Ch. 2091..2100

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2091-As night fell, Ryan hosted a warm and lavish dinner at the castle.

Knowing his wife's fondness for dolls, he had the castle adorned with adorable plush toys and a pair of teddy bears on every dining table.

There was a brown one dressed in a black tuxedo, representing Ryan, and a soft pink one in a white wedding dress, snuggled up to the brown bear, symbolizing Carrie.

Due to Carrie's health condition, she could not eat overly greasy foods. Therefore, the banquet featured dishes that suited her palate, made from the finest ingredients flown in specially. Though the food was light, they were exquisite. It satisfied every guest.

Since Carrie could not drink alcohol, there was not a drop of it served. Instead, various fruit juices and teas filled the glasses.

When it came time for the couple to offer a toast, Ryan presented Carrie with a cup of orange juice. Having been in the hospital for so long, she indulged, happily drinking three cups, her smile sweet and wide.

During the performance segment, Ryan held his wife by the waist as they stood on stage. They watched as Justin, Axel, Ralph, and Arnold took the spotlight.

Under the eager gazes of the crowd, they performed a heartfelt rendition of "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You".

This was a song that Yasmin had chosen for them. She had written in her diary that she hoped to sing this song at the wedding.

However, her wish had become a final, unfulfilled dream.

But Ryan believed that, wherever she was, Yasmin could see what he had done and was surely blessing them.

Throughout the song, Bella gazed deeply at her lover. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as the beautiful melody played.

"Bella, didn't you tell me your man can't sing?"

Roza's eyes sparkled. She then nudged Bella, who was lost in the joy and happiness of the moment. "He's not bad! At least every note is on key."

"Even though he acted all nonchalant and confident around me, he's been waking up an hour early every morning to practice this song." Bella rested her chin in her hand as she gazed dreamily at her man. "I know exactly when he gets up every day, even if he tries to hide it. He's the type who aces every test but always says he didn't study much. But in reality, he's been burning the midnight oil,"

"Wow… We had people like that in my class too. I couldn't stand them. They're so fake!" Roza joked, shaking her head with a smirk.

"Bella, your hubby's a bit of a show-off." Amelia quipped from the side.

With hands on her hips, Bella playfully scolded them. "You guys better not tease Justin! I'm fiercely protective of him! Besides, what's wrong with him putting in some extra effort? Unlike some people who don't take things seriously and end up singing like a banshee, with eight out of ten lines off-key!"

"Ahhh! Sure, Ax might not have much talent for singing, but you're being way too harsh!"

Feigning anger, Roza reached out to tickle Bella, who burst into laughter, twisting away to dodge her.

"Look at you! I never even mentioned Ax, but you jumped to the conclusion! You haven't even married him yet, and your heart's already over here? Hahaha…"

The two best friends ended up in a playful scuffle. Watching from the side, Amelia could not help but join in with laughter.

"Ugh…!"

Suddenly, Amelia's face turned pale. She clutched her mouth, quickly getting up and slipping out of the banquet hall like a gust of wind.

At that moment, Steven, who was busy mingling with the guests as the secretary, had not noticed anything unusual with his partner.

"What's wrong with Amelia?" Bella looked in the direction her sister had rushed off, surprised.

"I've been with Amelia these past few days, helping prepare for Carrie's wedding." A concerned expression crossed Roza's face. "She's been looking a bit worn out lately. Her appetite hasn't been great, too. I'm not sure if she's feeling under the weather or just dealing with some minor sickness."

"Really? I'd better go check on her!" Worried about her sister, Bella immediately stood up and left the table.

On the other side of the room, the blissful newlyweds smiled warmly at the groomsmen, who had just finished their heartfelt performance.

Ryan could not resist pulling his delicate wife closer, holding her tightly by the shoulders as he kissed her forehead, cheeks, and the corners of her lips.

A lifetime would not be enough to express all his love for her.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2092-Suddenly, Carrie's eyes, usually as clear and bright as the moon, turned unfocused. She stared intently at the crowd below the stage, her long eyelashes fluttering, and her delicate, rose-colored lips began to tremble uncontrollably.

Her slightly reddened eyes quickly filled with tears. They were sparkling like two crystalline amber gems.

"Carrie, what's wrong? What's going on?" Seeing his beloved cry, Ryan immediately panicked.

"Y-Yasmin…"

Carrie's trembling lips barely parted as she spoke. Her voice was rough and strained, like she had not drunk anything in a long time, the words stumbling out awkwardly.

Even though her voice was faint and quiet, Ryan heard every word clearly.

"Carrie! Y-You spoke?!"

Ryan's eyes filled with tears of joy, his face losing all composure.

"Carrie! You really spoke?!"

"R-Ryan…"

Carrie lifted her hand, pointing to a spot in the crowd near the stage. Her eyes curved into a smile, even as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I… I see… Yasmin…"

Ryan looked to where she was pointing.

The space was empty.

There was no Yasmin. In fact, there was nothing at all. But still, he smiled. He put on a smile full of warmth and understanding as if an old friend had traveled across mountains and rivers just to attend their wedding.

"Yes, Yasmin is back," Ryan whispered into her ear, his voice gentle. "I see her, too. She's smiling at us."

After asking a few servants, Bella finally found Amelia in the washroom at the far end of the hallway.

Amelia was bending over the sink in the washroom, vomiting continuously with a pained expression. "Amelia! You…"

Bella stood behind her sister, staring at her pale, tear-streaked face. Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock, and she grabbed Amelia's cold hand tightly.

"Amelia! Could it be… Are you…?!"

"Bella…" Amelia's body trembled, her eyes red and full of tears.

Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she broke down in front of Bella.

"I'm pregnant… I'm carrying Steve's child…"

"What…?!" Bella gasped, covering her mouth in shock, nearly bursting into tears of joy.

The Thompson family was finally going to have a third generation!

Wyatt was going to be a grandfather, Celeste a grandmother, and she and Justin were going to be an aunt and uncle!

Bella wiped away the tears from Amelia's cheeks. She then hugged her tightly, her voice trembling with happiness.

"When did this happen?"

"I don't know… I never went to the hospital to check…"

Amelia sobbed pitifully, her eyes swollen from crying. "Steven and I always took precautions… But at the beginning of this month, we…"

"You guys stopped using protection?"

Bella started getting a bit upset. "Even though Steven loves you and is determined to marry you, you guys are not married yet. Besides, he hasn't formally asked Dad for your hand in marriage. To just ignore your well-being like that is really irresponsible!"

"No! It's not like that!" Amelia's face turned even redder, almost like a tomato. "Steve… did use protection. But that time… After I saw him off to work in the morning and went back to tidy up the room, I found… I found…"

"Found what?" Bella, her curiosity burning, was desperate to know.

Amelia closed her eyes in embarrassment, lowering her head shyly. "I found that the condom Steve used the night before had broken."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2093-Speechless, Bella held her forehead in disbelief.

Steven, that rascal, how much force did he use? Was it intentional?

"How did you figure it out then, Amelia?"

"After that time, I started feeling unwell, always tired and sluggish… I thought I was just exhausted and didn't pay much attention to it. But then I started feeling nauseous. I realized something was off. The night before last, I secretly went out to buy a pregnancy test, and I took it yesterday morning…"

Although this was wonderful news, Bella felt anxious and guilty.

She had been so focused on taking care of Carrie and helping out that she had not noticed how pale and worn out her sister had become.

As Bella's secretary, Steven was just as busy, and they had both overlooked Amelia's struggles.

Still so young, Amelia now faced the daunting reality of becoming a mother. She was not mentally or emotionally prepared for motherhood, and the pressure weighed heavily on her.

The thought of her beloved sister living in constant anxiety and fear made Bella's heart ache unbearably. "Amelia… I'm so sorry. I should have noticed earlier. It's all my fault for neglecting you!"

Bella pulled Amelia into her arms, her heart aching with guilt. "But if you just found out yesterday, Steve and Aunt Celeste still don't know about it yet, right?"

"Bella… I'm scared…" Amelia sobbed uncontrollably, her slender shoulders shaking with fear. "Steve hasn't proposed yet, and we're not married, but I'm already carrying his child. I'm afraid Mom and Dad will be upset and make things difficult for Steve."

"You silly girl, what are you thinking? You're carrying the first grandchild of the Thompson family! Dad will be overjoyed and want to celebrate the news with the whole world. There's no way he'd be angry! He's been sick for a while, but hearing this news might even lift his spirits and help his recovery!"

"Really…?" Amelia sniffled, her nose red from crying.

"Yeah.""

Bella's eyes filled with tears as she gently touched her sister's belly. "This is such a blessing, You're going to be a mother. You and the baby both need to stay healthy. The baby must arrive safely in this world."

Bella thought, 'You and Steve must raise the child together and have a lively and adorable little one bringing joy into our lives. It'll fulfill my lifelong dream too.' Drew withdrew from the lively human warmth of the celebration and found himself alone on a quiet balcony, his expression dim as he smoked a cigarette.

He had always been a lone wolf, disconnected from the joys and sorrows of others.

But tonight, as he watched Ryan and Carrie, the newlyweds blessed by friends and family, he could not help but feel deeply moved, and thoughts of Yvonne overwhelmed him.

A cloud of gloom shadowed his face, and his tall, resilient frame leaned against the railing. As he exhaled smoke, he gradually leaned further back, almost tipping over the edge of the balcony, flirting with danger in a reckless, nerve-wracking way.

Drew pulled out his phone, his throat tight and dry despite repeated attempts to swallow.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he dialed Yvonne's number.

He knew they trapped her and were constantly monitoring her. So, since their last encounter at the fire, he had not dared to contact her.

For someone as fearless as Drew, the thought of reaching out to the woman he loved terrified him.

The agony of not knowing her fate gnawed at him every moment, burning his heart and boiling his mind.

As a seasoned agent, he always acted with extreme caution. Even when he calls, he uses an encrypted number. Even if Yvonne's phone was under surveillance, there was no way they could trace him.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2094-Unfortunately, Drew was overthinking it.

The phone on the other end was off.

Drew's brief glimmer of hope quickly faded as he left the balcony.

After a few steps, he noticed a drunken Annabeth at the end of the hallway, clutching a wine bottle, and slumped against the wall.

The red wine stained her expensive dress, and her messy hair clung to her flushed cheeks, making her look like a small, disheveled, inebriated kitten.

Standing before her was a tall, broad-shouldered man-Declan.

With an unlit cigarette hanging from his lips, Drew tilted his head, observing them with a curious gaze. Annabeth kicked her slender legs out wildly, her movements erratic. However, the man remained unfazed. He just stood there, watching over her with a gentle, indulgent smile.

Eventually, Annabeth's energy waned. As she started to collapse, Declan leaned down, catching her soft body and cradling her in his arms.

He then nudged open the door and carried her inside.

Some time passed before Declan reluctantly emerged from the room, quietly closing the door behind him. "Dec."

A voice, calm and measured, emerged from the shadows.

Declan looked up in surprise, meeting Drew's shimmering eyes.

"Drew, how long have you been here?" Declan's heart skipped a beat.

"Since you brought her in."

Drew gazed at his brother unwaveringly, his expression unreadable. "Dec, you were in there for quite a while. Did you sleep with the princess?"

Declan felt his breath hitched. His face flushed slightly, though the dim light concealed it well.

"I only wiped her mouth and helped her to rest. I didn't touch her."

"Dec, you truly are a man of virtue, like a modern-day saint. If it were me, faced with such a sweet and tender morsel, I might not have been able to hold back."

Smoke obscured Drew's handsome features as the glow of his cigarette flickered at his lips.

Declan clenched his fists in the shadows, his voice strained. "She's still just a young girl and a royal princess at that. I can't touch her."

"But I wish you had taken her tonight."

A burning sensation gripped Declan's chest as he rasped. "What do you mean by that, Drew?"

"By not touching her, you've shown that you truly care for her."

Drew flicked the ash from his cigarette, his eyes sharp as arrows. "Dec, you can go with any other woman, but not this one. It's not just Dad who opposes this-I do, too."

Declan's breath hitched, his gaze complex as he looked at Drew's cold, severe expression. "For years, I've been working abroad, often traveling between here and Sentania, collaborating with their government and the royal family on classified missions. I've never given up on investigating Mom's background. You all may be content living in ignorance, but I'm not. I want everything to be clear, which is why I've been searching for any clues about Mom for the past three years."

Hearing this, Declan felt as if a dull knife was grinding away at his heart.

"Drew, you found something?!"

"I can't say for sure yet. Besides, it's classified. As a professional agent, maintaining confidentiality is the least I can do."

Drew slowly stood from the couch, his steps heavy as he approached his brother, his face dark. "But there's one thing I can tell you. The Sentania royal family is responsible for Mom's exile. The grudge between them and Mom runs deep. You can't possibly think of marrying into our enemy's family, right?"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2095-The air turned heavy and suffocating Drew confirmed the suspicions Declan first gathered from their father.

This sent waves of turbulent emotions crashing through him.

Declan's usually unshakable demeanor faltered as if he had lost all strength, leaving him drained and weakened.

"Dec, our father's health is only being held together by the combined efforts of Ash, Arnold, Bella, and Justin. He can't withstand any more shocks or disturbances. If you can't manage your relationship with that princess, it will inevitably pose a huge threat to the Thompson family in the future."

Drew narrowed his eyes, his expression cold as ice. "If you can't handle it, I can do it for you. My words can be just as ruthless."

"No. There's no need for that."

Declan lowered his long lashes to hide his pain. His voice was rough and almost unrecognizable. “I've already made it very clear to her that we're finished. I've also told her we'll never have further contact. I only brought her back tonight because I didn't want her to be a drunk girl lying alone in the corridor. There's nothing more than that."

Seeing his gloomy brother, Drew sighed in resignation and placed a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Let's go, Dec. If we don't, Bella will start to worry."

The two brothers left the room.

As the door closed behind them with a creak, another door slowly opened.

With her frail and lonely form, Annabeth looked shattered, her face pale and broken.

"How could this happen…" Annabeth muttered in disbelief, shaking her head as searing pain spread through her limbs.

In reality, she pretended to be drunk to test Declan's feelings for her.

She did not expect the royal family to have something to do with Declan's mother's misfortune.

They had become like Romeo and Juliet, trapped in bitter enmity.

Annabeth, supporting herself on the doorframe, slowly sank to the ground, her tears falling drop by drop.

Another good news tonight was that Carrie finally spoke.

Although she could only manage short sentences like a toddler, her ability to speak was nothing short of a miracle.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bella, Justin, and the younger generation's eyes filled with tears. Nigel held his granddaughter tightly, weeping uncontrollably, his tears flowing freely.

However, Bella kept the news of Amelia's pregnancy private. She planned to inform Celeste and Steven first while everyone was out watching the aurora. After that, she would prepare Wyatt for the news with Celeste.

At least this way, he would be mentally ready to become a grandfather and avoid an emotional outburst with the sudden announcement.

Meanwhile, Justin stood before the dressing mirror, wearing the deep gray suit Bella had lovingly hand- stitched for him when she was still Anna Brown.

The gray fabric was impeccable. It reflected his dignified, self-disciplined, and profound demeanor. "How noticeable are the repairs on the suit, Ian?" Justin asked, anxiously examining his reflection.

Ian, eyes wide, circled around the man, inspecting him from all angles. He touched his chin thoughtfully." Well, if you look up close, you can still see the repairs. But from a social distance, it looks perfect!" "Perfect…"

Justin felt his breath catch, his throat tightened with sorrow. "There's no such thing as perfect. No matter how skilled the tailor is, you can still see the damage. It cannot be fully repaired. It's all my fault for ruining Bella's heartfelt efforts."

"Please don't say that, Mr. Salvador! It wasn't the Young Madam's effort that was ruined. It was…" Ian's voice trailed off.

On this joyful occasion, he did not want to mention that vile woman's name. It would be disgusting and ominous if he did so!

Justin reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small, exquisite box.

He opened it to reveal a ten-carat teardrop-shaped pink diamond, adorned with delicate white diamonds on the base, sparkling like a constellation of stars.

The size and cut of the diamond were unparalleled.

Not only that, Justin poured all his effort into choosing the raw stone, designing, and crafting this masterpiece.

He did this all in secret from Bella. Her keen intelligence had not detected anything, proving his secrecy was flawless.

"Will Bella say yes?" Justin felt a jolt of intense emotion, his breath growing heavy.

"Of course, she will!"

Ian noticed Justin's nerves and youthful anxiety and could not help but feel his eyes moisten. "Young Madam loves you deeply… She might have been waiting for you all this time."

Justin knew that Bella loved him. However, knowing everything did not always prevent self-doubt, especially at crucial moments.

"Mr. Salvador, you should go ahead with confidence. I've taken care of everything for you!"

Ian's warm and reassuring smile was full of conviction. "I've checked before this. It's currently the best time to view the aurora in Botvia. Even if the weather doesn't cooperate tonight, we can set up artificial ones. We won't let you down! Just go to Young Madam confidently!"

"Thank you, Ian." Justin straightened his back, a slight smile curling his lips.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Asher calling. He answered it immediately.

"Justin," Asher's voice came through, deep and trembling slightly from the wind.

"What's up, Ash?"

After a pause, Asher took a deep breath and spoke clearly. "I'm going to propose to Arnold tonight." Justin's eyes widened with intensity.

"I want to hold on to him firmly. I want to make sure he's mine forever. I don't want him to ever slip away."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2096-Justin's heart raced as he listened quietly.

"If my proposal goes well tonight, we'll register our marriage first thing tomorrow morning."

Asher, who was usually calm and composed, now spoke with a hint of giddiness. His voice slightly quivered as he tried to contain his joy. "With same-sex marriage being legal in Botvia, this is the perfect time for us to do it."

"Congratulations, Asher," Justin said, his voice deep with a touch of jealousy.

"I've been thinking about this for a while now, but I wasn't sure who I could talk to about it, not even Bella -it just didn't feel right."

Asher couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "After thinking it over, you were the only one I felt I could open up to."

"I feel so honored to be the first one you shared this good news with," Justin said. He smiled faintly and continued, "Asher, I genuinely wish you and Arnold a lifetime of happiness together."

"Thank you; we'll be happy. And I hope you and Bella will be too." Asher nudged him gently. "Even Ryan has settled down. When are you going to marry my sister, brother-in-law?"

Justin hid the ring box inside his jacket, his heart pounding as he made his way toward Wyatt's room.

"It's wonderful! Truly wonderful, Amelia! I'm so happy!"

Justin froze mid-step, quickly hiding behind a potted plant.

The moonlight filtered softly through the window, casting a warm glow over the couple as they embraced tenderly. It was a scene of timeless romance.

Steven held Amelia close, his kisses gentle as he trailed them from her forehead to her flushed cheeks and finally to her lips. His touch was tender and careful, as if he wanted to become one with her.

Amelia, who loved him deeply, couldn't help but succumb to Steven's passionate embrace as her voice trailed off in soft, breathy murmurs.

"Steve…." Her eyes were red and teary, yet somehow still captivating.

"I'm going to be a father, Amelia! I'm going to be a father!" Steven's voice trembled with excitement as he pulled her closer. "Don't worry, Amelia. I'll protect you and our child with all my might. I'll make sure both of you live a good life! It's getting late now, but first thing tomorrow morning, I'll formally ask your father for your hand in marriage!"

"There's no need to rush," Amelia replied, her face slightly pale. "Mom and Bella are already talking to Dad about it in his room. They're trying to get him comfortable with the idea to avoid stressing him out."

"No matter what, even if your father doesn't agree, I'm still going to marry you," Steven said, his heart racing and his eyes turning red. "Without you, my life would be meaningless."

"After everything we've been through, Dad knows how deeply you care for me. Even if you've cut ties with the Lovett family and your parents can't come to ask for my hand in person, he won't hold it against you," Amelia replied.

Amelia bit her lip, her gaze sorrowful as she gently touched her stomach. "But we're not married yet, and I'm not ready to be a mother. I'm scared I won't be able to handle it. I'm worried I can't take care of you or our child properly."

"Don't be afraid. I'll be right here," Steven said, guilt swelling in his chest as he thought about how busy he'd been, not even preparing a proper proposal. His voice grew husky. "I'll take care of you and our child."

"How is that possible? You're so busy…"

"No worries, no worries. I'm an expert at multitasking!" Steven said reassuringly. "If you don't want to breastfeed, we'll just use formula milk. From now on, I'll take care of the diaper changes, bottle feeding, and putting the baby to sleep. You don't have to lift a finger! And when the baby's a little older, we'll hire a nanny. The nanny can take care of the baby, and you can keep an eye on the nanny. It'll be stress-free."

"I don't think that'll work for me," Amelia said, shaking her head. "I've heard my mom say that giving birth is like staring death in the face, and after becoming a mother, you lose yourself completely." Steven gently stroked her dark hair, his heart aching. "I know the next several months will be tough on you as you carry our child. I'm saddened that I can't fully share the pain and difficulty with you. But when our baby is finally born, I'll make it up to you in every way I can. Please, my dear wife, I know this year will be difficult, but please bear with it. I promise that for the rest of our lives, I'll take care of you and our child."

His heartfelt words finally put Amelia's mind at ease. Her eyes sparkled like two radiant pearls, filled with hope for a happy future.

Justin's lips curled into a satisfied smile. He didn't want to disturb them, so he quietly slipped away.

As he reached the door of the room, Celeste happened to step out and looked at him in surprise.

"Justin? What brings you here?"

"Aunt Celeste, is Bella inside?" Justin's voice was deep and steady.

"She's talking to her father. Is something the matter?"

"Nothing much… I just wanted to check in and see how Uncle Wyatt is doing." Despite his usual composure, he could not help the slight tremor in his voice.

"Then you'd better go in quickly, or Wyatt will be off to bed soon." Celeste couldn't help but notice how different Justin seemed tonight. She took a closer look, then smiled, her eyes brightening. "Oh, you're dressed so handsomely! It's been a long time since I've seen such fine craftsmanship."

"Bella made this for me. It's my favorite," Justin said, standing tall with pride.

"Ah, that explains it. Bella's skills are exceptional," Celeste said with a soft sigh. "I've tried making clothes for Wyatt before, and it's really hard work. Bella has never made anything for her brothers. It's clear how much she cares for you. She must have poured her whole heart into this."

"Yes…" Justin's voice grew thick with emotion, a warm feeling swelling in his throat.

After Celeste left, the door cracked open as he slowly pushed it open.

He could hear the faint murmurs of a conversation between Wyatt and Bella coming from the inner room.

Justin followed the voices, about to knock, when he heard Wyatt's gentle voice. "Bella, Carrie is now married, and your younger sister is expecting Steven's child. They need to get married soon too. What about you and Justin? When do you two plan on getting married?"

Justin's heart pounded like a drum as he held his breath.

After a brief silence, Bella replied in a gentle yet firm tone. "Dad, I… I don't want to get married just yet."

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2097-In an instant, Justin felt like his heart was about to burst out of his chest. His large hand on the doorframe suddenly clenched tightly.

"Why?" Wyatt was utterly baffled. "Justin is already the best version of himself, thanks to you. You two have a solid relationship and have been living together for so long. Why not just make it official with a marriage certificate? That would legitimize everything and make things a lot easier to manage."

Bella pursed her lips and said, "Justin and I don't need a marriage certificate to validate our relationship."

"How could it not matter? In my opinion, the most concrete expression of love is giving the person you love irreplaceable status!"

Wyatt's eyes lit up, and his emotions stirred. "I've only registered for marriage with your mother, and she was the only special person in my heart. She was the true matron of the Thompson household. Even though your mother has been gone for many years, her place in my heart has never changed; she will always be my wife!

"Now, when you're out, people will only call you Ms. Thompson or Mr. Salvador's girlfriend. You love Justin so much; don't you want to be rightfully known as Mrs. Salvador? Isn't that what you've been longing for?"

Bella lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

"Bella, are you bothered by the fact that you two were once divorced? Is there any lingering resentment in your heart?" Wyatt asked worriedly.

Justin's heart ached with pain. He wasn't sure if Bella's wounds had healed, but he knew his had not.

He felt anxious, upset, regretful, and guilty. He had hurt the woman he loved most, an injury he could never get over in his lifetime.

It was a deep, penetrating wound that struck him to the core.

He did not dare fool himself into thinking Bella had forgotten. Her silence and lack of mention did not mean she had forgotten.

"No, Dad. I stopped blaming him a long time ago. And you know me--I can endure physical pain, but I can't stand even a bit of emotional pain. So, please don't overthink it. The reason I don't want to get married now is because there's still something major on my mind, and that's Christopher."

Bella's gaze turned cold. "As long as that guy is still a threat, I can't find any peace of mind. I can barely sleep or eat properly. Plus, I know he's lying low now because Justin and I haven't taken our relationship further. But I know him too well. If I were to marry Justin, it would really set him off. Just wait and see, Dad. Christopher will definitely come after the Salvador Corporation and KS Group. He won't hold back against my friends and family just because he supposedly likes me."

She continued, "Christopher is like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. When provoked or when the time is right, he'll strike and deliver a deadly bite to his prey's throat. Ryan and Carrie have gone through so much to be together. I don't want our families, or anyone around us, to suffer any more harm right now."

As Justin listened from the hallway, he was deeply moved by Bella's words, gaining a newfound respect for his beloved.

He realized she had a level of vision, wisdom, and foresight that surpassed his own. All Justin knew was that he deeply wanted to resolve their relationship, give Bella the rightful status she deserved, and make up for her past regrets.

However, he had not considered that making a big move now could provoke that crazy bastard Christopher to retaliate violently and without mercy.

Even if they were to have a secret wedding, Christopher would surely find out, given his capabilities.

Besides, this time, Justin wanted the grandest wedding. He would not let her deal with the disrespect and lack of dignity that came with a secret marriage.

"Bella, I'm impressed by how deeply and far ahead you think. I'm getting old, and I can't match your foresight anymore." Wyatt sighed deeply, finally accepting the situation. "In that case, you and Justin should take your time and plan this carefully. But from what I see, that boy, Justin, is completely smitten with you. Even if you two don't get the official certificate, he's not going anywhere!"

"Heh, he wouldn't dare!" Bella knelt by her father's side, gently massaging his legs. "If he tries to leave, I'll catch him and break both of his legs!"

Wyatt chuckled. "Why does that sound like something I used to say about your fourth brother?" "What's the difference? Men need to be kept in check, or else they'll get carried away."

The father and daughter exchanged a knowing smile.

Justin smiled quietly and retreated to give Bella and her father some privacy. Still, he couldn't help feeling a tinge of disappointment.

He understood Bella's worries, but deep down, he longed so much to make her his wife. After all, he loved her dearly.

Once Justin stepped out, Bella paused for a moment before asking her father softly, "Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead and ask," Wyatt replied, relaxing back into his chair. "There's no need for formality between us, father and daughter."

"Dad, did you truly love Mom?" Bella asked earnestly.

"Love her? I loved her more than anything, with all my heart," Wyatt answered just as sincerely.

"If you loved her that deeply, why couldn't you just be with her only?" She looked up at him, her face reflecting her confusion.

Wyatt felt like there was a lump in his throat, the veins in his weathered hand on the armchair standing out prominently.

"Of course, Aunt Mila, Aunt Celeste, and Aunt Sasha are all wonderful people. They've been great to Mom, to me, and to my brothers. But I'll admit, I'm a little selfish. I wish Mom didn't have to share her husband with other women. I don't want the love that should have been hers alone to be divided among others." Bella's voice was choked with emotion.

"Bella, I'm sorry," Wyatt said, closing his eyes as tears welled up. "There's something I need you to believe, though I can't explain why…"

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2098-Wyatt declared, "I loved your mother deeply. From the moment I saw her, it was a love that would last forever. Even to this day, she's the only one in my heart."

"Dad…"

Wyatt sighed. "When I was sick and felt useless, there was a thought that crossed my mind every day-to give up on treatment and just let go. That way, I could see your mother in heaven sooner."

Bella rested her head on her father's knee, sighing softly.

His ambiguous answers only heightened the confusion in her heart, fueling her desire to uncover the truth about her mother's past.

When Justin returned to the room, he startled Ian.

"Mr. Salvador, you're back so soon? Did you propose to her? Did she say yes?!" Ian asked eagerly.

Justin shook his head somberly. "No, I didn't propose."

"What? Why not?! This was the perfect opportunity!" Ian exclaimed.

"I'll find another time later," Justin said, offering a vague explanation. "I want to be fully prepared for when I propose. Using Ryan and Carrie's special day as an excuse would seem insincere."

Ian pondered this for a moment. "Sigh… You're probably right."

Looking at his tall, imposing reflection in the mirror, Justin recalled Celeste's compliment on his suit. Feeling revitalized, he smiled contentedly.

"There's plenty of time. I'm bound to Bella in this lifetime. No matter what, she's not going anywhere."

The night before, Asher had told Arnold about an exclusive wine-tasting event happening the next morning.

The event would feature rare and exclusive wines that were hard to find elsewhere. He wanted to attend the event with Arnold.

As a wine connoisseur, Arnold was delighted and went to bed early in anticipation.

The next morning, he was awoken by the alarm clock, but Asher was not beside him.

"Asher? Asher?"

Arnold rubbed his sleepy eyes when his phone suddenly buzzed. It was a message from Asher.

[Asher: My father called me over for something. I've already prepared everything. Breakfast is in the living room. I cooked it myself.] Arnold smiled, feeling a sweet surge of joy in his heart.

[Arnold: Does your dad need my help with anything?] [Asher: No, he's fine. Also, I've left an outfit for you to wear to the wine-tasting event in the living room. They won't let you in without formal attire. Eat well and get dressed. I'll be back to pick you up shortly.] Arnold squinted his eyes, sending a "kissing" emoji before getting out of bed and heading to the living room.

On the coffee table, a lavish breakfast spread awaited him.

However, what truly caught his eye was the outfit Asher had laid out for him. It was a pure white suit, complete with a bow tie, lapel pin, and carefully selected shoes.

It was incredibly thoughtful.

After washing up, Arnold ate breakfast first, fearing he might dirty the suit. Then he changed into the outfit, piece by piece.

Looking at the elegantly dressed figure in the mirror, he felt a strange, almost surreal sensation.

This outfit seemed less like what one would wear to an event and more like what a groom would wear. Just then, Asher messaged him. [Are you ready, Arnold? I'm outside.] Despite only being apart for the morning, Arnold found himself overwhelmed with longing and rushed to the door.

Outside, Asher was standing by the railing, looking at him with a warm, tender smile. He was not dressed up, just wearing a thick black coat that made him seem even taller and more imposing, with a hint of reserved composure about him.

But only Arnold, his little fox, knew how passionate and expressive the usually poised and disciplined eldest Thompson son could be.

"What's all this about?" Arnold pouted as he walked over, taking his hand. "I'm the only one dressed up like this-it feels weird."

"It's not weird. I like it."

Asher gazed at him deeply, his eyes fixed on Arnold as if unable to look away. He bent his muscular arm slightly. "Shall we go, my little fox?"

Arnold narrowed his long, fox-like eyes and obediently linked his arm with Asher's, ready to leave together.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2099-The sky was clear and blue.

After what felt like an eternity, the luxurious car finally came to a stop outside a private manor.

"We're here," Asher said, leaning over to unfasten Arnold's seatbelt. His strong, muscular frame enveloped Arnold, surrounding him in a cozy warmth, better than any heater.

Arnold blinked in surprise. "Why is it so quiet? Did we come to the wrong place?"

He was an incredibly sharp person, but in front of his lover, his mind would slow down, leaving him utterly smitten and easily swayed.

"No, we're just early. Let's go." Asher got out of the car first, then went around to open the door for Arnold, causing Arnold to chuckle softly.

Arnold squinted his long, narrow eyes at Asher. "Why are you being so attentive, hmm? You know the old saying that when someone is overly attentive without reason, they're either up to no good or plotting something, Mr. Thompson."

Asher took Arnold's hand, pulling him out of the car. With a sudden tug, he drew Arnold close until their bodies were pressed tightly together, as if trying to merge into one.

"Do I really seem that untrustworthy?" Asher's warm breath teased Arnold's ear. "Calling you a little fox isn't wrong at all, with all the mischievous thoughts running through that head of yours."

Arnold's fair, porcelain-like skin turned red, his ears burning as he softly murmured, "It's not that… It's just that, for as long as I can remember, I've always been the one getting played in relationships. Now that someone is treating me so well, I'm overjoyed and so blessed. But sometimes… It all feels a little too good to be true."

Asher's hand on Arnold's waist trembled slightly, his heart aching.

Truth be told, even before fully committing to their relationship, Asher had already sent people to Meridan to thoroughly investigate everything about Arnold. It was not out of a lack of trust; he just wanted to learn more about him.

What he discovered surprised him—this man, who seemed so experienced and like a playboy, was actually the one who got hurt the most and suffered the deepest in every relationship.

Arnold had been cheated out of money, lied to by lovers, and even betrayed by those he trusted.

His little fox seemed to be deeply yearning for love, always chasing after it. Despite being wounded to the core time and again, Arnold would pick himself up and dive wholeheartedly into the next relationship. However, Arnold was a proud and strong-willed individual who cared greatly about his image.

So, he pretended not to care and over time, this facade became his persona as a charming playboy.

Asher had often wondered to himself. 'Was I only attracted to Arnold because of his resemblance to that other person? No, it wasn't.' Asher was deeply moved by Arnold's unwavering determination and his profound, passionate longing for love.

Arnold was never worried that Asher's heart was barren and desolate. Instead, he had faith that he could make it flourish with roses that were uniquely his own.

"Asher, you're too kind to me," Arnold said, lifting his handsome face with a hint of concern and vulnerability in his eyes. "You should hold back a bit, or else you'll spoil me."

"I will listen to you about anything," Asher replied, his dark eyes filled with tenderness and his breath became heavier. "Except for this."

Arnold's ears and face turned red. He could not resist kissing Asher's lips, nibbling it gently. They swallowed hard, kissing passionately.

"Alright, it's time. We'll continue later." Asher took Arnold's hand and quickly led him into the manor.

They passed through the grand, classical villa, where two butlers in tailcoats opened a pair of heavy, antique doors for them.

With a gentle thud, Arnold was suddenly enveloped in a sea of white light, his heart pounding so hard that it felt like it might burst from his chest.

Before him lay a vast expanse of white roses, their blossoms undulating like the endless waves of an ocean. Arnold instinctively covered his mouth, utterly captivated by the sight.

He was so mesmerized that he did not even notice that Asher had disappeared from his side.

Cautiously, Arnold stepped into the flower-filled space, his heart racing uncontrollably as if it might break free from his body.

The Divorced Heiress Revenge Chapter 2100-"Arnold."

Hearing Asher's gentle, familiar voice, Arnold turned around with tears welling up in his eyes.

Just a few steps away, Asher stood there in a matching black suit, emanating an air of poise and charisma. He had been hiding it under his coat the whole time, unveiling it only now.

At that moment, Arnold, despite his obliviousness or innocence, finally grasped the situation. Filled with excitement, he let out a gasp, "Ah!"

At that moment, a magnificent display of daytime fireworks illuminated the sky, stunning and magnificent.

"Will you marry me? Of all the roses, none have captivated my heart the way you have," Asher said tenderly. He walked toward Arnold slowly, his voice emotional and irresistibly alluring.

In the next instant, Asher got down on one knee, presenting a bouquet of vibrant red roses with both hands.

"Arnold, I love you. Will you marry me?"

The sky erupted in a dazzling fireworks display, with the entire city witnessing this romantic moment. Tears welled up in Arnold's eyes and rolled down his cheeks as he stood before the one he loved most. In front of the person he loved the most, he wept, becoming a beautiful, tearful mess.

"Yes," Arnold replied, trembling with joy as he accepted the roses. He could not stop crying, and his words were choked by sobs.

But that single "yes" meant more to Asher than a thousand words. Asher was so excited that his breath became heavy and his eyes turned red as he pulled the tearful Arnold into his embrace. "I was right, wasn't I? Whatever others have, you will have too."

"Why... Why are all the roses white?" Arnold asked in a trembling voice.

"For Ryan's wedding, they used red roses. I was afraid that if I used red again, you might think I was just reusing leftover flowers to make do." Asher then gently pulled out a silk handkerchief from his pocket and tenderly wiped away Arnold's tears.

"Pft..." Arnold managed to laugh through his tears.

Asher continued, "But the most important reason is that when I see white roses, they remind me of you in your white lab coat."

He kissed Arnold's ear, his breath hot and tantalizing as he whispered into his ear, "But you're far more beautiful than any flower. I know that best."

This man, so regal and composed, could be utterly intoxicating and irresistible when he wanted to be.

He really did not care about Arnold's sanity at times like this!

Just then, their phones started buzzing nonstop, with WhatsApp notifications and calls flooding in. Their families were trying to reach them.

"Should we answer?" Arnold asked softly.

Asher turned off his phone with a smirk, his dark eyes curving playfully. "No. I've booked a presidential suite at a six-star hotel for tonight. We're not going home."

Upon hearing this, Arnold blushed, feeling his cheeks burning. What Asher planned perfectly matched his own desires.

After a sumptuous lunch, Asher held Arnold close as they walked out of the manor, heading toward the car. That afternoon, Asher planned to take his new fiancé on a leisurely tour. Asher had been so busy preparing for the proposal that he had not had time to properly show Arnold around.

Love often came with a sense of indebtedness.

Asher made sure Arnold was safely inside the car first and was about to open the door when suddenly he felt a shiver run down his spine.

"Asher, what's wrong?" Arnold poked his head out to check on him.

"No, it's all good," Asher replied with a gentle smile, lowering his body as he got into the car.

The engine roared to life, and the sports car sped away, leaving a cloud of dust behind.

After some time, a figure crept out from the bushes, staring coldly at the direction they had gone. With a scornful sneer, that person crushed a fallen white rose under his feet.