Chapter 229: Did You Really Have a Six-Year Marriage?
When William made the reservation, he had already pre-ordered the dishes.
As they entered and saw what William had ordered, Richard called the waiter over and added several more items to the menu.
Before the food arrived, they maintained an eerie silence, no one willing to break it first.
"Last time you said the herb-crusted pork chop here was delicious." William proactively served Isabella a portion.
The "last time" he referred to was nearly three years ago.
Isabella poked the herb-crusted pork chop with her fork. The sweet, cloying aroma invaded her nostrils, making her stomach turn.
Frowning, she silently transferred the pork chop to her discard plate.
"The flavor should be the same—I brought friends here recently." William explained.
Richard watched from the side and let out a light chuckle.
"The herb-crusted pork chop is what Olivia loves, right? Olivia also enjoys sweet-and-sour dishes like lemon-glazed ribs, but Isabella doesn't like sweet foods."
Isabella looked surprised. "How did you know that?"
"After eating with you several times, if I couldn't even notice that much, my observation skills would be pretty pathetic, wouldn't they?"
His words seemed to subtly imply that William, as a husband, wasn't doing his job properly.
William's expression darkened further.
"Did you really spend six years as Isabella's husband? How on earth did she endure it all these years?" Richard raised an eyebrow, his tone provocative.
William gripped his fork so tightly his knuckles turned white. "There are many more six-year periods ahead. We've got plenty of time!"
Richard smiled again. "Love has always been a one-way street. One person's effort isn't enough. You two have already reached the final step toward divorce. Even if you refuse to let go now, what's the point?"
Richard's words struck like a steel nail at the most vulnerable spot in William's heart.
He knew full well that he couldn't bind Isabella for a lifetime with this marriage certificate alone.
"Besides, don't you still have Laura? I heard she's been bragging all over town, telling everyone she'll soon marry you and become the new Mrs. Montagu. Didn't you know?" Richard feigned surprise.
While William was still entangled with Isabella, not even having filed the divorce papers, Laura had already claimed the title for herself.
The moment Isabella heard Laura's name, she lost her appetite completely and set down her fork.
"Since we're all here together, let's lay everything out. If you're willing to divorce me peacefully, let's do it as soon as possible and finalize the paperwork."
"If you're not willing, I don't mind taking the legal route. I've already contacted a lawyer. When we end up in court, we can sort out the marital assets and custody arrangements properly."
Isabella took a sip of coffee and continued, "I wish you and Laura a lifetime of happiness together. Let's finalize the divorce quickly so you two can get married soon."
"When did I ever say I wanted to divorce you?"
"No matter what you think now, the outcome is already decided." Isabella reminded William expressionlessly.
Their marriage had deteriorated to such a disgusting state. Not divorcing made it even more unbearable—like being forced to swallow a dead fly.
"Laura and I are done." William stated.
Both Isabella and Richard's expressions froze simultaneously.
"You broke up with Laura?" Richard asked with the air of someone enjoying a spectacle.
After all, they had grown up together as childhood friends. Without the Isabella situation, Richard did genuinely care about William.
Business was business—Richard was genuinely pleased that William and Laura had separated.
Isabella let out a scoff of laughter. "Don't listen to his jokes. How could they possibly break up? They were still inseparable at Canvia."
William's words were just a joke to be laughed at—Isabella certainly wouldn't take them seriously.
"You never know. He can't be deceived forever, right? There'll come a day when he wakes up." Richard smiled as well.
The second half of the meal passed with hardly anyone speaking. William maintained a dark expression throughout. When they finally stood to leave, he took the initiative to speak to Isabella: "Let me drive you home."
Isabella jingled her car keys. "Sorry, but I drove here myself."
Actively distancing herself from him was Isabella's preparation for the divorce.
Though William had been rejected, Isabella could see in her rearview mirror that William's car was still following behind her.
Only when she reached her front door did Isabella's patience finally snap. Her stomach full of anger, she got out of the car ready to explode at William.
"What exactly do you want? You won't agree to divorce me, and you keep pestering me? Your parents never liked me anyway. Divorcing me would be exactly what they want, wouldn't it?"
Isabella knew the Montagu family had never liked her. The only reason they maintained basic respect was because of the two children.
Nathan's custody had already gone to William, resolving the most fundamental conflict. Isabella couldn't understand what William still had to hold onto.
"I didn't stop you from investing in the Romantic Racing team. I've never prevented you from seeing Olivia. If you want to be with Laura, you should be seeking your mother's approval, not harassing me every day."
Isabella had completely run out of patience dealing with William. When she spoke, she was practically shouting.
"What more could you possibly be dissatisfied with?"
Under the streetlights, William's eyes were dark and unreadable. "I don't want to divorce anymore."
Everything she'd just said had been like talking to a brick wall. Isabella gave up, turned around, and strode away.
William followed her upstairs step by step, even when treated like he was invisible, without a single complaint.
When the door opened, Olivia ran out happily, rushing into Isabella's embrace and hugging her tightly.
"Mommy, you're finally home!"
Her gaze moved past Isabella to land on William. Olivia's brilliant smile stiffened slightly.
William's lips curved upward in a smile that barely qualified as one.
"Olivia, Daddy will take you and Mommy home very soon."
Olivia turned to look at Isabella. "Mommy, is it true?"
Isabella rolled her eyes. "Don't listen to him. He's completely delusional."