His Regret Arrived Three Days Late novel Chapter 176

After Yazmin’s repeated pleading, Annika finally agreed to accompany her to Zander's welcome-back party.

Yazmin's face, pampered with a mask the night before, was now covered in exquisite makeup. Her hair, glossy and well-maintained, was swept up in an elegant, noble style. Annika had never seen her mother-in-law in such fine form, a clear testament to the effort she had poured into awaiting Zander’s return.

As soon as Annika and Yazmin entered the banquet hall, they became the center of attention. Annika knew it wasn't because they were special, but simply because Yazmin was Zander's ex-wife. An ex-wife meeting the current one promised a dramatic spectacle—an age-old recipe for gossip.

Yazmin, however, seemed to have prepared herself mentally and remained composed under the frequent stares of the other guests.

Zander, who was greeting guests, showed no change in expression upon seeing Yazmin. His cold demeanor made it obvious he had no feelings left for her. In contrast, the woman trailing behind him, who turned to meet Yazmin’s defiant gaze, offered a smile that was saccharine and deliberately artificial.

No one came to greet them, but Yazmin wasn't fazed. She pulled Annika toward the buffet to get some food. Annika, having little appetite, only took a small piece of cake. Yazmin, however, piled her plates high with seafood, fruit, and more—so much that three plates could barely hold it all. Watching her mother-in-law eat relentlessly across from her, Annika felt a pang of sorrow. In that moment, she saw a reflection of her former self—as lost and heartbroken as she had been the night Conrad flew to Ireland while Serena was gravely ill.

It was true; she and her mother-in-law were kindred spirits. Only those who had lived through it could understand the depth of that pain. Annika finally understood the real reason her mother-in-law was so protective of her: it was a bond forged in shared suffering.

"Mom, maybe you should eat a little less," Annika said with concern.

Lost in her sorrowful memories, Yazmin looked up, her eyes misty. Annika saw clearly how she fought back the moisture, refusing to let a single tear fall. In her grief, Yazmin didn't even notice the change in how Annika addressed her.

"Don't worry, Annika," Yazmin said. "I won't be defeated that easily. I have to live well, just to show them."

"Annika, can I take this as your special way of playing hard to get? A little tough love to welcome me back to Seafall City?"

Annika forcefully wrenched her hand free. "Show some respect, Yves!" she snapped.

His eyes glinted with amusement. "Oh, so you do know who I am. Let me tell you, Annika, the day I heard you and Conrad divorced, I couldn't sleep a wink. Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?" As he spoke, his hands began to wander.

A sharp *slap* echoed through the hall.

Yves’s head snapped to the side. He flicked his tongue against the inside of his stinging cheek and let out a soft chuckle, the amusement in his eyes growing more pronounced. "Only my women dare to hit me. Annika, you must be dying to be my woman. Here, I'll give you a chance."