Chapter 5 Humiliation

The night was pitch black as Ronald's car crept to a stop in front of the Forbes Villa.

He clutched the steering wheel, deep in thought.

On the passenger seat was a fancy gift box with a dress he had picked out with care. This was prepared for Elsie. Tomorrow night was his grandmother's birthday party, who was also the hostess of the Borgia family.

Ronald stared at the gift box, his brown eyes giving nothing away.

Elsie's recent cold shoulder made him feel like he was losing his grip on things.

He checked his watch and dialed Elsie's number.

After a few rings, the call went dead.

Ronald's frown deepened, and he called his assistant.

"Drop the package off at the Forbes Villa," he ordered coolly.

...

At the entrance of Elsie's apartment, a stranger handed her the gift box, politely saying, "Ms. Forbes, Mr. York asked me to deliver this. He hopes you can make it to Mrs. Borgia's birthday party tomorrow night."

Elsie glanced at the gift box, her face unreadable.

She nodded, took the box, and gently closed the door.

Standing behind the door, Elsie looked at the gift box in her hand, her gaze eerily calm.

She didn't open it right away but placed it on the sofa with a cold smile on her lips.

'What is he trying to do? Keep up this charade of a marriage?' With that thought, Elsie let out a self-mocking laugh and went back to packing her suitcase.

She had already booked a flight to Novaria in three days.

It was a small town where she and Cedric had once lived, and where he now lay in eternal repose.

She was leaving, ending this ridiculous marriage once and for all.

Elsie sat at her computer, handing a detailed document to Julie.

"These are the tasks that need to be handled next," she said, her expression calm.

Julie looked at the document, her heart tightening.

"Elsie, are you really leaving?" Julie asked cautiously, her tone filled with unease.

Elsie nodded, then looked out the window, lifting her chin slightly as she said, "I've booked my flight. In three days, I'll be in Novaria. The air there is peaceful, just what I need."

Julie clutched the document, trying to hide her emotional turmoil. "What about the next competition?"

Elsie turned to her, her expression unwavering. "Arrange it for me. I'll be back in time for the competition. Handle the domestic affairs as outlined in the document."

Julie looked at her calm demeanor, feeling a pang of sadness.

She knew Elsie had made up her mind. There was no turning back.

The next day, Elsie finally opened the gift box.

She wanted to see what kind of dress Ronald had sent, but the moment she saw it, she froze.

The dress inside was bright red, made of sheer fabric, and designed to be revealing. It was not a normal party dress but a piece of lingerie.

Looking at it, anger surged in Elsie's chest.

"Is he trying to humiliate me?"

At that moment, her phone screen lit up.

It was a message from Missy.

[Elsie, your dress is beautiful. Did Ronald pick it out for you?]

Attached was a photo.

In the photo, Ronald sat on a sofa, looking through a parenting book. Missy leaned against him, her hand gently resting on her pregnant belly, her expression tender.

[Elsie, Ronald and I are doing prenatal education. He's so attentive to the baby, such a good husband.]

Those few words felt like knives stabbing into Elsie's heart.

Elsie gripped her phone, her fingers trembling slightly.

She looked out the window, memories from years ago flooding her mind.

At that time, she believed Ronald was a savior sent by Cedric.

She wanted a child that belonged to both of them. She had begged Mason to help her with her health.

Mason Green was Ronald's childhood friend and a top obstetrician in the country.

Elsie had undergone numerous tests and taken countless medications, but she still didn't get pregnant.

Later, she accidentally discovered the truth—it was Ronald who was preventing it.

He didn't want a child, especially not a "mute's child."

She remembered Mason's advice: "Elsie, give up. Ronald won't change his mind."

At that time, she still held onto hope, thinking Ronald just wasn't ready.

But now, she had finally realized that he never desired a future with her.

That night, the Borgia Mansion was brightly lit.

Guests gathered in small groups, chatting heartily.

Elsie, adorned in a gown crafted by a renowned designer, gracefully entered the banquet hall.

The red gown highlighted her figure, making her look exceptionally stunning.

Her cool demeanor and faint smile exuded an irresistible charm under the lights.

Guests couldn't help but steal glances at her.

Ronald stood among the crowd, his eyes following her every move.

His brow furrowed, a sense of displeasure rising within him.

He quickly walked over, blocking her path. "Elsie, what are you wearing?" he asked in a low, reproachful tone.

Elsie glanced at him indifferently, not answering, and walked around him.

Ronald grabbed her wrist, his voice cold. "Come with me."

"I have things to do," she replied coolly, her gaze devoid of warmth.

Ronald's expression darkened further.

Just then, Missy's voice came from nearby. "Ronald."

She wore a pure white dress, her usual gentle smile on her face as she approached.

Her arrival drew the attention of the Borgia family members.

Ronald's grandmother, Raina Borgia, frowned, her gaze icy. "Ms. Forbes, long time no see."

Missy seemed sheepish, lowering her head slightly. "I'm sorry; I just found out Ronald was attending a party and wanted to come along. I didn't know it was your birthday party."

Her words immediately highlighted her unusual relationship with Ronald.

The surrounding guests began to whisper.

Raina's gaze was sharp. "Since you weren't invited, please leave."

Her tone was harsh, clearly standing up for Elsie.

Missy spoke with a hint of grievance. "I came to deliver something."

Elsie watched coldly, her expression still indifferent.

Seeing her unbothered demeanor, Ronald felt a surge of anger.

Did she really not care about being Mrs. York?

At that moment, Missy took out a dress. "Elsie, this dress was specially chosen by Ronald for you, but I found it in your room, cut up like this."

The shredded dress instantly became the center of attention.

Ronald's expression grew grim.

"Did you cut it?" His voice was as cold as ice.

Elsie slightly curled her lips. She knew who had done it, but she still signed decisively. "Yeah, I did."

"Do you know what occasion this is?" Ronald's tone was filled with anger.

Elsie replied calmly, "That's why I wore something I like."

She lifted her hand, removing Ronald's grip from her wrist, and walked towards the other side of the banquet.

Ronald stood there, staring at her back, his expression dark and stormy.

A tumultuous emotion churned within him. 'What is Elsie trying to do?'

But he didn't realize she was already drifting away from him, not just physically, but emotionally too.