Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 13

er 13 The Other Woman’s Headlines

“I’ll stay there‘

Martha was startled. “Mrs. Vale, this…”

Just don’t tell Grandma.”

Thinking of the argument Arden and Dorian seemed to have last night, Martha looked at her with concern. She let out a soft sigh. “Alright, I’ll go get the guest room ready.”

Arden sat cross–legged on the couch watching TV. By 11:30 p.m., there was still no sign of Dorian.

She picked up her phone and opened WhatsApp.

Arden asked, “Dorian, are you coming home tonight?”

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No reply for a long while. Martha came downstairs just then and told her the guest room was ready. Arden thanked her, then went upstairs.

She went into the master bedroom, packed up her toiletries and clothes, and moved everything to the

guest room.

After a quick shower, she lay down in bed. Her phone started buzzing nonstop.

With a sheet mask on, Arden leaned back against the pillows and picked up her phone. It was Isla and Nova.

Still no response from Dorian. Their group chat had nearly a hundred unread messages.

Maybe noticing that Arden hadn’t replied, Isla sent her a direct message.

Isla sent a photo and said, “Arden, look at this. Vivienne just made the trending list, and guess who’s right next to her–your husband.”

Arden opened the picture.

Vivienne’s ankle looked like it was wrapped, and Dorian was standing right beside her.

His profile was sharp and cold, still wearing today’s white dress shirt and black trousers. With those broad shoulders and narrow waist, he was impossible to miss.

Even though it was just his side profile, Arden recognized him immediately.

The background? A hospital. Not just any hospital–the Vale family’s private hospital.

‘Arden replied, “Yeah. I saw it.”

She tapped back into the group chat. Isla and Nova had posted several pictures. All of them were of

Vivienne and Dorian.

And then the trending headlines.

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Charwy 13 The than Woman’s Headlines

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A–list Star Vivienne Injured on Set. Spotted with CEO Dorian Vale at Midnight

Vivienne’s Backer is Allegedly the Vale Family

Vivienne and Dorian–Childhood Sweethearts?

Vivienne Might Be the Future Mrs. Vale

Arden scrolled through the posts and then exited the app.

Isla asked. “So Dorian and Vivienne really grew up together?”

Arden said, “Maybe.”

Nova said. “Word is, Vivienne skyrocketed in the industry thanks to her connections. Think it’s Dorian pulling strings?”

Arden said, “Wouldn’t be surprised.”

Isla said, “All these socialites would kill to be linked with Dorian. And now this woman’s clinging to him like glue.”

Nova added, “Exactly. That post has been trending for hours. If Dorian wanted it gone, it’d be wiped already.”

Arden yawned. “I’m heading to bed. Got my thesis defense tomorrow.”

Isla said, “Girl, are you seriously okay with this? That’s your husband with a literal movie star. And Vivienne looks like a damn siren.”

Nova asked, “You didn’t call him? Seriously?”

Arden said, “I’m fine. Go to sleep, both of you.”

That night, Dorian never came home. Nor did he reply.

Arden peeled off her mask, washed her face, and went to sleep. She slept surprisingly well.

The next morning, after breakfast, she went to campus for her thesis defense–followed by a graduation dinner, or what people liked to call the “farewell meal.”

Thankfully, her defense went smoothly. By the time it was all done, it was only four in the afternoon.

She drove herself home to Silverbay Villa. Dorian still hadn’t returned. Arden didn’t care.

He owned plenty of real estate, and she knew full well he didn’t like her. Of course he’d rather stay somewhere else.

She glanced at the calendar. Dorian’s birthday was in two days.

Even if she didn’t want to remember it, she knew it was coming. By tomorrow, both Eugenia and Theresa would definitely message her.

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Chapter 13 The Other Woman’s Headlines

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For the past three years, playing the “adoring wife” role, she always texted him at exactly 12:01 a.m. with a birthday message.

Sometimes even mailed a gift or cake. There were even awkward little confessions, gushing about how hopelessly in love she was with him.

She had another good night’s sleep.

The next morning, just like clockwork, texts came in.

“Arden, it’s Dorian’s birthday tomorrow. Are you two coming to the estate for dinner?” Eugenia asked.

“I’ll ask Mr. Vale, Grandma,” Arden replied.

Eugenia stared at the word “Mr. Vale” and frowned. Something about it felt… distant.

After breakfast, Arden messaged him.

“Dorian, Grandma asked if you’re coming to the estate for dinner tomorrow,” Arden wrote. She didn’t mention his birthday.

“No,” Dorian replied.

Of course not. His friends had already planned something. A few minutes later, Arden’s phone lit up again.

“You’re coming with me to an event tomorrow night,” Dorian said.

“Okay,” Arden replied.

She didn’t ask where he’d been the past few days.

Back at the office, Dorian sat at his desk, eyes lingering on Arden’s message. Something felt… off.

That night, Arden set a reminder for 11:58 p.m., just like every year. She stayed up watching a show, waiting.

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