The news of their divorce shocked the entire Rockwell Family. After all, Patrick had saved Clarissa not long ago and the two seemed deeply in love.
Alberta, Clarissa's mother, couldn’t stop herself from persuading them.
“Did you two just have a fight? Couples argue all the time. Why does it have to end in divorce?”
At the dining table, Patrick sat cold-faced and silent.
Meanwhile, Clarissa lowered her eyes and said calmly, “I just suddenly realized we are not suitable for each other.”
Alberta wanted to say more but stopped. Victoria, however, showed a flash of happiness in her eyes, though her face looked worried.
“Clarissa,” she said softly, “don’t act on impulse. You’re already thirty. If you lose your husband, who would want to marry you?”
Clarissa slowly raised her head and saw the hidden malice in Victoria’s eyes.
She smiled and replied with calmness, “Oh, I’m not worried about my next married life. But Victoria, you’re almost thirty too. Why haven’t you found someone to marry yet?”
Before Victoria could react, Patrick suddenly slammed his fork on the table.
“Clarissa!” he said angrily. “This is between us. Don’t take your anger out on Vicky.”
Clarissa clenched her fingers and laughed sarcastically. “Oh, tell me then, when she said the same thing about me, why don’t you stop her?”
Patrick said coldly, “She’s telling the truth. You’re already thirty. Can’t you be more mature? Do you really think stuff like divorce can be brought up so easily?”
Victoria shook her head with discontent. “It's fine Patrick. I spoke carelessly. So, it’s normal for my sister to be angry.”
Patrick comforted her gently, not even sparing Clarissa a glance.
Clarissa already knew Patrick loved Victoria, but his actions her heart still hurt.
She told herself to stay calm. 'Clarissa, just wait thirty days. After the 'cooling-off period', everything will be over.' So, Clarissa insisted on the divorce to continue.
Later, her mother pulled her aside to a quiet place and asked softly, “Risa, if Patrick hadn’t saved you in that explosion, you would have died. Why do you suddenly want a divorce?”
Alberta knew her daughter well. Clarissa truly did fell for Patrick. If nothing serious had happened, she would never ask for a divorce.
Clarissa saw the worry on her mother’s face. She wanted to tell her that Patrick was behind that explosion. That he was secretly having an affair with Victoria.
But her reason overcame emotion. So, Clarissa shook her head. “We’re just not compatible, Mom.”
Alberta sighed helplessly but respected her decision. “Grandpa’s birthday is coming soon. He has always liked Patrick. Don’t let him find out about the divorce.”
Clarissa remembered that her grandpa hadn’t liked Patrick at first. But three years ago, Darius got so frightened during a flight travel and suffered a heart attack. Patrick quickly called the hospital and saved his life.
When Darius became seriously ill, Patrick developed a new medicine to ease his condition. That was why Darius came to value him so much.
Clarissa had already thought this through. In the divorce agreement, she gave her consent so that Patrick got the money he deserved during the thirty days. In return, Patrick had to cooperate and act all normal in front of Grandpa Darius.
There were four days left until Darius’s birthday. So, Clarissa sent Patrick a message, asking him to come back that day.
Patrick replied with one word: [Okay.]
Relieved, Clarissa stayed at the company. But on the day of the banquet, she sent many messages:
[Patrick, where are you?]
Her messages received no reply. Her calls went unanswered.
What Clarissa didn’t expect was that her grandpa had found out about the divorce. He was so angry that he suffered another heart attack on the spot. No medicine helped and he was rushed to the hospital overnight.
Clarissa panicked completely. She kept sending messages:
[Patrick, Grandpa Darius is sick again. Come back soon, would you?]
