Chapter 162
Josephine let out a long breath and sank back onto the sofa, somewhat drained. A cold sweat had broken out along her spine. The damp fabric clinging to her skin was far from comfortable.
Cedric said quietly, "You're afraid?"
"No." Josephine shook her head and took the glass of warm water, sipping it. Her taut nerves finally began to ease. "I just think it's rather sad."
It seemed that every couple in this world was the same—at their wedding, in their moment of deepest love, they would vow to protect each other for life. To remain steadfast forever and always.
That neither pain nor illness could tear them apart.
But when love faded, leaving only betrayal and deception behind, it was as if the person you once loved had been possessed.
They became twisted and unrecognizable.
A stranger wearing a familiar face.
Josephine lowered her gaze, a hint of loss crossing her features.
Cedric's gentle voice carried an unfathomable depth. "In this life, we all encounter many things, many people. Some are genuine, while others excel at weaving beautiful illusions from lies."
Josephine looked up at him.
He continued softly, "Perhaps when they spoke those words, they truly meant what they said. But sincerity can change. Nothing in this world is eternal, so there's no need to question the next genuine heart because of one that changed. Nor should you stop believing in promises just because you've encountered false ones."
Josephine understood his good intentions, but a wounded heart couldn't heal so quickly.
"Thank you, but for the time being, I don't want to think about romance anymore. After I regain my freedom, I'll just enjoy being single for a while."
"Of course." Cedric smiled.
Darren, who had remained silent this whole time, sneaked a glance at him.
...How fake.
So even Cedric had learned to deceive. What "giving you time to think it over"—it was all a delaying tactic.
Josephine remained blissfully unaware of Darren's internal complaints. She remarked to Cedric, "I suddenly feel like I never really knew you before."
"It's not too late to get to know me now," Cedric replied with a smile, his gaze light and calm.
Josephine smiled warmly, her expression radiant. She was grateful to Cedric, and she admired him.
At least when she had been drowning in the mire, he had extended a sturdy lifeline.
Three days later, deep autumn had arrived.
Outside the courthouse entrance, cold wind scattered withered sycamore leaves across the ground.
Having already gone through the application process and completed the one-month cooling-off period, today they were simply here to collect the final divorce certificate.
The weather had turned cold. Josephine had deliberately worn a camel-colored trench coat and stood on the steps, eagerly waiting.
Gideon's car pulled up by the curb. He sat inside, looking at Josephine's face, and for a moment seemed transported to the past.
In his memories, Josephine had always waited for him like this.
It seemed that no matter where he went or how long he was gone, there would always be a light on at home, a person waiting, a bowl of warm porridge.
He had taken all these things for granted. Only now did he realize how painful losing them would be.
He sat in the car for a long time, like a child dreading the scolding he was about to face, having lost the courage to confront it.
But he couldn't hide here forever.
It was already deep autumn, and the weather was cold. Gideon couldn't bear to see her freezing outside, so he finally got out of the car.
The two entered the courthouse. This time, there were no complications.
When they walked down the steps, they each held that certificate symbolizing freedom.
Sunlight fell across Josephine's face. Though somewhat blinding, she felt that even the air was fresher than ever before.
It was over.
All the entanglement, betrayal, and disgust had finally come to a complete end in this moment.
Gideon stood a few steps behind her, clutching that same divorce certificate.
But it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Months ago, he had stood in this very place, resisting and refusing to sign. But today, he had ultimately lost the woman he loved most in this very spot.
"Jojo." Gideon finally couldn't hold back and called out to her, his voice carrying a hoarseness and pleading he hadn't even noticed himself.
Josephine stopped and turned around, her expression utterly calm. "Mr. Getty, if we must cross paths in the future, you can call me Ms. Kennedy. I'm no longer your wife."
The formal address "Mr. Getty" created an unbridgeable chasm between them.
Gideon's eyes instantly reddened. He stepped forward, wanting to grab her. "Even though we're divorced, can't we be friends? After our marriage, don't we have some familial bond beyond romantic love?"
"Familial bond..." Josephine stepped back, maintaining her distance. She placed the divorce certificate in her bag. "You've already tainted love. Please leave familial affection some sacred ground."
"Stop coming to me looking for validation. Leave yourself a last shred of dignity."
With that, she didn't spare him another glance and turned toward the street.
A familiar black Maybach was parked at the curb.
Cedric stood by the car door, still wearing that cool, composed expression, his black trench coat accentuating his upright posture.
He had been waiting here all along.
Seeing Josephine approach, he smoothly opened the passenger door for her, and as Josephine got in, he even naturally placed his hand against the roof to prevent her from hitting her head.
Gideon stood alone on the courthouse steps, watching helplessly as Josephine got into Cedric's car.
As Cedric turned, he glanced across the car body—a cold, indifferent look carrying a trace of warning.
The posture of a victor.
Gideon's nails dug deep into his palms. Overwhelming fury and indescribable regret now gnawed madly at his heart.
He had lost the most precious thing.
He had no doubt that Cedric was taking over everything he had once possessed, step by step.
An hour later, Gideon returned to Evercrest Manor.
"Gideon, you're back!" Lorelei, her belly swollen with five months of pregnancy, carefully approached him. "I made you some soup..."
Without warning, Gideon raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap across Lorelei's face.
Lorelei was struck so hard she fell onto the sofa, clutching her reddened, swelling cheek, staring at Gideon's vicious expression in disbelief. "...You hit me?"
"I don't just want to hit you—I'd like to strangle you!" If it weren't for Lorelei and her brother, he wouldn't have been forced to obtain that divorce certificate today. He wouldn't have lost Josephine.
Gideon stepped forward and grabbed Lorelei's chin, his eyes murderous. "Your dear brother Marshall embezzled eighty million dollars from the company! All the holes in the accounts have been discovered."
Lorelei's pupils dilated suddenly. She shook her head frantically, her face deathly pale. "No... no... I didn't know. My brother..."
"Lorelei, you should be grateful you're carrying a child right now." Gideon stood up, releasing her with disgust. He pulled out a tissue and carefully wiped the places he had touched.
As if he had just made contact with trash.