Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 4

“We’ve only known each other for three years and haven’t seen each other once in all that time. How deep could the feelings really be?”

Dorian’s tone was calm and indifferent, eyes still on his tablet.

Martha sighed when she heard that. He’d just taken the girl’s virginity, kept her up nearly all night, and didn’t even bother showing a shred of concern in the morning.

“Mrs. Vale is young, kind, and gentle. She’s a good person, sir. You should treat her a little better.”

Dorian gave a cold laugh.

‘Kind? That sweet act is nothing but a front. She pulled every trick in the book just to marry me–she’s not

innocent.”

Martha froze.

Hadn’t Arden only agreed to the marriage because Eugenia begged herfor a long time?

Back then, Arden was only a freshman in college–completely naive, the kind of girl who wore her heart on her sleeve. How could she be the manipulative type?

And what did Dorian mean by saying she’d “risked someone’s life“?

Sir…” Martha tried to speak up, but Dorian stood and walked out before she could say anything more.

The moment he stepped outside, his phone rang. It was Eugenia. “Grandma.”

‘Dorian, don’t forget to bring Arden to the estate tonight.”

‘Okay.”

‘She said she has graduation photos today. Go pick her up from campus.”

‘Alright.”

“And bring her a bouquet. Every girl loves flowers.”

Dorian let out a breath and muttered another “okay” before ending the call.

Just as he hung up, his mother, Theresa Vale, called.

His patience was starting to wear thin. “Mom.”

“Dorian, I heard from your grandma that you came back to Cavell last night?”

“Yes.”

“Make sure you bring Arden to the family dinner tonight. I haven’t seen her in a long time, and I miss her.”

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“Got it.”

Finished

Just as he was about to hang up, Theresa continued, “Where did you stay last night? Did you go back to the villa? Did you see Arden?”

“I did.”

You haven’t seen her in three years. She’s still young, Dorian. Don’t be so cold to her.”

As if Arden was this pure angel and he was the monster who bullied her. He didn’t reply. He just hung up.

Arden? Two more years, and their marriage would be over. They’d go their separate ways.

After being dragged through hell all night and then frozen by Dorian’s cold stare this morning, Arden was in no mood to do anything.

Luckily, she had a naturally pretty face, and with some makeup on, you couldn’t tell much.

Except her usually bright eyes looked a bit dim today, as if something was clouding them. As soon as she got to campus, she received two WhatsApp messages–one from Eugenia, one from Theresa.

“Arden, come to the estate with Dorian for dinner tonight. He’ll pick you up,” Eugenia said.

“Sure, Grandma,” Arden said with a soft smile.

“Arden, come home with Dorian for dinner. I told the kitchen to make your favorite honey BBQ ribs and lemon herb grilled salmon,” Theresa said.

“Thank you, Mom,” Arden said gently.

She put her phone away and sighed.

Just two more years. Dorian should’ve stayed overseas for five full years. Then they could’ve divorced right away the moment he came back.

At four in the afternoon, Lucien pulled up in front of Avalen University and gave Arden a call.

She had just finished taking her graduation pictures.

“Mrs. Vale, Mr. Vale is here to pick you up.”

“Okay.”

She returned to her dorm, changed into a simple white dress, said goodbye to Isla and her roommates, then headed for the gate.

The sleek black Maybach stood out from a distance. As soon as Lucien spotted her, he rolled down the

window.

“Mrs. Vale, over here.”

There were a lot of students at the gate.

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And surprisingly, Arden was the most striking one in the crowd–her fair skin practically glowed.

Arden walked over, assuming Dorian hadn’t come himself. But when she opened the rear door, she saw him inside, lounging against the seat with his eyes closed. His hand rested casually on the window. The sharp lines of his jaw, his Adam’s apple, the way his black outfit framed him–he looked as cold and commanding as ever.

She froze for a second, then climbed in, sitting as close to the door as possible to stay away from him.

Dorian opened his eyes at the sound. Arden turned her head to look out the window.

His gaze drifted over to her pale neck, the soft hair falling loosely around her collarbone–delicate and quiet.

He’d thought she’d message him, reminding him to pick her up like she always did. But she hadn’t sent a single word all day.

Dorian let out a low chuckle. So this was her idea of playing hard to get.

Arden finally looked over, confusion in her eyes.

Afraid she’d get the wrong idea, Dorian said bluntly, “Grandma asked me to come get you.”

“Right. You mean you didn’t really want to be here.”

Dorian didn’t reply. He pulled out his tablet, planning to get some work done.

Arden paused.

“You know, if you’re busy, you don’t have to pick me up. I can drive myself.”

His presence was overwhelming. Just being near him made the car feel smaller.

She didn’t even want to speak to him. Every word felt like she was asking for something.

But then she thought of Grandma’s request–to chase after him, to show affection. Last night had been a disaster.

But her father’s company had been saved. Her father and brother wouldn’t go to jail. She could use these two years to find out who had set them up.

If sacrificing herself meant protecting her family, then it was worth it. And two years from now, she’d be free again.

She’d only be twenty–three. She was still young.

“You don’t need to waste energy on me,” Dorian said suddenly.

His fingers tapped across the tablet keyboard, tone sharp and cold. “Your tricks won’t work on me.”

Arden smiled.

She looked at him, eyes glinting like glass. Her smile was unbothered, her dimples showing faintly.

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“Got it. I’ll make sure to be cold and heartless from now on.”

“That’s what you think I meant?”

She raised an eyebrow. That’s how I took it.”

He glanced over, clearly surprised by her response. She met his eyes calmly, her gaze indifferent and distant–no warmth, no affection, just cold clarity.

The car fell into silence.

Arden had always been cheerful, but in front of Dorian, she suddenly didn’t feel like saying anything at all.

They arrived at the estate. Eugenia and Theresa were waiting at the door. As soon as Arden stepped out, Eugenia greeted her with a big smile.

Arden, sweetie!”

She ran over with a grin and hugged her. Arden smiled sweetly. “Grandma.”

Seeing that Arden got out on her own, and wasn’t carrying any flowers, Eugenia’s expression changed as soon as she saw Dorian approaching.

Sleeves casually rolled, jacket slung over one arm, cigarette hanging from his lips.

Dorian, where are the flowers for Arden?”

Still cold as ever, Dorian answered without missing a beat.

I forgot.”

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