Chapter 9 · Gone Was My First Marriage Under the Shabby Wall

Chapter 9

Charlotte let out a bitter laugh, snapped a pic of the divorce papers, sent it to her brother, and signed her name without hesitation.Her phone pinged.Her brother replied:"Just two days, and your marriage will be officially done."The moment she got his reply, her whole body finally relaxed. She wasted no time and booked a flight for two days later.Northbridge just had the wrong vibe for her, like fate was never on her side there.She was always meant to go back to Harbor City.James must've told the hospital to look after her, so the room stayed quiet, almost too quiet, really.But online, the gossip about him and Vivian was nonstop.Within just a few hours, stories about him blocking paparazzi for her, calling out stalker fans, and taking her back to the family mansion were all over the internet.Everyone in the know was mocking her, the so-called "real wife."Charlotte didn't even bat an eye.She even went into the group chat and saved those fan-made flirty videos of James and Vivian.Charlotte snapped a few pics of her own pale face, then saved them all to a hidden folder.Just as she was about to spend her last two days in the hospital, James sent someone to pick her up for the auction.When she arrived, James was still waiting at the entrance.Vivian wore a matching dress, holding onto his arm with that flawless, camera-ready smile."I just wrapped up filming and heard James was picking out a gift for Miss Rivers. Honestly, I was curious if his taste has changed at all lately, so I tagged along. You don't mind, right?" Vivian said with a playful smile.James shot a glance at the nearby reporters, his brows knitting together.But instead of letting go of Vivian's hand, he clasped Charlotte's wrist tightly, his tone urgent."Don't make a scene here. We'll talk when we get home," he said.Charlotte's wrist ached from his grip, her heart feeling heavy and sour, as if submerged in water.She looked up, meeting Vivian's provocative and hostile gaze, forced a smile, and carefully loosened James's fingers from her wrist."Since you two are busy hyping things up, don't let the public get the wrong idea. I'm going in first, and don't sit together later," Charlotte said coldly.James watched as Charlotte walked away without hesitation, the emptiness in his hand filling him with a restless anxiety he couldn't shake off.Lately, he'd had this nagging feeling that something big was about to happen, but he couldn't put his finger on it.Vivian clung to his arm, her jealous gaze fixed on Charlotte's back as she leaned in even closer to James on purpose."James, let's go in too. We can pick out something nice. I've been wanting to..." Vivian said, her voice trailing off suggestively.They walked into the auction hall together.As soon as James walked in, he instinctively searched for Charlotte, only to spot her sitting alone in a corner, making it clear she didn't want to be near them.James sighed inwardly.Whatever. I'll just bid on a few more pieces for her. That's the least I can do for her.He led Vivian to the front row and sat down, and the auction got underway in no time.Charlotte couldn't care less about any of this. She was so bored she could barely keep her eyes open, just wishing the whole thing would end so she could go home and sleep.Just as she was about to doze off, the last item of the auction was brought out."And now, the final item of the night, a top-tier emerald crown!" the auctioneer announced.Charlotte's drowsiness vanished in an instant as she stared intently at the familiar crown on stage.It was her grandmother's last gift to her, given just before she passed away.When she left Harbor City, her brother tucked it into her wedding gift.During the time they were close, it happened to be James's birthday.She gave him the crown, wishing him peace and good health.How the hell did it end up here?

Chapter 9