Chapter 5

Lost in his thoughts, James felt a warm hand on his. He turned to see Charlotte looking at him with concern. "Are you feeling okay? Would you like some soup?"

James shook his head.

After greeting Richard, Sarah quietly took her seat, pointedly ignoring their interaction.

Richard let out a scoff of disgust.

Dinner at the Chancers' was traditionally eaten in silence. Sarah had little appetite but picked at her food to be polite.

After dinner, Richard held her back. "I've heard about you and James. Don't worry, Sarah. You're the only daughter-in-law this family recognizes."

He cast a cold look at Charlotte and James, their faces stiffening at his words. "If anyone should leave this family, it should be the homewrecker and this excuse for a man!"

Sarah shifted uncomfortably.

James's jaw tightened. Beside him, Charlotte clutched his hand, her eyes filling with tears, looking every bit the victim.

Richard ignored them both, drumming his fingers on the table with a sigh. "Your father and I were close friends despite our age difference. Having you join our family brought me such joy. How can I face your father if we let you go now?"

James massaged his temples. "Grandfather, I'll make sure Sarah is taken care of. You can't force love..."

Richard's temper flared. "Force love? You're blind! Just look at who you've chosen!"

"Grandfather..."

Seeing the argument brewing, Sarah intervened softly, "It wasn't his decision, Grandfather. I wanted the divorce too."

Her words dropped like a stone into still water.

Sarah poured Richard a glass of water, waiting for him to take a sip before continuing quietly, "Please don't worry about me. I'm not sacrificing anything. Every decision has been my own. I want this divorce because I simply don't love him anymore."

Her face was peaceful, like someone who'd finally found freedom, carrying a strange sort of serenity.

James stared at her profile in the soft lighting, his expression darkening.

After a long silence, Richard spoke heavily, "Our family has failed you."

Sarah paused, then smiled without responding.

Seeing Richard had calmed, she made her excuses to leave.

Given the late hour, Richard nodded, muttering as she walked away, "Better off divorced. Better than staying with this fool."

With a final sigh, Richard retreated to his study without a glance at his grandson.

James's expression grew stonier.

"Go comfort your grandfather," Charlotte said softly. "He's always been fond of Sarah. He must be taking this hard."

Ever the peacemaker, Charlotte prompted James, who squeezed her hand. "Let me drive you home first."

After dropping Charlotte off, James found his grandfather brooding over tea in his study.

He sat down to help, pouring a cup as he spoke with resignation, "Grandfather, Charlotte will be my future wife. Even if you don't like her, please try to be kind to her."

Richard let out a disdainful laugh. "Funny, that's exactly what I told you when Sarah married into this family. 'She's your wife - even if you don't love her, treat her well.' And what did you do?"