Liana, the niece of Jasper’s father’s new wife, effortlessly blended into the lively chatter around the dinner table. Her laughter chimed like music, a stark contrast to Jasper, who wore a scowl that could silence the room. Appetite eluded him, a bitter reminder that Alice had left with nothing but a chaotic whirlwind of memories—no possessions, no farewell, and certainly no trace of the lavish villa that had once been their home. “Where’s Alice? Isn’t she joining us for dinner?” Javier Beckett, Jasper’s father, inquired, a hint of concern flickering across his brow. Jasper’s gaze fell to the table, his voice thick with resignation. “We’re divorced. The papers are signed, and the procedures will follow soon for the divorce certificate.” The reaction from Javier was immediate, disbelief staining his features. “Divorce? Why?” Sophia Kirkman, Javier’s wife, let out a weary sigh, interjecting, “I told you, Javier, Jasper and Alice were never a good match. Yet, you insisted they marry.” “It’s a relief that she’s finally free. She’s endured so much these past three years. They both deserve better now,” she added softly, her eyes shimmering with empathy. “And let’s not forget, Jasper has always had feelings for Lia.” “Jasper, marriage is not something to take lightly. And she…” Javier began, but Jasper cut him off, his irritation bubbling to the surface. “Dad, it’s done. Alice is gone. She took nothing with her, and she won’t be back.” Betty Beckett, Jasper’s sister, couldn’t suppress a derisive laugh. “Wow! Look at her—Alice the country bumpkin, so principled. Don’t tell me this is a ploy to gain sympathy. I hope she doesn’t spread rumors about how we treated her.” Jasper’s mood darkened further at her words. “I think you’ve acted harshly, Jasper. Grandfather is still ill. What will you tell him?” Javier's tone shifted from incredulity to concern, fearing the fallout from their patriarch. “I plan to announce my marriage to Liana next month,” Jasper declared with steadfast conviction. Liana, sitting beside him, felt a rush of excitement at the notion. Unmistakable joy sparkled in her eyes at the idea of their impending union. “That’s absolute nonsense! How could you so casually cast aside your wife of three years? What about your reputation?” “I’ve never cared for reputation,” Jasper responded, unwavering. “Alice White was never the woman I wanted to marry.” “Uncle Javier, please, don’t blame Jasper for this. If anyone’s at fault, it’s me,” Liana said sweetly as she leaned into Jasper. “It’s my fault for visiting, so I should return to Mosgravia tomorrow morning. You should reconcile with Alice. I don’t want to be the villain who ruined your marriage…” “Liana, this has nothing to do with you,” Jasper reassured her, their hands entwined. “There’s nothing left between Alice and me. I’ve endured three years of discontent, and I won’t betray you again.” Outside, a chill hung in the night air. Jonah had taken Alyssa to the lake, where a yacht awaited—an attempt to lift her spirits amidst the shadows of the evening. He hoped the stunning cityscape would brighten her mood. “Jonah, are you trying to torture me?” Alyssa shot back, glancing at the couples merrily entwined around them. “This is a place for lovebirds. I wouldn’t dare come here even when things were better!” “Can’t blame Silas for this one. He arranged the fireworks here, and they’ll start in a few minutes,” Jonah replied nonchalantly as he glanced at his watch. “Five, four, three, two, one…” With a marvelous burst, colors danced across the night sky, illuminating the faces of those nearby. Couples exchanged glances and laughter as they gathered on the deck, while others rushed to the shore to witness the spectacle. “Silas really has terrible taste,” Alyssa muttered, though a flicker of happiness tugged at her lips. “Remember the odd gifts he’s bestowed upon you? He’s made improvements,” Jonah said with a chuckle, pulling her closer into a warm embrace. “This isn’t the only surprise awaiting you. Lots more fun is stacked up in your room, gathering dust until you slow down to enjoy them. You are cherished, Alyssa. Make sure to give your love and time to those who truly deserve it.” Tears threatened to spill from Alyssa’s eyes, the warmth of her brother’s words wrapping around her heart like a comforting blanket. As the evening progressed, a sleek black Maybach came to a halt, and Jasper stepped out, hand in hand with Liana. The night breeze whipped around them, and Liana snuggled closer to Jasper, her voice bright with wonder. “Oh my! Look at the fireworks, Jasper!” Her childlike excitement ignited something within him; it was a stark contrast to the cold indifference Alice emanated. Three years of marriage had proved Alice’s only asset was obedience, a trait lost on Jasper as love was nowhere to be found. They wandered to the railing, and suddenly, fireworks bloomed, transforming the night into a tapestry of light. A message unfurled amidst the glittering display, reading: “Happy Birthday.” A wave of realization crashed over Jasper, eliciting a tumult of emotions. Today was Alice’s birthday. Had Jonah orchestrated this splendid celebration for her? Just then, a yacht swept past, revealing Alice and Jonah smiling and glowing, laughter spilling between them. “Isn’t that Alice? And who’s that with her? He looks familiar—there seems to be a spark between them,” Liana innocuously queried. Jasper’s heart clenched with fury, his grip on the railing tense and knuckles white. They hadn’t yet divorced, yet Alice was out enjoying herself with another man. How could she have cried so pitifully just hours before? The yacht circled the lake, finally docking at the shore. As the passengers disembarked, Jonah expertly wrapped his arm around Alyssa’s waist, leading her down the gangway. “Alice White!” Jasper’s voice cut through the night, filled with urgency that halted Alyssa in her tracks. She turned to find him striding toward her, his striking features as captivating as ever but all too familiar with the sting of rejection she had endured. “Who is he?” Jasper demanded, his tone icy. “Mr. Beckett, your memory seems to be fading,” Jonah replied evenly, holding Alyssa protectively. “Alice, answer me!” Jasper ignored Jonah, closing the distance between them. “Mr. Beckett, we’re divorced now. Why should I answer to you about who this is?” Alyssa replied, her voice cool and impassive, a stark contrast to the sunny demeanor she had once worn. Jasper’s expression shifted, disbelief mingled with anger. He could hardly fathom that the woman he once knew as obedient was now confronting him with such defiance. “And yet, you are already cozied up with another man, even before the ink is dry on our divorce papers?” His accusation barely masked the bitterness he felt. Jonah’s anger flared, fists tightening as he prepared to confront Jasper, but Alyssa stepped in front of her brother, stemming the tide of conflict before it could escalate. Yet, her restraint only fueled Jasper’s fury. “Lose my number, Jasper. You chose to abandon me, and trust me, I won’t shed tears over your new ‘interest’,” Alyssa retorted, her hair swirling in the breeze, lips curling into a smirk—an expression Jasper had never realized could be so breathtaking. It radiated a fierce independence that was now impossible to ignore. “Is it just the ex-husband allowed to rage while the ex-wife must remain silent?” The sharpness of her words rendered him speechless. In that moment, Liana caught up with them, her eyes darting between Jasper and Alice, her mind quick to gauge the unfolding drama. The jealousy bubbling within her spilled over, prompting her to stomp her foot in agitation. However, in her high heels, the misstep resulted in a sharp twist, sending her tumbling to the ground. “Ah! Jasper! My ankle!" she cried, her voice breaking through the charged atmosphere. Jasper snapped out of his stupor, rushing to her side, concern furrowing his brow. But as he turned to seek Alice’s gaze, she had already vanished into the night, leaving nothing but echoes of unresolved emotions and unspoken words in her wake.