Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 15

apter 15 Brought Into the Light

Lucien stared at his phone in silence. “…If your wife sees this rumor, won’t that be a problem?”

Finished

Dorian walked over to the window and looked down at the cluster of office towers below. “Has she called the company asking for me these past few days?”

Lucien shook his head. “No.”

“Then it’s not a problem.”

Lucien glanced at him.

Dorian stood there with one hand in his pocket, his profile sharp and indifferent, a cigarette resting between his lips. There was something reckless and defiant in his expression.

Alright then.

Lucien had been with him long enough to know this. He had never seen Dorian truly care about any

woman.

Besides, his wife was never the woman he wanted to marry. Lucien quietly put his phone away and said nothing.

There was no need for Dorian to look into it himself anyway. Videos of Arden singing, along with her graduation photos, had already been dumped into their group chat by Cassian and the others, followed by a flood of mentions.

Cassian sent a video. Then another message followed, a photo.

He tagged Dorian and said, “Your wife is trending. Damn, she’s seriously good–looking.”

Someone replied, tagging Dorian as well. “Once these photos are out, the number of guys chasing after her is definitely going up.”

Theo chimed in, tagging Dorian. “Honestly, your wife looks way better than that childhood friend of yours, Vivienne.”

There was no response for a long time. Cassian tagged Dorian again.

“Seriously,” Cassian said. “What kind of woman are you even into?”

“Don’t tell me you married her and don’t even touch her,” Theo added. “That’s some serious self–control.”

Someone else joined in. “Looking like that and still having to stay hidden. That’s rough.”

By the time Dorian finished his cigarette and returned to his chair, his phone was buzzing nonstop.

He opened the group chat. He scrolled through Arden’s photos and videos, then read through their teasing

messages.

A quiet scoff escaped him.

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He typed, “Don’t you guys have anything better to do all day?”

Cassian replied, “We’re setting something up tonight for your birthday. Is she coming?”

“Yes,” Dorian answered.

Theo raised a brow. “You’re not trying to mess with her head and push her into asking for a divorce, are you? I heard she’s really into you.”

Someone immediately added, “Then we should invite some hot girls too.”

“Obviously,” Cassian said.

Dorian typed again, “It’s a secret marriage. Don’t call her my wife in front of her tonight.”

“Got it,” Cassian replied. “Damn, I wish I could find a wife that understanding.”

After picking up her degree certificate, the ceremony wrapped up early. Arden remembered she had asked Martha to prepare ingredients for a cake, so she did not linger on campus and headed back to Silverbay

Villa.

When Martha saw her come in, she poured her a glass of warm milk.

After drinking it, Arden rolled up her sleeves and called Martha over. “Let’s make a birthday cake for Mr. Vale.”

Martha looked at the gentle, soft–natured wife and smiled. “You rest. I’ll handle it.”

“It’s fine. I’ll do it with you.”

Martha nodded again. “You really have a good heart.”

Arden smiled but said nothing. Since she was supposed to act like she liked Dorian, she had to put in some effort. She had started learning how to bake half a year ago, partly to practice.

More importantly, she wanted to surprise her mother on her birthday someday.

Dorian had everything. There was nothing he lacked. The only thing that might count as thoughtful was something handmade. Even if he did not eat it, she liked desserts anyway. She could treat it as a reward for

herself.

By six in the evening, they finished a small but beautifully made cake.

“Let’s put it in the fridge first,” Arden said. “His friends are throwing him a birthday gathering tonight. When he gets back, I’ll celebrate with him separately.”

Martha carefully stored the cake away.

Arden went upstairs.

At that moment, Isla called her. As soon as she answered, Isla’s voice came through. “Arden, my brother and the others are throwing Dorian a birthday party tonight. Are you going?”

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Yes. Are you?”

“If you’re going, I’ll go too.”

Arden smiled, relieved to have someone familiar. “I’ll go shower first.”

“Oh, Arden, tonight’s a big one. Lots of socialites and pretty girls will be there. Vivienne might show up too. Dress nicely and outshine them all.”

Arden had already expected that.

Dorian’s friends were all elite heirs. They loved to have fun, and socialites and actresses were always eager to get close to them. Everyone would go all out.

Especially since Dorian had always been eye–catching. To the public, he was still single.

“Isla, I’m not trying to impress anyone. There’s no need to compete with them. I’m going to shower.”

“Alright. See you later.”

After showering, Arden put on a white short–sleeved blouse and an orange high–waisted skirt. She chose matching long star–shaped earrings, kept her makeup light, added a soft rose–toned lipstick, grabbed her bag, slipped into low heels, and went downstairs.

Lucien called just then. She answered, “Hello?”

“Mrs. Vale, the boss asked me to pick you up. Are you ready?”

“Yes. I’ll be right out.”

When Arden arrived at the club, night had already fallen. Neon lights flickered to life as well–dressed men and women moved through the streets.

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