Chapter 2 The Divorce Agreement
Nathaniel did not return all night. However, Estella knew where he was.
On Naomi’s social media, a live stream was showing a party celebrating Isabelle’s return.
Nathaniel had booked the largest hotel in Javerton and had fireworks set off all night.
Beautiful champagne roses filled every corner of the banquet hall.
His friends gathered around to celebrate Isabelle, and everyone was in high spirits.
It was a social circle Estella had never been a part of.
Because to Nathaniel, she was just a nanny. He never introduced her to his friends or acknowledged her presence in public.
After breakfast, she received the divorce papers had sent over.
She signed her name and placed the documents on the dining table.
Then, she got up and went out to buy groceries.
The contract was clear. During their marriage, she was responsible for taking care of Nathaniel.
So even if he didn’t come home, she still had to prepare dinner and wait for him.
At eight o’clock that night, Nathaniel returned.
His suit was still crisp, suggesting he had changed at the office.
Estella was about to reheat the food when Nathaniel said, “Don’t bother. I’m heading out later.”
He didn’t spare her a glance and hurried upstairs.
Estella followed and saw him enter the bathroom.
So, she prepared a clean set of clothes and placed them on the cabinet outside the door.
Then, she went downstairs and sat at the dining table, waiting for him to finish showering so they could talk about the divorce.
Nathaniel came down while fastening his watch and said casually, “I’m going on a business trip to Kingston for three days. I’ll leave tomorrow night. Pack my things.”
Estella hummed in acknowledgment and picked up the documents from the table. “Take a look at this…”
Nathaniel seemed impatient.
Without bothering to check, he asked, “Is it another application for your mom’s medical expenses?”
Every month, she had to draft a contract to request money from him, listing all expenses in detail.
The biggest cost was always her mother’s nursing care.
He was used to it. Without a second glance, he signed the last page.
“Alright, don’t forget to pack my luggage.”
Then, he opened the door and left.
Estella watched his retreating figure and smiled blankly.
In truth, her mother’s condition had improved significantly. She hadn’t requested medical expenses for half a year. But he had never noticed.
She called a local courier and sent the documents to Madeline.
174
3:17 PM P
Chapter 2 The Divorce Agreement
With Madeline’s means, the divorce certificate could be processed without even going to city hall.
However, the mandatory cooling–off period was one month.
She still had to wait another month before she could leave.
When she checked her phone, she saw Naomi’s latest social media post.
Finished
Naomi had posted a picture of a plane ticket, saying she was tagging along with her brother and sister–in–law to Kingston for a concert.
So. his so–called business trip to Kingston is really just an excuse to accompany Isabelle to a concert.
444
While Nathaniel was on his so–called business trip, Estella didn’t stay idle.
She contacted an agent, looked at apartments, and settled on a one–bedroom unit for rent.
The villa Madeline had given her was nice, but it was too far from her workplace, and the maintenance fees were high.
She planned to sell it once the property was transferred to her name, ensuring her financial stability.
Besides, her mother’s health had improved, and she no longer needed as much money for treatment.
Then, she went home and continued packing.
When she glanced at the wardrobe, she realized all her clothes were the ones she had brought before marriage. Nathaniel had never bought her a single piece of clothing.
And he never wore the clothes she had bought for him. They still had their tags attached.
Over the years, Nathaniel only wore two specific brands..
She had learned from Naomi that Isabelle was the one who recommended those brands.
Since he never wore the clothes she bought, keeping them was a waste. She packed them all up and listed them for sale online at a low price.
For three days, she busied herself packing. Everything that belonged to her was sent to her new place.
She didn’t have much. Even if Nathaniel returned, he wouldn’t notice anything missing.
Because he had never cared about what was in the house or where things were placed.
Before Nathaniel returned to Javerton, he called her. “Estella, get ready. Tomorrow, we’re going to Mr. Liam’s place for the funeral.”
The Bowen family and the Hartwell family had close ties.
Estella had previously accompanied Nathaniel to a Bowen family banquet, Naturally, she had to attend their funeral with him as well.
In truth, Estella disliked such occasions.
There weren’t many people in his circle who thought highly of her. The way they looked at her made her uncomfortable.
Her personality didn’t allow her to be effortlessly sociable or likable. But she had no right to refuse.
Fortunately, they would be divorced soon. After that, she wouldn’t have to accompany him to such events anymore.
When Nathaniel returned, he indeed didn’t notice any changes in the house.
Since Estella had packed his belongings, he naturally wouldn’t realize that half of the walk–in closet was empty.
“The outfit you wore last time was inappropriate. You’d better ask Mom for advice.” He reminded her while replying to
2/4
3:17 PM p p
Chapter 2 The Divorce Agreement
messages on his phone.
Estella responded with a simple “okay.”
He never cared about what she wore.
Only on important occasions would he offer suggestions.
But that was just to save himself from embarrassment, not because he actually cared.
She called Madeline.
Madeline had someone send over an outfit directly.
After trying it on and confirming it fit, she put it away.
The next day, she wore the outfit, got into Nathaniel’s car, and accompanied him to the Bowen family’s funeral.
Sitting in the passenger seat, she felt slightly uncomfortable.
She reached out and touched something small wedged in the seat crevice. It was a black hair clip.
She already knew whose it was.
It seemed Isabelle had been in the passenger seat quite often.
She let out a faint, mocking smile.
Luckily, they were already going through the divorce. Otherwise, she would have been absolutely disgusted.
At the funeral, Isabelle was there too.
This was the first time Estella saw Isabelle in real life.
Finished
She was slender, clad in a black dress similar to Estella’s. Her light makeup accentuated her fragility, making her look even more delicate and innocent, like the perfect embodiment of demure grace.
Isabelle walked up to Nathaniel and softly called, “Nate.”
She probably wanted to take his arm but refrained because Estella was there.
Nathaniel gave her a faint smile and greeted, “Belle.”
Then, he introduced Estella. “This is Estella.”
Estella caught on immediately.
He called her Belle, but called her by her full name.
She didn’t care anymore, but it was still laughable.
Not wanting to interrupt their affectionate exchange, she simply said she was going to see Madeline and walked away.
Nathaniel watched her leave, his expression subtly displeased.
Isabelle noticed the way he looked at Estella, and a hint of unease crept into her heart.
Nate doesn’t care about Estella, does he? But the way he looks at her doesn’t seem entirely indifferent either.
She quickly pushed the thought aside.
She and Nathaniel had grown up together. They were each other’s first love. She didn’t believe she would lose.
