Chapter 2. We Are Divorced

Suzanne was the god daughter of Leo’s step mother, and she blended in seamlessly with the family during dinner. Leo, on the other hand, sat separately, his frown deepening as his appetite vanished.

Laura had walked out with Victor, leaving behind not just their marriage but also the 20 million and the Estate. Why?

“Where’s Laura? Is she not joining us for dinner?” Leo’s father, Andre Carter, asked, glancing around the table.

“We’re divorced. The paperwork is signed, and the divorce will be finalized shortly.” Leo kept his gaze fixed on his plate as he replied.

“Divorced? Why on earth would you do that?” Andre’s tone was a mix of shock and disbelief.

“Andre, I told you that girl wasn’t a good match from the start,” Sophia, his wife, interjected with a sigh. “Your son was pushed into this marriage. It’s about time they both moved on. Laura has had enough after five years. Leo has always wanted Suzanne.”

“Leo, this isn’t a game. You can’t just throw away a marriage like that,” Andre said with irritation.

“Dad, the papers are signed. Laura has left, taking nothing with her.” Leo’s irritation flared.

“Wow! That country girl must have some principles,” Leo’s sister, Cecilia Carter, sneered. “Don’t tell me this is some kind of ploy. I hope she doesn’t spread lies about how the Becketts treated her.”

Leo’s mood darkened further at this comment.

“Leo, have you thought this through? Your grandfather is still unwell. What will you tell him about this divorce?” Andre’s voice raised slightly as he worried about his father’s reaction.

“I’ll be announcing my engagement to Suzanne next month,” Leo stated coldly, his expression unyielding.

Suzanne’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at Leo, her admiration evident.

“Are you out of your mind? You can’t just walk away from a three-year marriage like that. It’ll ruin your reputation!” Andre exclaimed, disbelief clear in his voice.

“Reputation? I couldn’t care less. Laura was never the one I wanted to marry,” Leo replied, his voice firm and devoid of remorse.

“Uncle Andre, don’t blame Leo for this. If anyone should be held responsible, it’s me.” Suzanne leaned in closer to Leo. “I should have stayed away. I’ll head back to Italy tomorrow. Leo, you should reconcile with Laura. I don’t want to be seen as the one who caused this rift…”

“Suzanne, this has nothing to do with you.” Leo’s gaze was intense as he spoke. He took her hand, his grip firm. “There was nothing between Laura and me. I’ve endured enough for five years. I won’t let you suffer because of this.”

The night air was chilly. Victor brought Laura to the lake, hoping the view from the yacht would lift her spirits.

“Victor, are you trying to torture me?” Laura said, glancing at the couples around them. “This is a place for lovers. I wouldn’t come here even on a normal day!”

“Blame Wilson for this one. He organized the fireworks for tonight, and they’ll start in just a few minutes.” Victor smiled, checking his watch. “Five, four, three, two, one…”

Four beautiful planes zoomed across the sky in bright colors.

Couples gathered at the deck, some even coming from the shore to witness the spectacle.

“Wilson really needs to refine his taste,” Laura commented, shaking her head, yet a hint of happiness flickered within her.

“Think of all those awful gifts he’s given you in the past. He’s definitely made progress.” Victor wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. “This isn’t the only surprise we have for you. We’ve piled up gifts in your room. Remember, you’re loved by many. Share your time and affection with those who truly deserve it.”

Laura felt her eyes well up with tears at his words.

Just then, a sleek black Maybach pulled up amidst the crowd. Leo stepped out, hand-in-hand with Suzanne. Suzanne clung to him, her excitement evident in the crisp night air.

“Oh my god! Those planes are stunning! Look, Leo!” Suzanne exclaimed, her innocent joy lighting up her face. Leo couldn’t help but smile slightly at her enthusiasm.

It was a stark contrast to the dullness he had felt with Laura. For five years, Laura had been nothing but compliant, but he hadn’t loved her for a second.

They approached the railing just as another plane with a banner zoomed across the sky, spelling out, “Happy Birthday.”

“Oh! Someone must be celebrating! Who’s the lucky one?” Suzanne asked, her tone filled with envy.

But Leo froze, the realization hitting him hard. “It’s Laura’s birthday today. Did Victor plan this for her?”

A yacht passed in front of them, revealing Laura and Victor together on deck, laughing and seemingly close.

“Isn’t that Laura? Who’s the guy with her? He looks familiar, and they seem quite cozy.” Suzanne’s innocent act felt like a dagger to Leo.

Rage bubbled within him, his knuckles Grey as he gripped the railing tightly. They hadn’t even finalized the divorce, yet Laura was out with another man. Why had she cried to him earlier if she could move on so easily?

As the yacht circled the lake, Victor wrapped his arm around Laura’s waist when they disembarked.

“Laura Grey!”

Laura stiffened at the sound of her name, her heart racing as she turned to see Leo striding toward her, his expression cold and unforgiving.

“Who is he?” he demanded, his tone sharp.

“Mr. Carter, your memory seems to be failing you.” Victor tightened his hold on Laura, offering a confident smile. “We’ve crossed paths in business a few times.”

“Laura Grey, answer me,” Leo pressed, ignoring Victor entirely.

“Mr. Carter, we’re divorced. Why should I explain who he is to you?” Laura shot back, her tone cool and defiant.

Leo’s expression shifted, disbelief washing over him. He hadn’t expected Laura to stand up to him like this.

“We haven’t finalized anything yet, and here you are, already cozying up to another man?”

His accusation felt hollow, especially since he was the one who had betrayed her during their marriage.

Victor stepped forward, fury sparking in his eyes. “You better watch how you talk to her, Carter.”

Laura raised a hand to stop him, but her gesture only fueled Leo’s anger.

“Sure, we aren’t officially divorced, but your first love seems all too eager to step in. I kept quiet when you replaced me so quickly. What gives you the right to stop me from being with someone else?”

Laura’s hair whipped around her face in the breeze, and a smirk curled her lips, revealing a wild, untamed beauty he had never noticed before.

“What’s the deal? Is your anger the only one that matters? Should I just sit back and be quiet while you throw a tantrum?”

Leo was at a loss for words, her confidence leaving him stunned.

At that moment, Suzanne finally caught up, her eyes darting between Leo and Laura. Frustrated by what she saw, she stomped her foot, only to twist her ankle in her heels and tumble to the ground.

“Ah! Leo! My arm! It’s sprained, help!”

Leo snapped out of his reverie and rushed to help Suzanne up, but when he turned back, Laura and Victor had vanished from sight.