Chapter 16\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 16\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna had just stepped out of the restroom when she ran straight into Samuel. It had been a long time since they had last seen each other.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They had crossed paths a few times before, but Sienna always pretended not to recognize him. After all, they had almost gotten married to each other in the past. If word got out, people would definitely talk.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But tonight, Irene wasn\u2019t around. Besides, Clayton was openly flirting with his first love, Melody. So why should she still play the part of the virtuous wife?\u00a0<\/p>\n
That was how she ended up on the terrace, chatting with her former fiance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The night breeze brushed past them. Samuel leaned against the railing, a fleeting smile on his face. \u201cSo, what\u2019s it like being married to Clayton?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He had seen everything that happened earlier, especially the moment Melody had forced Sienna out of her own seat. His curiosity had been thoroughly piqued since then.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we\u2019d gotten married back then,\u201d he said, \u201cand some other woman tried to steal your seat, I\u2019d have been firmly on your side.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna gazed at the night view in the distance, her tone light and detached. \u201cIt\u2019d be the same either way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
No matter who she married, the ending seemed to be the same anyway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back in her senior year of college, Eleanor had been in a car accident and fallen into a comatose state. Sienna\u2019s living expenses were what little her stepmother left her after skimming off the rest. It was nowhere near enough to cover the staggering medical bills.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She had no choice but to turn to her family for help. The price was a business marriage, using herself as a trade to benefit the Winger Group.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her blind dates rotated like a carousel. Some lasted a few hours, while others lasted a few days. The longest one didn\u2019t even\u00a0<\/p>\n
last a week.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Samuel was the last one. He wasn\u2019t exactly ideal marriage material. He was a notorious playboy, constantly surrounded by\u00a0<\/p>\n
women.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But Eleanor\u2019s condition was critical, and Sienna didn\u2019t have the energy to keep searching. She and Samuel agreed that after marriage, they\u2019d live separate lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They had already reached the stage of discussing wedding details when Clayton had suddenly returned to Brightford.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That night, they ran into each other at a bar. Samuel dragged her along to make rounds, pouring drinks nonstop. She drank until she blacked out, and somehow ended up sleeping with Clayton.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once the news got out, her engagement with Samuel naturally fell apart. Finding another suitable match also became nearly impossible after that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even now, she still didn\u2019t understand how things had happened that night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Taking advantage of this rare meeting, Sienna finally voiced the doubt she\u2019d carried for years. \u201cWas that night three years ago arranged by you, Samuel?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He froze for a moment, then laughed. \u201cI\u2019m not generous enough to set myself up to be cheated on. And besides, doing that wouldn\u2019t benefit me in any way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna stared right into his eyes. \u201cMaybe you never wanted to get engaged in the first place.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He shook his head, unusually serious. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t want to, I could\u2019ve just cut it off. Why go through all that trouble?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u0644\u0645\u0645\u0631\u0627\u00a0<\/p>\n
X CLOSE\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 16\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a pause, he let out a self-mocking chuckle. \u201cI\u2019ve never taken a hit to my pride like that. When I found out you\u2019d slept with him, I was furious. I even lost my temper at you, remember?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna thought back and nodded. \u201cYeah, I remember. You even slapped me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you kicked me where it hurts,\u201d he said exaggeratedly, clutching his nether regions. \u201cIt still aches when I think about it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then he let out a sigh. \u201cI regret being so impulsive. Pride is useless. I should\u2019ve just married you. I went on so many dates afterwards, but none of them were as understanding as you. Some women are absolutely hysterical in arguments.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s because I didn\u2019t love you, which made it easy to be that understanding,\u201d Sienna said softly, lowering her gaze. Her voice was barely more than a sigh. \u201cIf you truly love someone, how could you ever tolerate sharing them?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Samuel patted her shoulder, half-joking, half-serious. \u201cIt\u2019s fine. If you ever get divorced, you can consider me again. I\u2019m still single.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before Sienna could respond, a cold voice cut in from behind them. \u201cFlirting with someone else\u2019s wife so openly\u2026 Does your mom know about this, Mr. Stelton?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Both of them turned around. No one knew how long Clayton had stood at the entrance to the terrace. His expression was dark, as if someone had desecrated his ancestors\u2019 graves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Samuel, as thick-skinned as ever, even smiled back. \u201cIf Mr. Hale hadn\u2019t stolen her from me three years ago, maybe Sienna and I would already have kids old enough to run errands now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton strode forward, grabbed Sienna\u2019s wrist, and yanked her to his side. A mocking smile tugged at his lips. \u201cIn that case, I\u2019m really sorry. She\u2019s my wife now. You\u2019ll have to find a random nobody to have some brats with.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Samuel shrugged, deliberately provoking him. \u201cWho knows? Maybe you\u2019ll get divorced?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The smile on Clayton\u2019s face slowly faded away. He spoke each word deliberately. \u201cEven if it\u2019s something I don\u2019t want anymore, I don\u2019t like other people setting their sights on it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re the object, you bastard!\u201d Sienna flung his hand away in fury and stormed back into the banquet without looking back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton didn\u2019t chase after her. He turned a cold gaze on Samuel instead. \u201cWhat were you two talking about just now?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Samuel poured fuel on the fire on purpose. \u201cOh, lots of things. She said she regrets marrying you and wants to come back to\u00a0<\/p>\n
me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can try,\u201d Clayton said icily. \u201cBut let\u2019s see if you can afford the consequences.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Samuel didn\u2019t dare to truly offend him, backing down immediately. \u201cIt was just a joke, Mr. Hale. There\u2019s no need to take it so seriously. We were just catching up for old times\u2019 sake. Besides, my family wouldn\u2019t allow it either. I wouldn\u2019t dare touch your wife.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019d better not,\u201d Clayton warned him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Sienna returned to her seat, the stage performances had already begun.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rupert\u2019s 80th birthday banquet was held with great fanfare. They had invited famous pop singers, renowned classical performers, and even an international magician. Applause filled the banquet hall again and again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After their performances came the segment where friends and family volunteered to perform.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At Miles\u2019 enthusiastic recommendation, Melody walked onto the stage carrying a cello. Under the spotlight, she looked dazzling, every bit like a graceful artist.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Out of the corner of her eye, Sienna noticed Clayton. He had returned to his seat at some point and was now calmly watching the figure on stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n
X CLOSE\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 16\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
Of course, he wouldn\u2019t miss a single second of his first love\u2019s shining moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody adjusted her bow, took a deep breath, and began to play. She chose \u201cThe Swan\u201d by Saint-Sa\u00ebns. As the bow glided across the strings, the cello\u2019s deep, flowing melody unfurled slowly, the notes spreading outward like ripples on water.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her technique was polished, her vibrato controlled and delicate, and her expression of emotions was perfect. It was undeniably a wonderful performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Many guests in the audience looked impressed. Only Beatrice wore a look of open disdain, not caring a single bit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna knew next to nothing about music. To her, the piece sounded so somber that it cast a shadow over the birthday celebration. Bored, she glanced at Clayton, wondering if he was listening as attentively as he did in math class back in the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment she turned her head, she realized he was looking at her too. Their gazes collided.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna froze, then quickly looked away, cursing inwardly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you staring at? Are you judging me for not being as talented as your precious first love?\u201d Sienna thought to herself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Feeling like she had lost the upper ground, she glared back at him defiantly and silently mouthed two words.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton frowned. He had a feeling the words weren\u2019t exactly polite.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just then, the performance ended as the final note faded into the air. Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody stood up gracefully and bowed to the audience, a poised smile on her face. \u201cI dedicate this to Grandpa. May you be blessed with good health and peace, may your years be long and steady, and may your life continue to be full, strong, and flourishing\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Beatrice suddenly cut her off, her sharp voice echoing through the hall. \u201cYou dragged out one song forever, and now you want to take five minutes for wishes too? What? Are you going to take root on that stage, or wait for someone to hand you a lifetime achievement award? There are still people waiting to perform. Get off the stage now!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She had opposed Melody performing in the first place. The drawn-out ending only annoyed her even more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody\u2019s face went pale. Hugging her cello, she stumbled off the stage, anger choking her chest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miles, holding in that anger on her behalf, darted over to Sienna and said smugly, \u201cWell? Melody completely outclasses you, right? Her family background is ordinary, but she plays the cello so well. That\u2019s real talent. Meanwhile, just look at you!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna was long used to such provocations from him. She ate a slice of fruit calmly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who didn\u2019t know better would think you were the one playing earlier.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow arrogant! Are you her husband or something?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess when your mom praised her just now, she forgot about you!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With every sentence, Miles\u2019 face darkened. \u201cStop talking nonsense! We\u2019re just friends!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFriends?\u201d Sienna asked calmly, \u201cDoes Clayton know that?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She added leisurely, \u201cYour intentions are so obvious even a stray dog could see through them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone knows that! Don\u2019t try to stir things up!\u201d Miles jumped in agitation. \u201cLet me ask you one thing. Do you dare go up there and perform?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna set down her fork and shot back lazily, \u201cThat\u2019s your grandfather, not mine. Why don\u2019t you go up and entertain everyone?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miles was speechless as his face turned ashen. He said through gritted teeth, \u201cI knew it. You\u2019re scared. You\u2019ve got no talent at\u00a0<\/p>\n
all!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 16\u00a0<\/p>\n
4\/4\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna stared at Melody, who was staring at her from not far away, and instantly understood what was going on. She was waiting here for Sienna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beatrice had humiliated her, and now they wanted to take it out on Sienna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d Sienna said, \u201cso did Melody send you over? Otherwise, why are you so obsessed with getting me on stage?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Exposed, Miles dropped all pretense and went all out. \u201cSo what if she did? I\u2019m simply asking if you dare to go up there and perform!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGive me two million dollars if I go onstage,\u201d Sienna said, her eyes gleaming with greed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s daylight robbery. 500 thousand dollars,\u201d Miles negotiated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOne million dollars. Take it or leave it,\u201d Sienna said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDeal.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna stood up, a faint smile curling her lips. \u201cThen it\u2019s settled.\u201d \u201cJust wait and see, you little punk.\u201d<\/p>\n
She got the divorce and bolted 16 Chapter 16\u00a0 1\/4\u00a0 Chapter 16\u00a0 Sienna had just stepped out of the restroom […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-she-got-the-divorce-and-bolted-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20090"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20090\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}