Chapter 2
Winifred had once been the beloved Chappell heiress, Naville’s golden girl. Then she’d chosen Gregory over everything–her family, her fortune, and her future.
Her father had warned that marrying Gregory would mean losing her place as his daughter. Yet blinded by youthful passion, she’d brushed off his warnings as empty threats and even blamed him for standing in the way of her happiness.
In the end, she chose Gregory. With that decision, she gave up the Chappell name, taking her mother’s instead. Every tie to her family and everything she’d inherited–all of it was gone.
After three long years, Winifred finally accepted the truth–Gregory would never love her, no matter what she did. She had outgrown that foolish, lovestruck version of herself. If their marriage wasn’t built on love, she’d rather end it and let them both move on.
Tears sprang to Truman’s eyes when she spoke. “So you’ve finally seen Gregory for the cruel man he is? Good. Walk away without taking anything. We Chappells have no use for his money.”
Winifred brushed away her tears. “I’ll come home after the divorce is final. How are Dad and Eugene doing?”
“Dad’s the same as ever. But Eugene…” Truman’s voice dropped. “He’s disappeared.”
JDisappeared?” Winifred’s chest tightened. “How?”
“After you left, Eugéne was so upset that he volunteered for an extremely high–risk special operation… We haven’t heard from him since.” Truman’s words trailed off into silence.
Their brother Eugene Chappell had spent years handling classified special ops missions, always returning victorious no matter the odds. If he could disappear, the implications were terrifying.
She shook off the disturbing thought. “Joseph still has friends in the military,” she told Truman calmly. “I’ll ask for his help at his birthday party, and then meet you after.”
Truman hesitated. “Maybe you shouldn’t go,” he said. “Just come back early. Eugene would never want you to swallow your pride with the Hoffmans on his account.”
A soft smile touched her lips as she remembered Joseph’s affection. It’s alright, Truman,” she reassured him. “Joseph isn’t like other Hoffmans. And of course, I’ll prepare something truly worthy of his kindness.”
Later that day, Winifred visited a well–known gift store. As she opened the door, her breath caught. There was Gregory, his tall frame unmistakable even from across the shop. Is he here to buy a gift for Joseph too?‘ she thought.
Winifred was about to approach when a beautiful woman rushed to Gregory’s side.
The woman threw her arms around his neck and asked in a sweet voice, “Gregory, how do these earrings look on me?”
Gregory’s usual cold demeanor melted away. “You make everything look perfect, Mandy,” he said tenderly.
A sharp pang of pain shot through Winifred’s chest. Throughout their entire marriage, Gregory had never once gazed at her with such tenderness.
Then realization dawned–this was Mandy Scott, the very woman who had coldly abandoned him after his accident, publicly vowing never to
return.
“What do you think about me wearing these to Joseph’s party?” Mandy’s voice brought Winifred back to the present.
“They suit you,” Gregory commented.
Winifred’s fists clench. ‘So this is why Gregory’s been rushing the divorce. Mandy is back in his life, back in his arms. And now he’s taking her to the family event?‘ The realization hits her like a physical blow.
“Mrs. Hoffman?” a clerk called out in recognition.
Gregory and Mandy turned at the sound. His expression darkened instantly. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.
Winifred gave a small, tired smile. “Same reason as you, I imagine.”
Mandy’s eyes flashed with hidden mockery as she feigned weakness, leaning heavily against Gregory’s chest. “Hello, Winifred. I’m Mandy.”
Winifred caught the smug victory in Mandy’s gaze, yet her expression never wavered as she faced Gregory. “So you’re divorcing me for her?”
Gregory didn’t blink. “Yes. Mandy was there when I needed someone. She’s the only woman I want as my wife.”
12/2
Winifred clenched her fists so hard that her nails left marks, but all she did was laugh—a sharp, hollow sound. “She was there for you? Gregory, I was an idiot.”
Winifred could hardly believe her three years of devotion meant so little that Mandy’s return could destroy everything. Right then, she vowed she would never shed another tear for him.
An old shopkeeper shuffled over, holding out a neatly wrapped box. “From Mr. Chappell, miss,” he said kindly.
Winifred took it with a quiet “Thanks” and turned to go, ignoring them both.
But Gregory grabbed her arm, his grip tight. “Wait. Explain yourself.”
She jerked free, glaring. “Nothing to do with you.” Then she walked away, leaving him standing there.
Mandy hooked her arm through Gregory’s again. “She’s not that into you.”
A shadow crossed Gregory’s face. ‘Has she already moved on? Found some new man before our divorce is finalized?‘
