Urging Him to Get a Divorce (Aveline and Xavier) novel Chapter 787

**A Divorce 787**

Rupert’s demeanor shifted, his expression hardening as he locked eyes with his aunt. “Did you really not grasp a single word that Xavier spoke last night?” His voice, though quiet, was laden with an intensity that made the air thick with unspoken tension.

The aunt fidgeted in her chair, discomfort radiating from her as she met his gaze. “Xavier said that Aveline saved him. If that’s the case, why are you still pursuing this matter?” Her tone was tinged with confusion, as if she were desperately seeking clarity amidst the chaos swirling around them.

Rupert remained mute, his jaw tightening as he turned away from her, the silence between them growing heavier. Suddenly, he stood up, the chair scraping against the polished floor in a jarring manner. “Let’s take a walk,” he instructed the butler, his simple command carrying an urgency that suggested he needed to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

With that, he strode out, leaving behind an unsettling silence that wrapped around the room like a shroud.

The aunt turned her focus to Leona, who sat nearby, her eyes swollen and red from a night spent in tears. She reached out, taking Leona’s hand in hers, offering a gentle squeeze as if to provide comfort through the warmth of her touch. “Leona, I’m truly at a loss for words. You’ve been through so much; how did you find yourself ensnared in such a complicated situation?” The concern in her voice was palpable, almost maternal in its tenderness.

Leona released a deep sigh, her heart weighed down by the gravity of her circumstances. “Marcus has always been the paragon of good behavior. Even during business outings, where drinking is a common occurrence, he never causes a stir. How could he possibly get involved with Jacob’s illegitimate daughter?” The disbelief in her voice was unmistakable, as if she were grappling with an impossible reality.

The aunt nodded, her own thoughts racing. “I barely managed to sleep last night either. I kept turning it over in my mind; it’s just so difficult to comprehend.”

Leona’s gaze sharpened, her interest piqued. “Aunt, what do you mean by that?”

The aunt sighed again, her brow knitting together in worry. “I don’t wish to create discord between you two, but wasn’t Josephine once quite close to Xavier? Why would she suddenly choose to seduce Marcus?”

“Marcus mentioned last night that he felt set up,” Leona replied, her mind racing with possibilities. “And it made me think… Jacob’s company has been faltering lately; he’s even in debt.”

Leona leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Are you suggesting that Xavier and the Sutton family orchestrated this against Marcus, or do you think Aveline and Josephine are the ones behind it?”

The aunt let out a nervous chuckle, her anxiety bubbling to the surface. “Honestly, I’m just as bewildered. It all feels too strange. How could Marcus not resist such a temptation?”

Leona fell into a contemplative silence, her eyes cast down as she processed the implications of their conversation. The video and audio evidence she had reviewed the previous night suggested that Marcus was well aware of his actions.

Yet, a troubling thought lingered: perhaps Josephine had deliberately provoked him, ensnaring him in a trap from which he could not escape.

But if Josephine had indeed seduced Marcus, it was likely of her own volition, not because someone had coerced her into it.

Leona recalled how Xavier had intentionally stalled Marcus’s project, and a creeping suspicion settled over her that perhaps Xavier and Aveline were seeking revenge against her.

Doubt clouded her thoughts, but a simmering anger began to rise within her. “If Xavier and Aveline are behind this to hurt me, I swear I will never forgive them,” she declared fiercely, a fire igniting in her chest.

The aunt sighed, her voice softening. “Oh, Leona, you’re so naive. Xavier is the one orchestrating this whole affair. What can you truly do to him?”

“Just let it go,” the aunt continued, her tone shifting to one of resignation. “You have two choices: either divorce Marcus or stay with him. Once you’ve raised Mason, you’ll find your freedom.”

“I can see Mason is a bright and devoted son. You’ll carve out a good life for yourself,” the aunt reassured her, a glimmer of hope shining through her words.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from upstairs—Lauren was urging Lily and Mason to be careful as they made their way down the stairs, their laughter echoing through the hallway.

“Patrick, go wake Marcus. Tell him he needs to kneel before Leona and admit he was wrong,” she commanded, her tone brooking no argument.

Patrick nodded and headed upstairs, determined to confront Marcus. Whether or not Marcus would kneel was a decision that lay in his hands.

When Marcus finally descended the stairs, flanked by Patrick, Rupert had returned, and the family made their way into the dining room for breakfast.

The atmosphere was thick with tension, as if an invisible barrier had formed around Marcus. No one acknowledged him, and only Lauren extended an olive branch to Patrick, encouraging him to sit down and eat.

Marcus took the last seat at the table, the awkwardness almost suffocating as he settled in, acutely aware of the weight of their collective silence.

As breakfast unfolded, the tension in the room was almost palpable, a heavy blanket smothering any attempt at casual conversation. Leona’s heart raced as she observed Marcus, the man she once thought she knew, seated at the table like a stranger. The laughter of her children felt distant, a bittersweet reminder of the innocence she fought to protect amidst the chaos of her crumbling marriage. Her aunt’s words echoed in her mind, urging her to consider the path ahead: divorce or endure. Each choice weighed heavily, the implications of either decision looming larger than the breakfast spread before them. In that moment, Leona realized that her journey was not just about Marcus and the betrayal that had shattered her trust, but about finding her own strength and reclaiming her narrative.

As the meal progressed, the laughter of her children began to pierce through her despair, reminding her of the love that still existed within the walls of their home. Mason’s innocent questions tugged at her heart, igniting a flicker of resilience within her. She looked around the table, taking in the faces of those she loved, and felt a renewed determination swell within her. No matter the outcome of her marriage, she was not alone; she had a family that depended on her. With every passing moment, she understood that her decision would not only shape her future but also the legacy she would leave for Mason. The road ahead was uncertain, but Leona was ready to navigate the complexities of her emotions and the choices that lay before her, fueled by the hope that she could carve out a life filled with love and authenticity once more.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, tensions are set to escalate as the intricate web of relationships and betrayals begins to unravel. With Marcus finally confronting the consequences of his actions, the family dynamics will shift dramatically. Leona, fueled by her simmering anger and determination, is poised to make a decision that could alter the course of her life forever. Will she choose to confront Marcus directly, or will she take Aunt’s advice and focus on her future with Mason? The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with unspoken words and unresolved feelings that could explode at any moment.

Meanwhile, Rupert’s steely demeanor hints at deeper motivations and secrets that have yet to be revealed. As he navigates his own path through the chaos, his intentions toward Leona and the rest of the family will come into sharper focus. Could he be the key to unlocking the truth behind the manipulations of Xavier and Aveline? With the arrival of unexpected allies and hidden agendas, the chapter promises to deliver shocking revelations that will leave readers questioning loyalties and motivations. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters grapple with their past decisions, leading to a climax that could change everything they thought they knew.