Chapter 502

chapter502

Tears glimmered in Annabelle’s eyes. “I know you look down on me, but I had no other choice.”

“How ridiculous! Did Jeremy hold a knife to your throat and force you to become his mistress? You and your lover are perfect for each other. Don’t try to paint yourself as innocent,” Natalie scoffed.

Natalie had never imagined she would find herself in such a situation. She felt like the main character in a twisted drama. If this were a fairytale, she would be the villainous queen blocking the king’s affection for his princess. She rubbed her arm, feeling goosebumps forming on her skin at the sheer absurdity of it all.

Annabelle’s face turned visibly embarrassed. “I know I was wrong, terribly wrong. But so many women at the company admire Mr. Hughes. Even if it weren’t me, someone else would have stepped in. You’ve known him for so long—did you really think he could only have eyes for you all this time?”

“Are you finished?” Natalie asked, her face expressionless. She realized that trying to understand Annabelle was pointless; people simply operated on different moral planes.

Jeremy likely couldn’t comprehend why she insisted on a divorce instead of turning a blind eye, as many others in her position would. To some, being Mrs. Hughes brought benefits that outweighed the pain of infidelity. But not to her.

As Natalie turned to leave, Annabelle quickly blocked her path. “Wait! Are you refusing to help me because you still want to stay with Mr. Hughes?”

Natalie found this amusing. “What does a divorce have to do with helping you?”

Annabelle was caught off guard by Natalie’s clear logic. Only yesterday, Natalie had looked devastated. It had only been twenty-four hours, yet she had already regained her composure.

At that moment, a formidable figure entered the ward. Jeremy appeared in front of Natalie, blocking her view of Annabelle. Seeing him, Annabelle turned pale. Natalie’s expression wasn’t much better, a faint sneer flickering in her eyes. She assumed his prompt arrival was due to his fear of her "bullying" his lover.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t touched her,” Natalie said coldly. “I just can’t understand why you refused the divorce yet chose to terminate the pregnancy she was carrying. I’ll explain everything to your parents, but I won’t expose your disgraceful actions to the public.”

Jeremy’s facial muscles tightened. When he met Natalie’s gaze, her eyes were filled with such sarcasm and disgust that it felt as if a vise had gripped his heart.

“Nath, it’s not what you think. She was never a 'new love.' I never cared for her. Between us, it was just—”

“Just a fling, right? Jeremy, even if it was just a moment of weakness, it doesn't change the fact that you’ve tainted our marriage. When you were with her, did you ever consider the consequences? Or perhaps you think by refusing the divorce and keeping your secrets, you can enjoy the thrill of it all? What do you take me for?” Natalie’s cold laughter echoed in the room.

Jeremy’s back stiffened, his face draining of color. He could be ruthless and decisive in the business world without batting an eye, but now, it felt as though his throat were being squeezed shut. He couldn’t utter a single word in his defense.

Annabelle stood stunned, watching the man she thought she knew. She couldn’t believe Jeremy could be so cold toward her yet so desperate for Natalie’s regard. The contrast was striking—and devastating.