So she divorced him in the end.

“But something major had just occurred in your family. How could the Hayes family agree to let Liam divorce you?" Claudia asked.

Lucille tapped her fingers against the porcelain cup and explained, "It's not difficult to understand. The Hayes family didn't want me to divorce Liam, not because they were reluctant to let me leave. They didn't want to face public criticism. As long as the blame was all on me, they were happy to let their son divorce me."

After hearing what Lucille went through, Claudia felt a wave of sadness. She reached out and held Lucille's hand.

“I'm sorry."

Resting her chin on her other hand, Lucille chuckled at Claudia. ‘Hey, it's history; don't be sad for me. I didn't share that with you to make you sad."

Understanding Lucille's sentiment, Claudia offered words of comfort.

“No, it's not that. I'm happy for you. You've finally freed yourself from that situation and can do what you feel passionate about."

“Yes, you're right. I've finally broken free."

Lucille raised her bubble tea. "Come on, let's toast to celebrate this new chapter in my life!"

Claudia raised her cup and clinked it with Lucille's as they exchanged smiles.

Lucille had a sip and raised an eyebrow at Claudia. "So, that's my past in a nutshell. Now it's your turn."

Tensing up, Claudia choked on her tea at Lucille's words. As she coughed, she took the tissue from Lucille awkwardly. “I've told you everything about me, haven't I?"

Lucille waved her index finger playfully. "No, no, no. You haven't told me yet. How did you get married with Bennett so quickly?"

Blushing, Claudia began to recount her car accident six months ago.

“Well, when I regained consciousness, Bennett came to see me and asked me what compensation I wanted. Anthony and I have known each other for years, and I always thought we would one day be married.

But he left me at the altar that day, which humiliated me and made me furious. Besides, Delilah was spreading rumors about me on the internet. I was hurt and didn't know what to do. I only knew that I wanted to make Anthony regret what he did. So, in a moment of indiscretion, I asked Bennett to marry me."

This time, it was Lucille's turn to be surprised. “And he agreed just Like that?"

With a red face, Claudia nodded. "I did regret doing it later. On the day we got the marriage certificate, he accused me of deceiving him. But I wouldn't dare."

Lucille was silent for a moment, taking her time sipping the tea.

Then she looked up at Claudia with furrowed brows and asked, “Are you sure you didn't know Bennett from before?"

How could anyone agree to marry a stranger?

Had Bennett been planning this the whole time?

"It's interesting that you bring that up. Aurora asked me a similar question, but the truth is, I didn't know him before the accident."