissed, "Diana, I've given you the title of Mrs. Hendrix. No one's fighting you for that identity. "Gabby is pure and kind, and she's always seen you as an elder sister. Do you have any idea how much your words hurt her?" He radiated a chilling coldness, and his eyes gleamed with such rage as if he wanted to devour her whole. Diana's eyes reddened. The sting on her cheek could never compare to the ache in her heart. "We grew up together. Don't you know what kind of person I am? This is clearly a setup," she replied. But people always chose the easy target, and Diana had always been the softest. For a moment, Vincent noticed the pain and grievance in her eyes and paused. But his fury returned before reason could take hold. "Who would frame you? At least come up with a better lie, Diana. Gabby doesn't know anyone else in Heyton, and she's only close to you." His expression was terrifyingly cool. He didn't trust her at all. A wave of coldness surged through Diana's chest and spread through her limbs. Bitterness filled her mouth as she stared at Vincent in disbelief. So, he saw her as a scheming, petty woman who would go to any lengths out of jealousy. He wouldn't even listen to her explanation. Since he was that resolute, there was no need for her to say another word. "Suit yourself." He slammed the door shut and left. Gabriella was still in the hospital, and he was going to see her. It wasn't until Vincent had left that Diana collapsed onto the ground, finally letting out all the pain she had been repressing for years. Her hands covered her face as she sobbed. Maria stood at a loss for what to do as she watched Diana cry uncontrollably. The night before, Gabriella had received a string of vicious insults via text, allegedly from "Mrs. Hendrix". The context was disgusting and filled with obscene slurs. The shock and humiliation had pushed Gabriella over the edge. She had attempted to end her life by slitting her wrists, and now, she was still lying in the hospital. Diana was awash with a wave of helplessness. Even if they weren't husband and wife in the truest sense, she had known Vincent for years. However, that bond wasn't enough to stand up to a poorly fabricated setup. Just as she thought he wouldn't return that day, Vincent rushed back at 4:30 pm. His eyes were full of remorse as he called out, "Diana! I'm sorry for misunderstanding you. It was a stunt pulled by the paparazzi who tried to stir up drama." In the end, their years of marriage had compelled him to investigate. As for Gabriella, she hadn't been foolish enough to use her true identity. Details of those texts didn't trace back to her at all. Now, the appearance of some scapegoat quickly convinced Vincent that Gabriella had nothing to do with the incident. Rumors of a falling-out between them had been brewing. Gossip reporters were constantly prying and itching to expose any cracks in their marriage. With the Hendrix family's status, such juicy gossip was guaranteed to make explosive headlines. Diana said nothing and stared at him expressionlessly. Her fair skin still bore the red mark from the slap that morning. She didn't cry, shout, or accuse. She didn't even seem hurt anymore. Noticing her reaction, Vincent panicked. He rushed over and pulled her into his arms. His eyes brimmed with guilt and sorrow as he gently reached out to caress her cheek. "Does it still hurt?" Diana subtly pushed him away and forced back her tears. Her voice choked as she murmured, "It doesn't hurt anymore." And it would never hurt again. She had printed the divorce papers, and all that was left was the right moment to sign them. His heart sank as he embraced Diana again and buried his face in her neck. He had been feeling uneasy lately, somehow. Even when he was with Gabriella, his mind often wandered as if something was quietly slipping away from him. But now, the familiar scent of her hair seemed to settle that restlessness. Holding her tightly, he opened his mouth to speak… Just then, his phone rang. Still holding her, he answered the call with one hand. "Something's wrong, Mr. Hendrix. Ms. Jackson is in a terrible mental state. She just drank a lot, and now, she's threatening to harm herself again," said the person from the other end of the line. They were so close that Diana heard every word on the phone. Sure enough, Vincent's face changed. He immediately released her and turned to leave. "Don't you dare go!" Diana screamed. She grabbed his sleeve tightly, and her knuckles paled from the strain. This was the last time she would try to hold him back. In that brief moment when he had held her, all their years together had made her resolve waver. But now, she realized what a complete fool she had been. Her brief moment of hesitation now seemed utterly ridiculous. "Diana, let's talk when I get back, okay? It's an emergency. Gabby is naive and impulsive. This is about life and death…" Vincent frowned deeply in worry. "Vincent," she interrupted. Her voice was suddenly calm as she smiled faintly at him. "There's a document I need you to sign…" She paused and flatly added, "Once you sign it, you're free to go." They would let each other go. "Okay. Give it to me," he agreed without hesitation. Diana handed him the document. He barely glanced at it before swiftly scribbling his name and rushing out the door. This time, Diana didn't stop him, just as he wished. As the door closed behind him, she turned and looked around. The vast villa felt cold and empty. "Mrs. Hendrix, would you like some dinner?" Maria came over. "No, thank you. All of you can take the evening off," Diana softly replied. Then, she returned to her room and began to pack. There wasn't much to pack. After all, Gabriella often stayed over in the past year, and if there was anything she liked, Vincent would generously let her have it. According to him, Gabriella was his younger sister, who had suffered so much in the past. Hence, she had to be cherished. Plus, Vincent believed that by ultimately choosing Diana, he had hurt Gabriella. After all, he and Gabriella had almost gotten married during those two years he had lost his memory. They had been just a step away from walking down the aisle. If Diana were Gabriella, she supposed she would be reluctant to accept it, too. She stared at the signed divorce papers in her hands. A myriad of thoughts overtook her, yet she couldn't bring herself to say a word. In the end, all she could do was silently say, "Mr. Hendrix, I wish you a lifetime of happiness with the one you truly love." After that night, she would be gone from his world.