Chapter 2 Amelia's birthday

At dinnertime, Veronica, the niece of Thiago's mother, Helen Anderson, was eating with the Anderson family, all in high spirits. Except for Thiago, who was brooding, his brow furrowed, not even touching his food.

Amelia had left with Ethan, not taking a single personal item with her, including the two million dollars and the mansion.

"Where's Amelia? How come she isn't down for dinner?" Elijah Anderson, Thiago's father, asked in surprise.

"We've called it quits. The divorce papers are all signed and sealed," Thiago replied, looking down. "I'll pick a day to get the legal stuff done."

"Divorce? Why?" Elijah asked, taken aback.

"Ah, Elijah, I told you ages ago that Thiago and Amelia were like oil and water, their marriage was just a set-up by his grandpa." Helen let out a sigh. "The poor girl has been putting up with this for three years. Now she's willing to let bygones be bygones and break up with Thiago, to seek their own happiness. It's probably for the best. You know that Thiago has always loved Veronica."

"Thiago, marriage isn't a game, especially when it comes to Amelia..."

"Dad, the divorce is done. Amelia has left." Thiago frowned, clearly unhappy.

"Huh, that country girl sure has guts."

Jasmine Anderson, the young miss of the Anderson family, sneered, "Is she cooking up something? Don't let her go around saying we treated her badly!"

Thiago's frown deepened at those words.

"Thiago, you've been too hasty this time. Your grandpa is still on his sickbed, how are you going to explain this to him?" Elijah was worried this might upset the old man and was feeling quite anxious.

"I'll tell it like it is. Next month, I'll announce my marriage and officially make Veronica my wife."

Veronica looked at the man's handsome profile, her eyes filled with sweetness.

"You're out of your mind! You can't just ditch your wife like that, this will ruin your reputation!"

"I've never cared about my reputation. Amelia was never the woman I wanted." Thiago was firm, with not a shred of regret.

"Mr. Elijah, please don't blame Thiago. If you need to blame someone, blame me."

Leaning on Thiago's shoulder, Veronica said tearfully, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have come back into Thiago's life... I'll leave tomorrow morning. Thiago, you should make up with Amelia. I don't want to be the one who destroys you..."

"Veronica, this has nothing to do with you."

Thiago looked serious and took her delicate hand, "I'm done with Amelia, and you've put up with enough over these three years. I won't let you suffer anymore."

The evening breeze was cool and pleasant.

Ethan took Kira for a walk by the river, sitting on a boat and admiring the stunning city night view.

"Bro, are you trying to torture me?"

Kira looked at the couples around her and complained, "This is a dating spot for couples! I wouldn't dare to come here normally!"

"Really? You should blame your other brother for this. He said he would set off fireworks here at eight."

Ethan glanced at his watch elegantly, "Five, four, three, two, one."

Suddenly, a huge purple cloud-shaped firework burst out in the sky.

All the lovers gathered on the deck, and the crowd on the shore also began to increase.

"His taste is... puzzling." Ethan shook his head in confusion, but she felt warm inside.

"Considering all the weird gifts he's given you over the years, this firework display is a big step-up."

Ethan put his arm around his sister's shoulder and pulled her into his arms, "And there's more to come today. Everyone has prepared gifts for you. Your room is filled with them. Kira, there are many people who love you. Make sure you give your love and time to those who deserve it, okay?"

Kira felt a lump in her throat.

At that moment, a black Maybach stopped outside the crowd.

Thiago, holding Veronica's hand, got out of the car. As the cool night wind blew, the woman playfully snuggled into his arms.

"Wow, what beautiful fireworks! Thiago, look!"

Veronica always had an innocent, girl-next-door charm in front of Thiago, which was one reason he was so smitten with her.

In contrast, Amelia's gloomy and cold demeanor always left him dissatisfied.

The only plus point Amelia had in these three years was that she always behaved like a good girl in front of him.

But what's the point? She was not the one he wanted.

The two of them walked to the railing, and suddenly, four fireworks exploded in the sky at the same time, spelling out "Happy Birthday!"

"Wow, someone's celebrating their birthday. I wonder who's so lucky to get such a gift." Veronica said enviously.

Thiago suddenly frowned. His heart felt a squeeze.

Today was Amelia's birthday. Could the fireworks be Ethan's birthday gift for her?

Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice.

A ship passed in front of them, and the man and woman on it were Amelia and Ethan!

"Huh? It's Ms. Amelia! Who's the man with her? He looks familiar... they seem to be pretty close." Veronica asked, feigning innocence.

Thiago' frown deepened. He gripped the railing so hard his palm turned red.

Just as he thought, she was already dating other men before they officially got divorced? Then why was she crying so hard in front of him earlier today?

The cruise ship was docked at the shore.

When almost all the tourists had left, Ethan and Kira got off, his arm around her waist.

"Amelia!"

Kira tensed up instantly at the sound of this call.

She slowly turned around, only to see Thiago walking briskly towards her. His handsome face still stirred her heart.

But what good would that do? Her love had been destroyed by this man she'd been obsessed with for years. She had no energy left to love him anymore.

"Who is he?" Thiago's face was icy.

"Seems that Mr. Thiago has a poor memory."

Ethan held his sister tighter, smiling faintly, "We've crossed paths more than once in the business world."

"Amelia, answer my question." Thiago ignored Ethan, inching closer.

"We're already divorced, Mr. Thiago. As for who this gentleman is, what does it have to do with you?" Kira smirked, her tone cold and firm.

Thiago's expression changed. He couldn't believe the usually gentle and lovely Amelia would talk to him like that.

"You're already seeing other men before we're officially divorced?"

What the hell? He was the one who cheated first, and now he dared to say these words without a hint of shame?!

Ethan narrowed his eyes, and just as Thiago was about to punch him, Kira stepped in.

She was actually stepping in to protect another man? Thiago's mood worsened.

"We may not be officially divorced, but Mr. Thiago's new woman couldn't wait to intrude into our relationship. I have stood by silently as someone else took my husband. Mr. Thiago, what right do you have to stop me from being with someone else?"

Kira's hair fluttered in the wind, her lips full of mockery. This was a beauty and shock Thiago had never seen before. With a wild tone, she asked, "What, only my ex-husband is allowed to play on the field? I, the ex-wife, can't find my true love?"

Her words were so sharp that Thiago was left speechless.

Veronica, who was rushing over, stomped her foot in anger when she saw Thiago still had feelings for Amelia. As a result, her high heel snapped, and she fell to the ground.

"Ah! Thiago! My foot hurts!"

Thiago finally snapped back to reality and rushed to help Veronica, who had fallen.

By the time he looked back, Kira and Ethan were long gone.