A sudden urge for a cigarette overcame Darwin.

Leaning against the door, he spoke softly after a prolonged pause, "In a way. Serenity, the truth is, we never truly started a relationship, so breaking up isn't even applicable."

Serenity's expression gradually turned cold. After a brief silence, she uttered sharply, “Admit it, Darwin. The person you've always liked is Alexis, isn't it?"

Darwin gazed silently at the woman before him.

Though an object of his pity, he had no love left for his ex-wife.

His feelings were laid bare in this moment.

Serenity said with a faint smile, "I've been aware for some time now."

She embraced him suddenly and whispered, "We could work together! You could give the child a legal identity. Once Leonel and Alexis grow weary of each other, you could pursue Alexis. Meanwhile, I, with this child, would be with Leonel. Isn't this plan mutually beneficial?"

Darwin's eyes lowered as he considered her words.

He felt a tug of temptation.

Yet, he couldn't bring himself to agree.

His earlier offer to remarry her was born from genuine concern and a desire to provide a home for the child. Now, he realized his offer might have been more about his own hopes. Serenity, it appeared, didn't need his pity. She had her own plans all along.

Overcome with a mix of emotions, Darwin suddenly pushed her away.

“I can't be a part of such a scheme!" he declared.

Taken aback, Serenity retreated a step. After a moment, she laughed coldly and confronted him, “What's this? Do you dare claim you've never harbored any thoughts of being with Alexis? Why else would your parents have sought an alliance with the Fowler family?"

Darwin's face tinged with embarrassment.

He couldn't deny Serenity's accusations completely, but he felt he had been fair to her. He had treated her with respect throughout their marriage. He never strayed and even allowed her the freedom to follow her heart towards Leonel. Why then, he wondered, was she showing such animosity towards him now?

Shaped by a life of privilege, Darwin struggled to understand.

The fact that his mother required surgery because of them and yet Serenity's thoughts still lingered on Leonel, left him feeling weary.

It dawned on him that his years with her might have been a mistake.