Chapter 222
People's hearts are made of flesh. Over the years, Kaitlyn had loved Stanley deeply. She never imagined that one day they would reach a point where they couldn't stand each other and were locked in a bitter struggle.
Time really can change everything.
After hanging up the phone, her heart ached terribly.
By now, there was no talk of love between them, only disputes over money and interests.
Maybe from the beginning, it was all just her wishful thinking. Such a flawed love couldn't last.
She pulled some strings, and the court date came quickly.
Divorce cases involving property division are always tough. After a round of debates, Kaitlyn was exhausted.
Christina came to pick her up. "How'd it go?"
"Do you think I used to see him through rose-colored glasses? He was always so dull and so eager for quick success, but I thought he was the best in the world. Watching him hurl insults at me in court was just laughable," Kaitlyn said with a bitter smile.
Christina sighed softly. "You've grown a lot."
But sometimes, growth comes at a price.
Kaitlyn leaned on her shoulder. "If all goes well, it should be settled by the end of the year. I want to travel then, Christina. Will you come with me?"
Christina gently patted her back. "Where to?"
Kaitlyn thought for a moment. "The Maldives, Hawaii? Anywhere with a beach!"
Christina chuckled. "That's pretty far. If it's abroad, I might not be able to join you."
Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow. "Because of your daughter?"
"Yeah," Christina shrugged.
Kaitlyn didn't mind. "Just bring her along! The three of us, a girls' trip, it would be fun."
Christina sighed again, unable to give a definite answer. "We'll see. Plans can change."
"Alright, if you can't come, I'll find another friend," Kaitlyn said with a bright smile.
She seemed to be naturally warm and energetic, always able to uplift others.
"Who would you ask?" Christina asked with a smile.
"Definitely not a guy. I'm done with men," Kaitlyn sighed deeply. "I have a long life ahead, and I just want to experience everything."
As they spoke, Stanley came down the steps.
Seeing Christina, his expression was a bit nostalgic. She had been his first crush in his youth.
Kaitlyn knew he was there but didn't turn around. Instead, she warmly linked arms with Christina.
"Christina, let's go."
With everything settled, Christina was ready to leave when Stanley suddenly called out to them.
"Kaitlyn, Christina."
They both turned around.
Christina protectively placed Kaitlyn behind her, giving Stanley a wary look. "What is it?"
Stanley took a deep breath and walked over quickly. "Kaitlyn, do you want to reconsider the divorce?"
"You're not trying to keep me because of me. You're worried about losing the company. Stanley, let's just settle the accounts. I don't want to say more," Kaitlyn said, exhausted, waving her hand dismissively.
Stanley pressed his lips together. "These days have been a blur. This month, because of our divorce, I've calmed down and thought things through. I feel like I've found myself again."
Kaitlyn couldn't help but laugh. "I gave you a chance. Thank you for hurting me so deeply; it gave me the chance to be reborn. Let's keep things dignified. Don't make me think you're still irresponsible."
Stanley opened his mouth but couldn't say a word.
Kaitlyn grabbed Christina's hand. "Let's go."
On the way back, Christina picked up Harper.
"Did you have fun at preschool today?"
Harper, eager to share, said happily, "We built with blocks today. Mine was the tallest and steadiest. The teacher praised me!"
"Harper is so excellent. How should Mommy reward you?" Christina pinched her chubby cheek.
Harper giggled. "I want Mommy's homemade shrimp."
"Alright, we'll go to the store and get some," Christina agreed.
"Oh, and Mommy, the teacher said we need to make a pretty lantern. Can we buy the materials?" Harper asked hopefully.
"Of course!" Christina agreed.
There was a large supermarket near their apartment. Christina picked a cart with a seat for Harper.
Harper sat in the cart, spreading her little arms and laughing. "Faster, Mommy, faster!"
"Alright, for Harper, Mommy can go faster," Christina said indulgently, pushing the cart through the aisles.
Suddenly, a man appeared in front of them. She almost couldn't stop in time and nearly collided with him.
To her surprise, the man reacted quickly, stopping the cart.
Harper, a bit startled, saw the man and excitedly opened her arms. "Dad Cavendish!"
It was William.
Christina raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"
"As you can see, buying some things," William said, pointing to the items in his hand.
Christina smirked. "Didn't expect you to be so considerate, buying sanitary pads for your girlfriend."
William looked down and realized he had grabbed a pack of night-use pads without noticing. He blushed, stammering to explain, while Harper giggled and hugged him.
"Dad Cavendish is so nice. I see lots of men who won't buy these for their wives."
"Don't say that," William said, pinching her chubby cheek.
"I'm not lying," Harper pouted.
Christina took Harper back. "You shouldn't jump into his arms like that."
"Why not? Dad Cavendish is my hero," Harper said, snuggling into William's arms.
William felt his heart melt.
The child was soft, innocent, and sweet, just like a mini version of Christina, even more adorable.
Harper grabbed his hand. "Dad Cavendish, can we shop together?"