It wasn't until the hot water splashed onto the back of her hand that Kelsey realized what had happened.
Quiana could easily read the distress on her face. "Still haven't found a place to stay?" she asked.
Kelsey nodded. "I'll stay at a nearby hotel for now and look for a place later."
As a training teacher, Kelsey's salary was decent, and with Quiana's generous commission, she had some savings.
Quiana had connections with wealthy families who were willing to spend on their children's talents, so Kelsey earned a good amount throughout the year.
However, Dexter's medical bills were a bottomless pit, and Kelsey had to be frugal.
Although Rhett promised to cover Dexter's medical expenses, Kelsey was pregnant and had to work hard for their future.
Quiana sighed and leaned against the water cooler. "If you have any difficulties, just let me know. We get along well, and we work together. No need to be polite."
Kelsey wiped the water stains off the table with a tissue and smiled. "I know."
Quiana was straightforward in character and striking in appearance, which made her seem unapproachable, but in reality, she was very loyal.
However, it was precisely because of this that Kelsey didn't want to trouble her easily.
Seeing that she didn't want to say more, Quiana didn't push her further.
She patted Kelsey's shoulder and didn't say anything else before turning around and leaving.
Only then did Kelsey shift her attention to her hand, which was red from the burn, feeling somewhat dazed.
The pain of realizing it too late slowly seeped into her bloodstream from her skin and gradually spread throughout her body.
She let out a sigh, and tears welled up in her eyes.
In fact, it felt like a thorn was stuck in her heart, and it would hurt badly whenever she thought about it.
But she didn't have the time to indulge in sorrow, not even to cry properly, at least until after work.
---
The Collins Family.
The wedding was almost set, and the interaction between the two families had become even closer than before.
Rhett's parents had not yet returned to their home country, and the Collins Family was more concerned about the couple's wedding.
During this time, they spent almost all their time at the Collins Family mansion, except for work.
He stood on the balcony, rubbing his forehead wearily.
The door was pushed open.
He thought it was a servant and said in a low voice, "What's up?"
Elise's hand on the doorframe tightened slightly, and then she smiled and said, "Can't I come to you if there's nothing wrong?"
They were about to get married, and her belly was getting bigger and bigger. Ironically, they still slept in separate rooms.
The Collins family was busy preparing for their wedding.
Elise's mother had assumed they would live together, so when Rhett suggested sleeping in the guest room, she saw the change in her parents' faces and was upset with Rhett for a few days.
In the end, Mrs. Chi persuaded her. "There are too many people in this old house, and your uncles and aunts are all watching. You're not married yet, so it's okay to sleep in separate rooms. Besides, Rhett is still young and energetic, and you're pregnant..."
Mrs. Chi smiled knowingly and patted Elise's hand. "What if you accidentally hurt the baby?"
Elise blushed and lowered her head, feeling bitter in her heart.
The first half of Mrs. Chi's words were just to comfort her, but the fact that they were unmarried and pregnant and still cared about sleeping in separate rooms felt ridiculous.
As for the second half of Mrs. Chi's words...
Elise sighed and looked at the figure standing on the balcony.
He was tall and straight, wearing a simple white shirt that exuded an air of nobility and laziness.
His face was more delicate than that of any popular male star, with impeccable features that could attract everyone's attention even without his family background, wealth, ability, and means.
She took a deep breath, feeling a sudden panic and impulse surge in her heart.
After a moment, she walked over to him and hugged his waist tightly.
"Rhett... since that night, it seems like we haven't been together again. I drank too much that night and forgot everything. If I hadn't gotten pregnant later on, I would have thought it was just a dream..."
Elise finished speaking and felt the man stiffen for a moment, as if rejecting her intimacy. Her heart sank.
She closed her eyes, threw caution to the wind, and whispered, "Rhett, I'm over six months pregnant now. The doctor said as long as we are gentle, it's okay. I want to..."
"This is not an important matter," Rhett interrupted her softly, his voice sounding gentle and patient, but with a hint of detachment. "Elise, you don't need to take any unnecessary risks."
His words sounded considerate, but they made Elise's heart suddenly grow cold.
She withdrew her hands and gradually regained her composure. She smiled at him and said, "You're right. We have a long future ahead of us. There's no need to rush things."
She said this, but her eyes were filled with a strong sense of dissatisfaction.
She really wanted to ask him, when he was with Kelsey, was he also so restrained and uninterested?
During the time they were married... did they do it?
They should have, right?
If he could do it with Kelsey, why couldn't he do it with her?
After moving out of Stardust Villa, Kelsey rented a small two-room apartment near the training center.
Although the area wasn't large and the so-called two rooms were actually just one room divided, the rent was relatively cheap.
Although it was a bit shabby, at least she had a place to stay. When Dexter was discharged from the hospital one day, she would rent a two-bedroom apartment. She didn't need to live too well alone.
...Life seemed to be settling, and Rhett finally notified her to go for a divorce.
---
Civil Affairs Bureau.
When Kelsey arrived, Rhett had not yet arrived.
They agreed to meet at two o'clock in the afternoon, but Rhett's silver-black Maybach arrived at a quarter past two.
Not only did Rhett get out of the car, but also the always stunning Elise. Her belly looked very obvious today, and she even looked a little unsteady when getting out of the car.
Rhett carefully supported her, and his movements were full of care, his expression patient—something Kelsey had never seen before.
"Sorry, have you been waiting for a long time?"
Elise walked slowly to her and smiled at her. "We could have been on time, but we were delayed because of me..."
Kelsey looked at the two of them expressionlessly, nodded, and said, "Let's get to business."
Rhett's gaze stopped on her face, looking at her expressionless appearance, then moved his gaze away, said nothing, and followed her into the Civil Affairs Bureau.
When they got married, they simply obtained a marriage certificate.
Now, when they were getting a divorce certificate, it was just as simple as before, with no extra communication between the two of them.
It was only when Kelsey received the divorce certificate that she realized it was originally red, although she felt that green would better suit her current mood.