Chapter 7 We Are Now Nothing More Than Strangers

Meanwhile, Kaitlin had just arrived at Phoebe's place when Twitter erupted.

People were furiously apologizing to Nora and clamoring for the dismissal of the project leader who had wronged her, insisting that Nora's designs be reinstated.

The companies once ready to sever ties with Oasis Studio were now rallying in support of Kay's return and siding with Nora.

Yet, the controversy hadn't touched Lilliana just yet...

Kaitlin's gaze grew icy as she dispatched another message to the anonymous contact. "Find out why he tried to set up Nora. Get into his phone."

A nodding emoji and a cheeky reply came back. "You're making a comeback and cash without me, yet here you are, still giving orders."

Kaitlin shot back, "You're in on the next big score, I promise."

"Remember your word! No backing down! When I'm back, you owe me a dinner to discuss it!"

Kaitlin chuckled and texted back a simple "okay" before stashing her phone.

She was on the verge of stepping into the shower when her phone buzzed again-a notification alerted her that her bank card had been frozen.

Kaitlin realized it was the card Alan had provided.

She couldn't resist sneering.

Clearly, Alan had processed and signed the divorce papers, and was now eager to move things along.

It made sense. She had no business keeping his card amidst their separation.

After leaving the hospital, Kaitlin had blocked Alan's number and headed directly to Phoebe's house, while some of her items remained at Alan's place. She planned to resolve everything with Alan the next day and make the divorce official at court.

The following morning, dressed in an outfit she had found at Phoebe's, Kaitlin hailed a cab to the Hewitt family's estate.

Upon arrival, she rang the doorbell, which was promptly answered by the butler.

"What... Oh! Mrs. Hewitt!"

The butler was taken aback at the sight of her.

The Kaitlin he recalled was always shy and apprehensive; however, today she donned a striking red dress, exuding vibrancy and assurance. He barely recognized her!

Kaitlin inquired in an even tone, "Is Alan awake?"

The butler, jolted from his reverie, responded, "He just woke up. Please, come inside."

Kaitlin entered and ascended the stairs to gather her things.

When she descended with her suitcase, Alan was already seated at the dining table.

Without looking in her direction, he missed the sight of the small suitcase she carried. He sat there with a stoic expression, engrossed in a magazine.

"Figured out where you went wrong? I'll overlook your defiance just this once, but it won't happen again. Go fix me an omelet, and I'll see to it that your black card is reactivated later," Alan said.

Kaitlin observed his imperious stance and laughed bitterly.

What did he assume brought her back? That he had frozen her account so she had returned, seeking pardon?

"I believe I've done nothing amiss. But tell me, have you signed the divorce papers?" Kaitlin responded.

Alan's head shot up, visibly shocked.

She hadn't come to plead for mercy? And yet, she dared to mention the divorce!

A flash of fury crossed his eyes, and he balled his fists, his tone icy. "Kaitlin, you-"

However, when he caught the resolute look on the woman standing at the bottom of the stairs, Alan was struck speechless.

The vibrant red dress transformed Kaitlin. Normally, she was docile and eager to please, reminiscent of a vine clinging for support.

Now, however, she embodied the essence of a proud, thorny rose-fiery and full of life, strikingly reminiscent of the woman in his memories.

He almost uttered that name but caught himself just in time.

No, this was not Ashley...

Struggling to regain his composure, Alan adopted a frosty tone. "Kaitlin, cut out the nonsense! What grounds do you even have to speak of divorce?"

Kaitlin's face remained stoic. "Alan, marriage and divorce are both within my legal rights. Is that an issue for you?"

Her voice sharpened as she continued, "Moreover, don't you despise me? Surely, divorcing me should be precisely what you desire."

Alan's complexion darkened, and the veins on his hands swelled with fury.

He hated to admit it, but the mere mention of divorce irritated him immensely.

He couldn't stand her, so why the resistance to divorce?

Kaitlin's following words struck a nerve.

"Or are you suggesting that the thought of divorcing me is unbearable? It's absurd. You mourn your late fiancée while entangling yourself with her sister, and yet you cling to me, the wife you claim to loathe..."

"Shut up! How dare you speak to me that way!" Alan exploded, his eyes blazing with fury.

He surged to his feet in a rage, seized her wrist, and slammed her against the couch. "You think you deserve my love?"

"Why don't you just divorce me then?"

Kaitlin's wrist ached sharply, yet her gaze remained icy, stripped of any former warmth. "The courthouse isn't far from your office. It shouldn't take much of your time."

Alan's expression darkened, his stare piercing as if trying to scorch her with his gaze alone.

Kaitlin met his look unflinchingly, the air in the dining room heavy with tension.

Unseen by either, a maid witnessed the altercation and slipped outside to whisper into her phone.

The room was swallowed by a tense silence until Alan's laughter broke through, bitter and mocking. "You think ending a marriage is that simple? What about splitting our assets? What about your alimony?"

"I don't want anything. I'm willing to walk away empty-handed, and you won't have to provide for me," Kaitlin declared, her face emotionless.

Alan's hold on her wrist faltered ever so slightly.

Empty-handed?

He thought of the opulent life he had given her. Could she really leave it all behind?

A disquieting confusion crept over Alan, yet he kept his composure icy. "I know you too well. You're playing a game, thinking you'll still be able to return to me post-divorce. It won't work! Admit you're wrong now, and I'll act as though none of this ever happened."

A laugh escaped Kaitlin, her smile enchanting, briefly distracting Alan.

Her following words, however, turned his face a deep shade of red.

"Never. From this moment, whether I live or die, it no longer concerns you. We are now nothing more than strangers."