Chapter 25

Chapter 25:
By morning, his eyes were shadowed with dark circles as he headed to work.
On the contrary, Belinda awoke refreshed from a good night’s sleep.
After her morning meal, she made her way to Harold’s room.
Upon seeing Belinda enter, Harold asked, “Do you need something, Belinda?”
With a nod, Belinda sat on the sofa. “Actually, there’s a matter I want to discuss with you.”
Harold released a weary sigh, fixing Belinda with a look that cut straight to the heart of the matter. “You’re here to talk about the divorce with Lucas, correct?”
Startled by his bluntness, Belinda hesitated, then nodded in confirmation.
“Before I moved abroad, Lucas and I had already agreed to part ways,” Belinda confessed. “But he never showed up at the courthouse, and I was in a hurry to leave, which delayed the divorce.”
A shadow fell across Harold’s face.
The revelation that Belinda and Lucas had decided on a divorce three years ago shocked him.
“I don’t agree!” Harold said, his voice thick with anger.
With a grave expression, he continued, “Belinda, it’s clear that you married Lucas out of love for him. Perhaps he’s cold towards you now, but feelings can change over time. Do you recall your early days in our family? Initially, I, too, had my reservations about you.”
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At these words, a gentle smile touched Belinda’s lips.
Indeed, Harold had initially been the least welcoming toward her when she had married Lucas. However, her persistent efforts had gradually won him over.
It had taken more than six months for Harold to accept her as his daughter-in-law.
Belinda had always held onto the hope that her steadfast love and dedication might one day thaw Lucas’s indifference toward her. Yet, after three years, she had come to the painful conclusion that Lucas’s heart remained unmoved.
Facing Harold directly, Belinda said, “Harold, I’ve given this divorce a lot of thought. I am sure that I want a divorce.”
The resolve in Belinda’s expression conveyed that her decision was final, leaving Harold to silently realize that his words would not sway her.
After a reflective pause, Harold’s eyes briefly sparkled with a different intent as he said, “If you are resolved to go through with the divorce, I won’t stand in your way. However…” His voice softened. “Could you consider waiting until after my birthday celebration this year? Given my age, it’s uncertain how many more birthday celebrations I can have. Allow me this one joyous occasion this year, will you?”
Belinda responded promptly, “Harold, don’t talk like that. You’re strong and full of life! You have many years ahead of you!”
Harold gestured dismissively, fatigue etched into his features. “Ah, life’s daily stresses are wearing me out.”
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