Chapter 5

As they fell into the water, a crowd quickly gathered around.

Christina reacted fast, unable to hold back a curse.

People surrounded the pool area. Larry quickly noticed the commotion and rushed over to pull both Lucy and Aria out of the water.

After falling in, Lucy looked extremely disheveled. She bit her pale lips as she leaned against Larry's chest.

"Larry, it’s not Aria’s fault. She didn't deliberately pull me into the pool..."

Water dripped from her hair, making her look pitiful and vulnerable.

In contrast, Aria calmly took the towel Christina handed her and casually dried herself off, her expression remarkably composed.

Larry draped his jacket over Lucy's shoulders and looked coldly at Aria. "Did you do this?"

His tone was identical to five years ago.

Aria raised her eyes calmly, but her composure only angered Larry more.

"Aria, wasn't it enough that you hurt Linda five years ago? Lucy has just returned home, why are you targeting her too? Are you really this desperate to keep your position as Mrs. Spencer?"

Cold water droplets slid down as whispers spread through the crowd.

"Did he say Mrs. Spencer harmed someone?"

"No wonder the couple doesn't get along. So Mrs. Spencer hurt one of the Spencer family's adopted daughters."

"You never truly know someone. The Spencer family affairs run deep."

The surrounding gazes were filled with disgust and contempt.

For years, to protect their reputation and due to lack of concrete evidence, the Spencer family had never publicly addressed these matters.

But tonight, Larry was pushing all the blame onto Aria in front of everyone.

Leaving her with no way to defend herself.

Beside him, Lucy bit her lip, her eyes teary. "It's okay, Larry. Stop. Aria just didn't want to lose you..."

Before she could finish, Aria walked over to her and threw a glass of wine in her face.

"Shut up," she said coldly, wiping the wine that had splashed onto her hand. "I've heard enough of your sickening words. You know exactly what happened, don't you?"

"Enough!" Larry gripped her wrist tightly, his eyes filled with cold mockery. "How much longer will you keep up this act? Aria, you're truly disgusting."

Humiliation.

Aria felt the cold dampness of her clothes, yet her heart was surprisingly calm.

She had always thought that the rift between her and Larry was due to a misunderstanding from years ago.

In reality, it was simply a lack of love.

She didn't want to wait anymore.

"Let's get a divorce," Aria finally said, slowly raising her eyes. "I'll have someone send the divorce papers to you soon. It's over between us."

Without waiting for Larry's reaction, Aria turned and left.

She was still soaking wet, and despite the towel around her shoulders, she looked completely miserable.

Larry watched her leave, his brow furrowed.

This was the second time she had mentioned divorce.

Did she really think he couldn't live without her?

If it weren't for making her pay her debt, he would have cut ties with her long ago.

Christina looked at the despicable couple in front of her and laughed mockingly, "You two are truly made for each other. Do you really think everyone is a fool? Or does Miss Landon believe no one saw what actually happened back then..."

Larry froze.

"Larry, I don't feel well..." Lucy suddenly clutched her chest, her face turning pale as she let out a soft cry.

Noticing her distress, Larry immediately bent down to pick her up. "You fell in the water. I'll take you to rest," he said gently.

...

After leaving, Aria was heading to the lounge when a man dressed as a secretary politely stopped her.

"Miss Jackson, our boss is waiting for you."

Aria immediately recognized him as Archer Duncan's secretary.

She paused briefly before following him.

The secretary quickly led her to a room on the second floor, where she could change her clothes.

When Aria emerged in fresh attire, she noticed a man sitting on the sofa.

He wore a tailored suit, his features handsome yet restrained, his expression cool but striking.

Dignified and calm, gentle yet refined.

He was understated to the point of seeming non-threatening, yet somehow inspired a natural sense of awe.

He raised an eyebrow as he looked at her and said in a deep voice, "The dress suits you."

Archer Duncan.

The man who existed in rumors.

The head of the Duncan family, and her future second husband.

She had thought he wasn't coming tonight, yet here he was.

The dress Archer had chosen was surprisingly well-fitting—a soft, comfortable cashmere sweater dress that complemented her features, making her appear less bold and vibrant, more gentle and elegant.

Perfectly comfortable.

Aria touched the soft fabric of the dress, then looked at the Earl Grey tea prepared for her, somewhat surprised by Archer's thoughtfulness. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"You're welcome," Archer replied, his gaze resting on her as he spoke deliberately. "The attorney should have shown you the divorce papers by now. Once you and Larry finalize the divorce, we can get married. As for tonight's incident, I'll have someone clear things up. I've already sent people to retrieve the security footage from the pool area."

Aria was taken aback.

She hadn't expected Archer to notice these details, much less offer to clear her name.

She lowered her eyes briefly.

This was only the second time she had met Archer.

Yet he was willing to trust her.

After a moment, Aria suddenly spoke up. "Mr. Duncan, did you know me before? You might not realize that marrying me could damage your reputation..."

When Archer had first proposed marriage, Aria had hesitated.

At that time, she hadn't completely given up on Larry, and Archer seemed too much of a stranger.

Now, seeing Archer again, many questions surfaced in her mind.

Archer paused. "No, I didn't know you."

He gave Aria a meaningful look, speaking slowly, "The Duncan family is not worried about any gossips… But regarding marriage, are you certain you've thought it through? Miss Jackson, you should know I'm nearly thirty and have little interest in playing games. Are you sure you've considered this carefully?"

His words carried a deeper meaning.

As if reminding her that their marriage was never meant to be just a business arrangement.

And certainly not merely a convenient performance.