Chapter 40: The Truth from Four Years Ago

Chapter 40: The Truth from Four Years Ago

Marcus's phone suddenly rang.

Emma turned around and saw it was Evelyn calling.

Marcus answered, and in the quiet space, even the voice on the other end was exceptionally clear.

Evelyn spoke in a wronged tone, "Where did you go? Marcus, I'm still at home waiting for you to come back for dinner."

Marcus glanced at Emma casually and replied offhandedly, "On the way to get divorced from Emma."

Evelyn paused for a moment, then her voice filled with delight.

"Divorce? You're really divorcing Emma? Marcus, that's wonderful! I knew you wouldn't abandon me and the baby."

Emma felt disdain in her heart. They were still on the way to get divorced, and Marcus couldn't wait to share this good news with Evelyn?

Evelyn kept talking, "Marcus, you're about to be free. Congratulations."

Emma found these words annoying and suddenly spoke up.

"Ms. Thomas, here's the thing—Marcus really doesn't seem to want to divorce me. He was just crying and begging me earlier, so if you say one more word, I'll consider getting back together with him."

The car and the phone line went silent for a second or two, then Evelyn hung up.

A hint of amusement appeared in Emma's eyes as she sighed, "Finally, some peace and quiet."

Marcus seemed to be in a good mood too. "Emma, I heard about what happened with Efrain today. They've been fired."

"They definitely should be fired. After all, it was a mistake on your team's part."

Emma nodded seriously, pretending not to understand his attempt at reconciliation.

"Emma, what you just said to Evelyn?"

Marcus thought for a moment, a glimmer of hope rising in his heart.

Maybe Emma didn't really want the divorce either. Maybe she was just throwing a tantrum.

Emma immediately put on a serious face, her tone earnest.

"I was just joking with her. I just thought she was too noisy. Marcus, we absolutely must get divorced today."

Half an hour later, Emma stood at the courthouse entrance, frowning and holding a 'mediation notice,' looking completely bewildered.

She let out a heavy sigh. Sure enough, you shouldn't speak too soon.

She couldn't help but doubt herself—when did getting divorced become so difficult?

They came all this way and still couldn't get divorced? They had to wait a month to cool off, and only then, if they still wanted to divorce, could they get the divorce decree.

Marcus stood beside her looking completely calm, tossing the brochure into the trash can, not looking surprised at all.

"Marcus, did you know about this beforehand?"

Emma had never paid attention to divorce policies and procedures.

But what about Marcus? The Donovan family had always wanted him to divorce and remarry—wouldn't he have looked into it?

Marcus didn't say anything, but his relaxed expression made it clear he'd known all along, yet still came along with Emma for the trip.

Emma almost couldn't help cursing. "Marcus, you knew we couldn't get the divorce decree today, and you let me make a fool of myself with everything I said earlier?"

"Weren't you the one swearing in the car? Saying you'd get the divorce decree today no matter what."

Marcus no longer felt much resistance to her cursing. He even felt that this version of her seemed more alive.

In his past memories, Emma had been gentle, obedient, even without a temper.

But in the month they'd spent together recently, he'd seen another side of Emma—hot-tempered and sharp-tongued, sometimes saying things that could drive a person crazy.

Emma put away the mediation notice and resigned herself to fate. "Fine, then I'll see you in a month."

"Ms. Patterson, please make an appointment in advance. My time is valuable."

Marcus leisurely got in the car and rolled down the window. "Need a ride?"

It was already hard to get a cab at this hour, and after a whole day of running around, Emma just felt exhausted.

She didn't stand on ceremony and pulled open the car door, getting in.

At first, she just didn't want to have any other contact with Marcus, so she closed her eyes.

The car drove smoothly, and Emma fell asleep before long.

Marcus stared at her sleeping face, his expression softening.

So the one he'd raised with his own hands was a rose with thorns.

Marcus's hand moved almost involuntarily to Emma's belly.

The baby inside seemed to sense something and kicked Marcus.

This magical feeling was something he'd never experienced before.

Emma moaned uncomfortably, her head tilting to rest on Marcus's shoulder, and she fell back into a deep sleep.

Marcus maintained this position without moving, using his other hand to handle work matters.

The car had long since arrived at Emma's building.

But without Marcus's permission, Tyler kept driving around the area.

When Emma opened her eyes, it was completely dark outside.

She sat up abruptly and apologized twice, "Sorry, you should have woken me up."

Only then did Marcus get a chance to move his arm and neck. One side had been pressed on for so long that his bones made cracking sounds when he moved.

"I was afraid of affecting the pregnant woman's sleep quality." Marcus made up an excuse.

He felt like he must be crazy, spending an entire afternoon reading about pregnancy-related knowledge.

Even though Emma had already decided she didn't want him anymore.

"Thanks, and goodbye." Emma thanked him and got out of the car.

After Emma got out, Tyler handed Marcus the prepared documents.

"Mr. Donovan, there are indeed many inconsistencies about what happened four years ago. The truth back then might be something else entirely."

Four years ago, the Donovan family's business suffered an unprecedented blow.

For a time, everyone avoided them.

Even Evelyn had to go abroad to avoid the storm, but only Emma stayed by his side.

But that night, Marcus clearly remembered.

He had drunk the beverage Emma handed him, which made him lose control and sleep with Emma.

Plus, given their relationship at the time—clearly adoptive daughter and adoptive father—yet the news of Emma sleeping with him made the news the next day, becoming known to everyone.

Marcus had always believed that Emma deliberately leaked the news to those magazines to force him to marry her.

From then on, his name became a permanent joke in high society circles.

Marcus's hand touched the document folder, but he hesitated to open it.

He was a bit afraid to think about it now—if what happened back then meant Emma was also a victim just like him, then how had Emma gotten through those four painful years?

Tyler saw his hesitation and spoke up to persuade him.

"Mr. Donovan, the truth won't change. You should still take a look. What happened back then had nothing to do with Emma."

Marcus lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable, but the veins on the back of his hand bulged as he slowly pulled out the report inside.