Chapter 323 It's Hard for Me and Her to Start Over
Cold sweat trickled down Oliver's back.
The cursing around him faded away, and suddenly, Oliver's mind cleared. It felt like he was back in that tiny chapel in Vesper City years ago.
The sunlight was pure, Sarah stood there in her wedding dress, holding a bouquet, waiting for him at the altar.
The sound of his leather shoes echoed on the polished floor. White doves took flight.
The sacred hymn played, and he slipped the plain white wedding ring onto Sarah's finger. She looked up, and through her thin veil, whispered, "We're married! Oliver, you have to treat me better from now on."
Why treat her better? Because she secretly married him, and if Dylan found out, he'd break her legs. Besides Oliver, she had nothing left.
A sudden bang on the car window snapped him back. Someone outside was cursing, yelling for him to move the car.
Oliver glanced out the window, the guy gulped, and Oliver looked away, gently pressing the gas pedal to drive off. He drove aimlessly along the river.
By 4 PM, he found himself at Grace's villa.
It was Sunday, and both Grace and Henry were home. Grace was teaching Taylor the violin, while Henry was with Avery, dealing with an urgent company document that Celeste had just delivered.
The sound of a car echoed in the courtyard.
A servant came in to announce, "Mrs. Montague, Oliver is here."
Grace was a bit surprised. Taylor, eager to escape violin practice, cheered, "Uncle Oliver is here!"
Grace gave her a look, and Taylor quickly set up her violin and continued practicing.
Oliver walked into the foyer and saw this cozy scene, feeling a mix of emotions.
Henry had just mentioned Jacob's birthday to Grace, wondering if they should go over in the evening to deliver a gift and visit Sarah and Jacob. Grace had the same thought.
Men understand men best. Henry noticed the gloom on Oliver's face. He sneered, "It's Jacob's birthday today. Shouldn't you be home celebrating with him? Why are you here? Did your wife kick you out?"
Henry, being in the same circle and aware of Oliver's affairs, mocked him.
Grace glanced at Henry, then lightly patted Taylor, signaling her to continue practicing the violin, before stepping forward to ask, "Oliver, did you have a fight with Sarah?"
Oliver nodded.
Grace didn't press further and accompanied Oliver for coffee.
She said softly, "I ran into Sarah a few days ago. Has she been feeling okay? She looks a lot thinner! While we were having coffee, she mentioned wanting Jacob to live with us when he starts school. She thinks it would be good for him to have Taylor and Avery around. I'm fine with it, and so is Henry, but I don't know what you think. Have you two talked about it?"
Oliver was taken aback. Sarah had already mentioned it to Grace.
He forced a faint smile, "She really takes good care of Jacob."
Grace got the hint that he wasn't on board, so she didn't push it further.
In the evening, the sky was painted with colorful clouds.
Grace walked Oliver to his car. As he reached for the door handle, she suddenly called out, "Oliver!"
She looked at him, her voice gentle, "Oliver, let it go. I think Dad wouldn't want us to live in hatred; he would want us to be happy."
The evening breeze ruffled Oliver's neatly combed hair, making him look younger, almost as if he were in his twenties again—like that noble and graceful young man.
His white shirt stood out in the twilight. He still held the car handle, lowered his eyelids, and repeated Grace's words, "Happy? Grace, do you know? It's hard for me and her to start over!"
If time could turn back, if Oliver had realized his feelings earlier, then years ago in Dawnstar, he would have decisively rejected Ellie, and he and Sarah might still have a chance. But now, Sarah wouldn't love him anymore.
She found his affair with Ellie disgusting and dirty. She didn't even ask and calmly accepted it all.
When they were newlyweds, the first time Zoey appeared at home, Sarah was very jealous and cared a lot but didn't dare to ask him. At night, she lay in his arms and softly asked about Zoey's identity.
At that time, Sarah loved Oliver so much. Now, she could watch his filthy videos with another woman and still compose herself to celebrate Jacob's birthday.
Suddenly, the sadness in Oliver's heart reached its peak. He hugged Grace lightly, "Live a happy life with Henry. Don't be like me."
Grace was about to say something when she saw Henry out of the corner of her eye. Henry was standing on the steps in front of the villa's foyer, quietly gazing at her in the twilight.
A phone ringing broke the silence. Oliver let go of Grace and answered the call.
The call was from Zoey, her tone urgent. She said, "Mr. Windsor, Ellie has gone crazy! She secretly filmed a video of you and posted it online. Now it's everywhere, and we can't completely delete it! I've activated the emergency plan. Mr. Windsor, the company needs you to come back immediately to take charge."