Chapter 358: The Divorce Papers Hidden in the Drawer
Adrian Lancaster knelt on one knee, his back ramrod straight. His posture was as humble as could be, yet when he looked up, he gazed at Wren Sutton with the deepest, most affectionate eyes.
He picked up the necklace, and the large blue diamond sparkled brilliantly under the light.
His movements were feather-light as he carefully placed the necklace around Wren’s neck. The pads of his fingers traced the elegant curve of her collarbone as he gently fastened the clasp.
"There." Adrian Lancaster rose and stood behind Wren, placing his hands gently on her shoulders.
"Honey, you look so beautiful in it. More beautiful than anyone else."
Wren raised her hand, her fingertips touching the blue diamond necklace. It was cool to the touch, and her expression remained unreadable.
Adrian’s words had thrown her heart into turmoil. She couldn’t offer a rational, calm response, but she also didn’t want to accept the necklace so thoughtlessly.
"You said this necklace isn’t to make up for the past but to mark a new beginning. So why didn’t you bring it out sooner?"
Adrian’s hands on her shoulders tightened slightly as he spoke with guilt, "I blame myself for not realizing my own feelings sooner. By the time I truly understood how much I loved you and how I couldn’t live without you, that accident happened, and I missed out on so much time with you."
His Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes filled with the sincere gratitude of someone who has recovered what they had lost.
"Now that I’ve been able to return safely to you and the children, I feel blessed by heaven. I have to seize this second chance to make up for my past mistakes."
"It wasn’t that I didn’t want to bring out this necklace sooner and confess everything to you. But I was scared... scared you would reject it, scared you wouldn’t like it."
Wren listened quietly, her fingertip still pressed against the cool blue diamond as a myriad of complex emotions churned in her heart.
’She didn’t reject Adrian’s closeness. In fact, in certain moments, she found herself craving this belated warmth.’
’He’s now trying his best to be a good husband and father. The companionship, adoration, and devotion I once only dreamed of have now become reality.’
’I’m calmly accepting his attempts to make amends, tacitly allowing him to stay by my side while I gauge his sincerity.’
But deep in her heart, the divorce agreement hidden in the false bottom of a drawer, already signed, was a fact Wren couldn’t ignore.
’It’s proof of how I’d completely lost hope, how I’d been determined to end this marriage. It’s the escape route I left for myself.’
’I admit I’m moved by Adrian’s transformation, but the grievances and disappointments of the past won’t just vanish into thin air.’
’I can’t just let go of all my reservations at once. And I certainly can’t bring myself to tear up those divorce papers and start over with Adrian right now.’
’I’m standing on the edge of forgiveness and divorce.’
’On one side is Adrian’s sincerity.’
’On the other, the years of bitterness I’ve accumulated.’
’I’m caught in a dilemma, my heart filled with a quiet, hidden turmoil.’
Wren reined in her thoughts, slowly lowered her hand, and spoke in a calm, gentle voice.
"I’ll accept the necklace. And I understand the sentiment behind it."
Hearing this, Adrian felt a deep sense of contentment.
’I can’t dare to hope that Wren will immediately let go of the past and forgive me.’
’Even if she only accepts this blue diamond necklace, even if she’s only willing to accept this belated sentiment, it’s an immense blessing and happiness for me.’
’After all, I owe her too much. It’s not a debt that can be repaid with a few confessions or gifts.’
’Wren didn’t reject me outright. She didn’t push me away completely. That means she’s still willing to give me a chance.’
’From now on, I have to be twice as good to Wren. I have to repay what I owe her, and then some.’
She was giving him a chance, letting him stay by her side. Adrian was filled with confidence for the future.
He firmly believed that as long as he sincerely repented, remained by their side, and protected his wife and children with all of his love, then one day, Wren would let go of her reservations and welcome him back into her heart.
...
The autumn air grew thicker with each passing day. In the blink of an eye, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions.
Wren was an only child, so she had arranged with Adrian beforehand to first visit the Sutton Family to celebrate with her parents, then head to the Lancaster family home after lunch.
Adrian had no objections, fully agreeing with the perfectly reasonable plan.
After breakfast at home, Wren dressed Owen and Nina in new clothes while Adrian, hands-on as ever, bustled about preparing the diaper bag, not letting any of the maids assist.
Afterward, he instructed the driver to load all the prepared Mid-Autumn Festival gifts into the car.
Without any rush, everything was arranged in perfect order.
At ten in the morning, Adrian, along with Wren and the two children, set off for the Sutton Family’s home.
Along the way, Owen and Nina were in high spirits. They gazed at the passing scenery, waving their little hands and kicking their little legs, babbling nonstop. Their sweet, babyish coos were absolutely adorable.
Listening to them, Wren and Adrian felt their hearts melt.
Even the driver was infected by the two adorable babies’ cheer, a happy smile spreading across his face.
Upon arriving at the Sutton home, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton naturally gave them a warm reception.
The elderly couple was smiling from ear to ear. They had personally cooked a grand feast, of which the steamed hairy crabs were the most sought-after dish.
The family gathered around the dining table, eating and chatting with the TV on in the background. The air was filled with talk and laughter, creating a warm and joyous scene.
Adrian had a few drinks with Mr. Sutton, who recounted amusing stories from his fishing club. Adrian listened respectfully and attentively.
Toward the end of the meal, Mrs. Sutton went to the bedroom and came back with two thick red envelopes, then sat down in front of the stroller.
"Grandma and Grandpa made so much delicious food, but it’s a shame our little Owen and Nina are still too small to eat any of it."
Mrs. Sutton affectionately stroked the babies’ little cheeks, her voice full of adoration.
"But that’s okay! Grandma prepared red envelopes for you two, one for each. Here you go, my sweet little darlings. You’re so good."
Watching this, Wren’s heart warmed as she was reminded of her own childhood.
Ever since she could remember, her parents had given her a red envelope for every holiday. The amount started at fifty, then a hundred, five hundred, a thousand, increasing more and more each year.
’A happy childhood can heal you for a lifetime.’ Whenever she thought back on it, her heart filled with love and gratitude.
While she was lost in thought, Mrs. Sutton walked over, a kind smile on her face. She pulled an equally thick red envelope from her pocket and handed it to Wren.
Wren was stunned, feeling as if she had truly been transported back to her childhood.
"Mom, I get a red envelope too?"
Mrs. Sutton smiled. "Not just you. There’s one for Adrian, too."
With that, she pulled another red envelope from her other pocket and handed it to Adrian.
"Adrian, you’ve worked so hard lately taking care of the children and Wren. It makes me happy, so I’m giving you a red envelope today, too."
Adrian stood and accepted it with both hands, both surprised and moved. A searing warmth flooded his heart, and he felt overwhelmed by the gesture.
"Thank you, Mom."
’At that moment, the money in the envelope wasn’t just money. It was a sign of his elders’ affection and approval.’
"Mom, I promise I’ll take good care of you and Dad from now on."
"Good."
Mr. and Mrs. Sutton smiled, gratified.
They had seen Adrian’s transformation, his efforts—everything he had done.
To have such a good son-in-law was a blessing for them both.