My Deceased Wife Wants a Divorce (Hannah) novel Chapter 696

Hannah listened to Lionel’s words and couldn’t help but laugh, as if she’d just heard the funniest joke.

“People’s tastes change, Lionel. Besides, I never liked pickled jalapeños. I only ate them because *you* liked them, and I didn’t want to spoil your fun.”

Hannah openly admitted to the foolish things she’d done in the past. Even now, she didn’t see her former self as stupid or refuse to face who she had been.

No matter the stage of her life, she had always done what she thought was best at the time. She wasn't going to condemn her past self for it.

Love was love, and hate was hate. She wouldn't erase everything she’d done just because she hated Lionel now.

Lionel stared at her, stunned for several seconds, finding it hard to believe what she was saying.

He fell silent, then forced a strained smile. “Hannah, you’re joking, right? Nobody would eat something they don't like just for someone else. That’s not a very good excuse, Hannah.”

A wave of bitterness washed over Hannah as she heard his dismissive tone.

Even after all this time, after everything that had happened, Lionel’s words were as cutting and self-absorbed as ever.

Hannah picked up a bottle of water, took a sip, and set it down. She slowly raised her eyes, her gaze deep and meaningful.

“Because you would never do something like that for another person, you naturally assume no one else would either. But I’m telling you, I truly despise pickled jalapeños. It was just my one-sided attempt to please you.”

Hannah’s expression was cold and emotionless, which sent a shiver of unease through Lionel.

She had been trapped in her own one-sided delusions. It was only when she finally stepped out of them that she realized the storm had only ever existed in her own mind.

“About the compensation money,” Hannah said, cutting straight to the point, “don’t you dare give her a single cent.”

“You cheated on me and lavished gifts on your mistress, and I was the one who had to humiliate myself to get every single item back. Now, because of your illegal activities, you’re expected to pay a huge sum.”

A sly glint appeared in Hannah’s eyes as she looked at him with a half-smile. “But if you really insist on paying it, go right ahead.”

He should have been happy to hear that, to hear her finally relent.

But Lionel knew, deep down, that whatever came next would be anything but good.