Chapter 16 Wedding Anniversary
The next morning, I arrived at the courthouse five minutes early.
My three brothers had wanted to come with me, but I talked them out of it. It's just picking up a divorce decree—no need to waste so many people's time.
In the end, only Marcus came with me. He thought today was a day worth celebrating, so he wore a very formal suit. He even had Adrian and Cole prepare a long red carpet lined with flowers, planning to make a big celebration of my successful divorce.
However, when we got to the courthouse entrance, we found it unusually deserted.
A "Temporarily Closed" notice was posted by the main door. The security guard at the booth said that yesterday a judge found some small bugs in the water cooler, so they'd hired a cleaning company to disinfect and sanitize the place. They'd probably be closed for a day or two.
"Is this a coincidence?" Marcus said through gritted teeth. "I don't believe it!"
I shook my head to myself. Lucas wouldn't go this far just to avoid divorcing me. He wasn't the type to pursue a marriage of convenience. He longed for true love—otherwise he wouldn't have fallen for Amelia.
Just then Lucas's car pulled up. Marcus rolled his eyes. "Bella, let's go!"
I nodded. I'd said everything I needed to say yesterday at the stables. I didn't want any contact with Lucas except for the divorce.
Less than two minutes after we left, Alfred called.
I frowned and hesitantly answered. Lucas's voice came through the phone: "How long are you going to keep blocking me? Bella, don't be so childish!"
I said nothing, hung up, and blocked Alfred.
Lucas called from another number. "Bella, what exactly are you so upset about? Just because I didn't go to the stables with you?"
I hung up again with a dark expression.
He called several more times, getting increasingly agitated and impatient. His tone even carried a hint of reluctant compromise. "Let's talk, okay?"
"I have nothing to talk to you about," I said. "The Sorelli family and the Gambino family are enemies. You chose Amelia, so we're destined to break apart."
After that I simply turned off my phone. Lucas came to my house and got chewed out by Marcus at the front gate. He didn't come back after that.
A few days later, my old friends from Dawnharbor, Karen Garcia and Jonathan Fletcher, came to see me.
The Garcia family and the Fletcher family were two small families who'd lived for years in territory within the Sorelli family's sphere of influence. Karen and Jonathan's parents were friends with my parents, and the three of us were childhood playmates.
After middle school we saw less of each other. My medical coursework greatly reduced my free time, and over the past five years we'd been in touch only a handful of times.
But our friendship ran deep. During the first two years of my exile, Karen and Jonathan secretly sent me money and helped me get through hard times. I'd never forget that kindness.
I was really happy they came to see me.
"Bella, forgive us for not coming on your birthday," Karen said apologetically.
I smiled and shook my head. "Was the jungle expedition fun?"
These two were photographers now, shooting nature scenes and wildlife. They'd made quite a name for themselves in the industry.
"So much fun!" Karen said cheerfully, going on and on. "We went to the rainforest this time. The climate's warm in November, but unfortunately there's heavy rainfall. Jonathan and I kept getting soaked like drowned rats while we were shooting!"
She showed me some photos of them looking miserable, and the three of us laughed together.
They gave me a juvenile crocodile specimen about the length of my forearm and a 3-foot-tall gilded totem pole. I accepted them happily, but the happier I was, the more guilty Karen felt.
"Bella, I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize." I took her hand.
The truth was, there was another reason Karen and Jonathan couldn't make it to my birthday party—their families wouldn't allow it.
After my family fell, most of our territory was swallowed up by the Gambino family. The remaining forces either fled or were killed resisting.
Out of conscience, the Garcia family and the Fletcher family refused to submit to the Gambino family. They joined forces—they owned several local factories. The Gambino family couldn't get rid of them, but their situation was difficult.
These two families probably didn't want to get involved in my brothers' and my revenge plans. I understood and respected that.
Karen looked ashamed. "I have to apologize. I should even kneel down and beg your forgiveness."
Jonathan knelt in front of me and said emotionally, "Bella, I'm so sorry I can't honor our engagement. I love Karen!"
Karen couldn't help crying.
I calmly handed her a tissue. "I've known you two were together for a long time."
They both looked shocked. "You knew?"
I nodded.
Jonathan was a caring, emotionally sensitive man. I remember when we were thirteen, I told Jonathan about my experience dissecting a rabbit, and Jonathan cried all afternoon over that rabbit he'd never even seen.
Later Karen comforted him for ages before Jonathan stopped crying.
Bringing up old memories, Jonathan's face flushed with embarrassment, but Karen laughed. "He's still the same way."
"Jonathan and I aren't suited to be partners. Actually, five years ago when I came back from medical aid on the battlefield, I told my mother I wanted to break off the engagement. She agreed, but then..."
Karen hugged me tightly with red eyes, offering silent comfort.
"The token of our engagement was lost in that disaster. I doubt we'll ever find it." I said to them both regretfully. "I'll ask Gale to formally break off the engagement with the Fletcher family."
They both breathed a sigh of relief, grateful but also a bit embarrassed.
They could have gotten married long ago, but they insisted on getting my forgiveness in person.
I cheerfully gave them my blessing and invited them to eat at the most famous Opal Moon Hotel on the water in Starstream City.
I was a regular at this restaurant. The owner Kenny's granddaughter had asthma and was nearly killed by fake medicine from drug dealers. Two and a half years ago I saved the little girl when she suddenly had an attack. Kenny's whole family was very grateful to me.
I had a regular private room at the restaurant. When I pushed open the door, I stopped short—Lucas was actually inside!
"You're here." Lucas was clearly relieved, but then asked impatiently, "Why are you so late?"
I looked at him in confusion. "Why are you here?"
"Shouldn't I be here? Today is our wedding anniversary." Lucas said with mixed feelings. "I sent you a message."
"I blocked you, didn't see it." I was getting annoyed. "We're already divorced. What anniversary is there to celebrate? Please leave. This is my private room."
"Who are they?" Lucas asked, looking at Karen and Jonathan behind me.
"My friends. I'm having dinner with them."
Lucas fell silent.
Just then Kenny came trotting over. Every time I came to the restaurant, he personally served me.
I asked Kenny, "Why is Lucas in my private room?"
Kenny looked at Karen and Jonathan, a bit confused. "For the past two years on this day, haven't you both celebrated your wedding anniversary at my restaurant?"
I smiled bitterly and shook my head. "My fault for not being clear. I'm treating friends to dinner. It has nothing to do with my ex-husband. Did you arrange the roses in the room?"
Kenny said awkwardly, "That was Mr. Valeri's request. I thought you two... Sorry, I misunderstood!"
"There's no misunderstanding!" Lucas walked up to me, staring at me expressionlessly. "Have you really forgotten that today is our wedding anniversary?"
His eyes were like a wolf staring at a rabbit, as if the moment I answered "yes," he would pounce and tear me apart.