Chapter 7

At the Hendrix residence, Jason waved at the door. "Diana, come here and let me look at you. Oh dear, what happened! You've lost so much weight in just three months!" Jason exclaimed. As soon as Jason saw Diana, he leaned heavily on his cane and hurried toward her. Then, he took her hand and looked at her with deep concern. Over the past six months, Diana's health had indeed taken a turn for the worse. The stomach was a barometer for emotions, and being in low spirits would make one lose their appetite. During the two years Vincent went missing, Diana had been consumed by longing, fear, and worry. She could hardly eat or sleep, and her health had eventually begun to deteriorate. Before all this, she had always been in good shape. Though she appeared frail and delicate, she had been excellent at sports growing up. Since Vincent had disappeared, her health had declined rapidly and fallen apart. She had never fully recovered, and her stomach condition had begun then and persisted ever since. After Vincent's return, he brought Gabriella with him. Their marriage was no longer a place of peace and security. Plagued by constant anxiety and emotional unrest, Diana couldn't sleep or eat. She was no longer young, and such torment wore her down. Jason had always adored Diana and saw her as his granddaughter. His heart ached even more at the sight of her now. His eyes reddened as he gently patted her head with affection. "Come, sit. "I have something to talk to you about, Diana. The rest of you, please leave," Jason said with a wave of his hand. The housekeeper hesitated and eventually left in silence. Ever perceptive, Diana glanced at the wheelchair tucked in the corner of the living room and looked surprised. When she turned to Jason, there was a tinge of concern on her face. "Grandpa, how are you doing lately?" "Oh, don't worry about me." Jason laughed heartily. "Still the same as always, but thank you for your concern, Diana. You're the only one who worries about me. That rascal Vincent doesn't care one bit." Diana's fingers stiffened when she heard Jason mention Vincent. She felt as though her heart was weighed down by something heavy. It felt suffocating as if she was drowning. "Diana, tell me. Has he been picking on you?" Jason asked. Diana forced a weak smile. She hadn't planned on complaining to Jason, so she shook her head and said, "No, Grandpa. Vincent's been treating me pretty well." Jason frowned. "Nonsense. Don't think I don't know you, child. You've always been quiet and gentle since you were little, and you never fought or asked for anything. "Even when you're wronged, you just bottle it up inside. You won't speak a word unless someone pries it out of you, and even then, you'll still try to hide it." His eyes were filled with distress for Diana as he shook his head disappointedly. "They say that women bloom under loving care, but look at yourself now. You're withering! "I may be retired and don't interfere much with the company anymore, but I'm not blind. I know everything about the scandals and what's going on. "Don't worry, child. As long as I'm around, I'll back you up and give you an answer! Vincent doesn't know what's good for him!" Jason said, patting her hand. Diana was momentarily dazed. Then, she remembered the signed divorce papers and lowered her eyes as she shook her head. "Thank you, Grandpa. But it's fine." She didn't need anything since she had decided to leave. Vincent didn't understand his feelings for Gabriella yet, but it was love. The way he looked at Gabriella was the way he used to look at Diana. When one's eyes were filled with affection, their gaze burned with warmth. The eyes were windows to the soul, and they never lied. If Diana and Vincent dragged this on any longer, it would only ruin what little remained between them. Childhood sweethearts could never compete with destined love. The thought left a bitter taste in Diana's heart. Noticing her reaction, Jason fathomed the situation and anxiously said, "Diana, my child… He's been mistreating you, hasn't he? I'll make it right tomorrow. No, today! "I'll call him back tonight and give that brat a proper lecture. "You're a married couple, and you grew up together. It's normal for couples to fight, and every couple does. Just talk it out, and everything will be fine. "As for Gabriella, I'll personally handle her. I'll have someone send her overseas, far away, where she'll never bother you again. How about that?" Diana shook her head again. "This is between me and him, Grandpa. I'll deal with it myself, and you just have to stay out of it and take care of yourself." Jason had worked hard all his life, and now that age had caught up with him, he started having health issues. She could never forgive herself if he ever had to worry about their mess. More importantly, she knew Vincent. If Jason laid a hand on Gabriella, Vincent would lose control. When that happened, the relationship between Jason and Vincent might have been strained. Diana would never want to see that. Jason suddenly fell silent and stared at her for a long time. As a man who once dominated the business world, he was far sharper than most. Plus, he had watched Diana grow up and knew her through and through. After a long pause, he sighed heavily. Looking her in the eye, he softly asked, "Tell me the truth, child. Are you planning to divorce Vincent?" The question dropped like a bomb. Diana froze. She sat motionless on the couch with her head lowered. Never had she expected Jason to make such an accurate guess. She had made her plans. Since Jason had heart conditions and was getting older, he couldn't bear any more emotional shocks. That was why she hadn't planned to tell him even if she divorced Vincent one day. She thought she could make up excuses during holidays or put on a show with Vincent in front of Jason. As for the media, she believed Vincent would handle it. He would make sure no words reached Jason. But now, Jason had found out before any of those plans could be carried out. Secrets that were meant to stay buried always surfaced while the love she desperately clung to slipped through her fingers like sand. In her life, things had always gone against her wishes. Jason looked at her with eyes filled with sorrow. His voice was soft and gentle as he pleaded, "Diana, don't divorce Vincent, okay?" However, Diana remained silent and didn't look up. She simply kept her head down without saying a word.