Chapter 85
Arthur followed her gaze and spotted Caroline leaning intimately against Alton, practically draping herself over him.
Heidi's puzzled voice broke the moment. "Why is Caroline with Professor Brooks in the gynecology department? Is she feeling unwell? Should we go over and—"
Before she could finish, Arthur had already left her side, striding purposefully toward the pair.
Heidi's expression shifted through several emotions, almost believing he was jealous.
Then it dawned on her—Arthur and Caroline weren't officially divorced yet. Caroline was still his wife on paper, yet here she was, cozying up to another man.
This was nothing short of public humiliation for Arthur. His anger was perfectly justified.
Heidi quickly composed herself with a worried smile and hurried after him.
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"What are you two doing?" Arthur demanded.
Caroline had just regained enough strength to stand when a powerful force yanked her from Alton's embrace. Looking up, she met a pair of dangerously dark eyes, rage swirling within them.
"Caroline, don't forget your status."
She smiled, her retort ready. "Mr. Windsor, and what exactly brings you to the hospital? For whom, and for what reason?"
She knew Arthur well. In the past, he'd rarely show up at the hospital even when their children were sick, yet lately he'd been appearing repeatedly.
Who else could it be for? It had to be for Heidi. She glanced sideways and, sure enough, spotted Heidi's fragile figure swaying not far away.
Arthur froze, his eyes turning cold enough to crystallize. "Since when do I need your approval for my actions?"
Caroline shook off his hand. "The same to you, Mr. Windor. What I do is none of your business."
But she had no strength left. The aftereffects of chemotherapy made even standing difficult. After forcefully pulling away, she immediately lost her balance and fell back against Arthur's chest.
The collision made it appear as though she was deliberately throwing herself at him.
The fury in Arthur's eyes solidified for a moment before quickly vanishing, replaced by his usual cold indifference. "Caroline, do you find this amusing?"
Hearing this, Caroline felt nothing but exhaustion washing over her. Even if she were to die in front of Arthur, he would probably think she was just pretending, trying to get his attention.
Arthur was confident she wouldn't abandon their two children, much less divorce him. But now, everything she had—her children, her mother, her husband—they all only had Heidi in their hearts. So why should she keep them?
She was too tired, too drained to waste what little time she had left arguing with them. She just wanted to do something meaningful.
Caroline looked up, her voice devoid of emotion. "Arthur, let's get divorced."
The moment those words left her lips, Heidi suddenly let out a terrible cry and collapsed unconscious.
Arthur didn't register Caroline's words. He pushed her aside and ran to Heidi. "Heidi? Heidi? Wake up!"
He scooped Heidi into his arms and rushed toward the emergency room, completely oblivious to Caroline, who had been shoved to the ground and whose face was growing increasingly pale.
Alton immediately helped her up. "Caroline, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Caroline rose from the ground, her face ashen, watching Arthur's retreating figure as he carried Heidi away. The light in her eyes slowly dimmed.
Alton, however, had another concern. "Caroline, will Arthur really agree to the divorce?"
Caroline shook her head, saying nothing more. The divorce petition had already been filed. The court hearing was in a month.
Whether Arthur agreed or not, she was determined to end their marriage. This relationship that existed in name only should have ended long ago.
Alton sensed it wouldn't be easy, but considering Caroline's condition, he kept his thoughts to himself and took her back for another medical check-up.
That bastard Arthur had been rough with her—how dare he push Caroline? Alton wished he could break both of Arthur's hands.
After the doctor confirmed Caroline was unharmed, the two prepared to head home.
Just as Alton and Caroline got into the car, Arthur came running out of the hospital lobby.
"Caroline!"
The window rolled up, and Caroline thought she heard someone calling her name. But when she looked back, she saw nothing.
The car started moving, buildings and trees quickly receding into the distance until they became mere dots on the horizon.
Arthur stood there, fists clenched, and after a moment's hesitation, driven by some inexplicable impulse, he followed them in his car.
When he saw Alton with his arm around Caroline's waist as they entered the apartment building, his eyes darkened.
He knew this apartment. Seeing how close the two appeared, he followed them again.
Just as they were about to enter the apartment together, Arthur caught up and blocked the door. "Caroline, are you ignoring me?"
Caroline's eyes flickered with momentary surprise before she twisted her lips into a smile. "What's this, Mr. Windsor? Aren't you staying with your beloved Heidi? What if she dies?"
"Are you cursing her?"
"If you continue to stay here, what I wish upon Heidi might be more than just a curse."
Their gazes clashed, neither willing to back down.
Arthur's suppressed anger churned beneath the surface, the air around them growing heavy.
"Caroline, you—" Before he could finish, Arthur's phone rang again. Seeing the caller's name, Arthur answered without hesitation.
Whatever was said on the other end instantly changed his expression.
"Don't worry, I'll be right there." He gave Caroline a meaningful look before adding, "Caroline, remember your place."
Caroline smiled faintly, and as he turned to leave, she suddenly called out. "Arthur, stay."
Arthur paused for a moment, but ultimately walked away.
Watching his resolute departure, Caroline's lips curved into a bitter smile. She had always known that no matter how many times she asked, Arthur would always choose Heidi.
When she saw Arthur following her earlier, her heart had rippled with hope despite herself.
But it seemed Arthur had only followed to warn her about her relationship with Alton, worried she might tarnish his wife's reputation.
Of course, Caroline didn't particularly care about Arthur's warnings.
If he had just signed the divorce papers, their marriage would have ended long ago, without needing to go to court.
Now that she had voiced her desire for divorce, Caroline felt lighter.
For the next two days, she was extremely busy.
Caroline divided her time between writing her thesis and work, leaving no room to dwell on other matters.
By the third day, her thesis was nearing completion, and her grandmother's birthday was approaching.
That afternoon, she had plans to go shopping with Becky.
She still hadn't found the perfect birthday gift for her grandmother and wanted to browse more shops.
But as soon as they met, Caroline's attention was drawn to suspicious marks on Becky's neck. As an adult, she knew exactly what those marks meant.
Caroline casually stirred her coffee, deliberately teasing, "What's this? Summer hasn't even arrived, and you're already covered in mosquito bites?"