Feeling Nauseous, but Not Like That!

Darlene never thought she would finally have the courage to make the decision she had been avoiding all this time: to divorce Landen.

She had also cut ties with Marlon's family.

In her heart, she had decided she would never go back to those who had hurt her.

Darlene had no one left. She didn’t even have close friends, as the Marlon family had never allowed her to form close bonds with others.

But Darlene stood firm and unafraid.

Her savings in the bank were dwindling, but there was still enough to last her for the next week.

The only place Darlene visited before she left the city was the Barclay Gallery.

Since she was five years old, Darlene had been used to living alone. Thomas and Violet were very busy with work. If they went out of town, they would only take Letta, her younger sister.

Darlene was very interested in pictures and paintings. She spent her free time learning to paint.

Canvas, brushes, and paint were her best friends at the time.

Due to her perseverance, she always won every competition. Until a year ago, more precisely before the forced marriage took place, she was a painter with several famous works.

That was Darlene's source of income.

Marlon's family never knew who she was. She rarely spoke about her achievements, and they never asked, perhaps because they were too busy or simply didn't care.

Darlene's decision at the time—to keep her identity a secret—turned out to be the right choice.

"Miss Hillary's paintings aren't just beautiful to look at; they feel alive. They have a breath and emotion."

"You're right. Every time I stand in front of her paintings, I feel like I'm looking at my memories from the past."

Darlene had just arrived at Barclay Gallery. She paused for a moment when she heard the conversation between two elderly women and a young woman.

"When is Miss Hillary coming back? I can't wait."

The younger woman could only smile, as she didn't know the answer either.

She was Tracy Barclay, the owner of Barclay Gallery, a very beautiful and elegant woman.

Suddenly, the woman turned toward Darlene. She whispered to the two women before turning around and approaching Darlene.

***

"You are so beautiful, Miss Darlene Hillary! More than I ever imagined."

Darlene had always been behind the scenes, and this was the first time Darlene and Tracy had met in person.

After giving the package containing their divorce papers to the courier, Darlene immediately contacted Tracy's assistant.

When she found out that Darlene Hillary—the youngest painter collaborating with Barclay Gallery—was coming, Tracy immediately prepared some delicious food as an expression of her joy.

“You’re also very beautiful, Miss Tracy Barclay. Young and successful!”

Darlene and Tracy exchanged compliments. Who would have thought they were the same age and decided to speak more casually?

Tracy called Ary for Hillary, and Darlene decided to continue calling the gallery owner by her nickname.

“Are you serious?” Tracy’s eyes widened.

After dinner, Tracy took Darlene to her office. There, Darlene explained why she had come to see Tracy. She also told her about her marriage.

“Yes. More accurately… I just got divorced,” Darlene replied. Her voice was calm, and her expression showed no sadness.

“W-what?” Tracy was surprised. She seemed to think for a moment. Then she asked, “So, should I congratulate you on your marriage or your divorce?”

Darlene shrugged. “Whatever you want.” Then she and Tracy laughed.

Looking down, Darlene began to recount the bitter events she had experienced.

“Hmm… I’m curious about what kind of man your husband is. Doesn’t he know that his ex-wife is a famous painter?”

Darlene grimaced. “He’s a very handsome and extraordinary man…” But the words stopped in her throat.

"I'm sorry if I've made you worried." Darlene felt guilty upon realizing that Tracy had been so concerned about her all along.  

"It's okay. As long as you're okay, I'm happy." Tracy smiled.  

For a year, Darlene had been focused on Landen and busy with all the Marlon family's requests, so she hadn't had time to attend to her own affairs.

Fortunately, she wasn't under contract with Barclay at the time.  

"Ouch!" Darlene winced as she rubbed her stomach.  

Actually, Tracy had been noticing Darlene's movements since earlier, but she only dared to ask now. "What's wrong, Ary?"

Darlene shook her head. Since Tracy had served the food on the table, Darlene had started feeling something different in her stomach.  

“I feel nauseous, but not like that,” Darlene said. She was confused about how to describe what was happening to her. “I... feel uncomfortable!”  

Tracy made peppermint tea and handed it to Darlene. “Hopefully this will help with your stomach issues.”

“Thank you.”

Then Tracy took something out of her bag. “Here, Ary,” she said after a few seconds. “I’m sure he can help you.”

Darlene looked at the business card thoughtfully, then put it in her wallet. “Thank you. I’m sorry if my visit has been a bother.”

Tracy shook her head quickly. “No. You didn’t bother me at all, Ary. I’m actually happy.”  

“Just let me know if you need any other help. Don’t hesitate,” she said again.  

Darlene felt very lucky that Tracy was such a kind-hearted woman. 

"I won’t forget your kindness, Tracy. See you another time." Once again, Darlene hugged the woman tightly.

“A cruel husband and a deceitful family—just hearing that makes me furious!” Tracy couldn’t contain her emotions. "I would have done the same if I were in Ary’s position."