5. Break His Heart

The same way he'd carried her out of the hospital, Theo took Jessica out of the car as if she was a fragile vessel, his most valuable asset. 

He didn't put her down but proceeded to walk forward, our eyes meeting in the moment.

Neither did Theo blink nor look any embarrassed. He wasn't fazed at the hospital, why would he now? 

Theo doesn't find it awkward, doting on Jessica in public. It just shows how much she means to him.

The nausea I had been feeling since morning returned. 

My stomach turned, a strange sensation building up. 

Unable to handle it, I turned to look for the nearest washroom.

“Tsk! You can't bear the sight of my brother and sister-in-law,” Tania snickered. “They're a perfect match and you're envious, right?”

I ignored her words. 

On reaching the washroom, I threw up all the contents in my stomach, my heart racing as if it'd burst out of my chest. 

Shutting my eyes, I tried not to remember the scene I witnessed just now. 

However, I'm not used to seeing Theo being lovely towards a woman before. I've never imagined him to be so caring. 

I splashed water on my face to calm my tense nerves. 

By the time I came out of the washroom, I had gained my composure.

“Young Madam, everyone has been waiting for you at the dining table.” The House Butler approached me with a gentle smile as if he had been searching for me. “This way, please.”

He led the way, guiding me to the dining room.

Seeing the Butler's approach towards me, I sighed inside. 

He has always treated me kindly, but he's acting extra nice tonight.

Could it be that Theo’s grandfather doesn't approve of the divorce?

Sure enough.

My question was answered when I arrived at the dining room.

The heavy atmosphere was laced with tension. 

While Jessica sat beside Theo, His grandfather sat across from them, having on a gloomy expression. 

The old man's expression alone explains it all.

In his presence, even Theo is forced to look down. 

The tension dissipated; however, immediately after the old man saw me. 

Smiling warmly, his expression softened and he beckoned towards me. “Where did you wander off to? Come sit next to Grandpa, Olivia. It's been so long since you've had a meal with me.”

Following his instruction, I sat next to him while doing my best to ignore the presence of the people sitting across.

But it's easier said than done. 

Theo's presence pulled me like a magnet. I glanced up for a second and our eyes met. 

Theo held my gaze, the displeasure in his eyes unsettling.

I'm supposed to be used to his cold treatment by now. Why do I feel uncomfortable?

Grandpa patted my hand, pulling me to the present. “Olivia, you are the only granddaughter-in-law I approve of!" He glanced at somewhat stiff-faced Theo and Jessica beside him, and said, “If anyone is leaving the Wellington Family, it will be just the shameless mistress and an irresponsible jerk!"

“Grandpa, we truly love each other,” Jessica butted in, tears gathering in her eyes. 

The old man's words must have impacted her so much that her shoulders trembled and she held Theo’s arm for support, probably to seek protection or highlight her importance. 

“Theo and I were together before you forced him to marry Olivia,” Jessica continued. “If you hadn't broken us up…”

“You!” Grandpa's expression darkened, bringing back the tension in the room. 

The old man was so angry that he slammed the table. “You came uninvited to this reunion dinner and you dare to let your mouth run freely. Have you no manners, disrespecting the elders?”

Jessica flinched. 

She looked so frightened and she sank more into Theo's embrace while the tears fell from her eyes. 

Seeing that, Theo appeared displeased. He looked at Grandpa and said, “Grandpa, I will do my best to make it up to Olivia. Matters of the heart can't be forced.”

After that, he throws me a secret glare. 

I know him too well now. Theo must be blaming me for this drama. 

He must be blaming me for causing his grandfather to be so angry that he shouted at Jessica. 

And his words only fanned the flame as Grandpa's fury skyrocketed. The old man's voice boomed in the dining room as he sprang to his feet. “What can't be forced? You must be blind, Grandson! Do you think I've made a mistake by choosing Olivia for you?”

Theo frowned and grumbled, “Grandpa-”

“Grandpa, if you’re angry, this meal won’t taste good. Didn't we agree to have a nice meal together?” Seeing that the two were about to quarrel, my instincts kicked in, and I quickly jumped in to douse the situation by scooping soup into the old man's bowl.

Theo is well aware of his grandfather's health. He wouldn't have provoked him no matter what.

Unless he's also angry that the old man made Jessica cry.

This protective side of him made my heart ache somehow.

As hard as I try to control it, I can't help but lose my composure. 

Grandpa calmed down after my intervention. He didn't say another word but focused on his food while I patted his back gently.

Stealing a glance in Theo’s direction, I found him engrossed in coaxing Jessica by scooping a soup into her bowl.

I averted my gaze, staring at my own food, a strange emptiness creeping inside my heart. 

The family meals at the Wellington Household are always quiet and I suddenly don't feel like eating anything. I just ate a little, only to accompany the old man, who, despite his anger, appeared lonely and gloomy.

He must be disappointed in Theo, after all, he has had so much faith in him.

After the meal, he invited me to his study. I don't need to guess what he wants to discuss. 

I don't know why he's still persistent despite just witnessing Theo admitting the divorce. 

“Child, your grandfather and I are comrades-in-arms. This marriage is a bond between our families. I was so happy when you married my grandson. Don't worry, Grandpa won’t let you suffer. This much, I can still do. If you still want to leave, you can go freely but it will break my heart …”

Forcing a smile, I took his hands. “Maybe Theo is right, Grandpa. Matters of the heart can't be forced.”

Besides, can I keep living with a man who doesn't love me?

Theo blames me now. He might do worse in the future. 

“By the way, how's your health now? Have you been taking the prescriptions I've given you?” I changed the topic to distract him. 

…

It was getting late by the time I finished discussing with Theo's grandfather. 

It's as if he doesn't want me to leave and I had to come up with the excuse that I'm so tired after today's surgery.

At this time of the night, the mansion is very quiet. When I walked out into the courtyard, footsteps followed me. I almost thought it was the Butler until I turned around and found Jessica standing behind me.