Chapter 402



“Just today,” Belinda answered.

“Did something happen? Why did you two divorce so suddenly?” Kenia’s tone remained steady, though it carried a hint of concern. Kenia had been invited to Harold’s birthday banquet, but she had declined, offering an excuse. Therefore, she was unaware of the events that had transpired at the banquet.

Belinda didn’t hide anything, recounting everything that happened both at the holiday villa and during Harold’s banquet. As Kenia listened, her expression turned dark. She could never have imagined how much her beloved granddaughter had endured—Belinda had almost lost her life! This was really infuriating.

“Belinda, you did nothing wrong. Your choice was the right one. Lucas was never a good husband to you, and ending this marriage is for the best,” Kenia said with an earnest expression. “If you didn’t divorce, you’d be the one left behind for the rest of your life. Think about it—would you truly want that kind of life?”

Belinda smiled weakly. “Exactly! I refuse to be the one left behind again. That’s why I made this choice.” Even as she smiled, tears began to slip down her cheeks.

The sight of Belinda crying brought a sharp sting to Kenia’s nose. She also wanted to cry now. Kenia gently wrapped an arm around Belinda’s shoulders, drawing her close.

She said, “Cry as much as you need, my dear. Here with Grandma, you don’t have to hold back or pretend to be strong.”

At those words, Belinda could no longer contain herself. Her tears fell in a steady stream.

Belinda had managed to hold herself together throughout the day, but now, everything collapsed. Leaning against Kenia, she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Her heart ached with a raw, unbearable pain.

Since the morning, she had been struggling to appear strong—forcing herself to stay calm, to seem indifferent, to pretend she wasn’t affected by the divorce. But none of that reflected how she truly felt. From the moment she had entered the courthouse that morning, a wave of agony and torment had been swallowing her whole. Still, she had kept telling herself that this was the right decision. It was time to let go of Lucas and to finally free herself.

After holding her emotions in all day, she finally released them in front of Kenia. Her defenses crumbled, and her feelings poured out uncontrollably. She sobbed from the depths of her soul. Through her tears, she said to Kenia, “Grandma, I promise, this is the last time I’ll cry for Lucas! After tonight, he will be erased from my mind and heart!”

“That’s good. After tonight, you can forget about him for good,” Kenia said in a gentle voice, tenderly patting Belinda’s head.

The pain in Belinda’s cries tore at Kenia’s heart. But she knew this was something Belinda needed to experience for herself. Once the tears and pain faded, Belinda would start to heal.

Belinda’s tears kept flowing as she sniffled, softly whispering, “Grandma, don’t worry. One day, I’ll find someone who truly loves me, who puts me first and gives me his whole heart.”

“That’s right!” Kenia replied, wiping away her own tears and nodding with certainty. Belinda deserved so much more.

Belinda cried for what felt like hours before her sobs slowly began to subside. Before going to sleep, she applied a cold compress to her swollen eyes, hoping to ease the puffiness. Yet, when she woke up the next morning, her eyes were still slightly swollen. She got out of bed, freshened up, and left Vera Villas.

It wasn’t until after Belinda had left that Holley realized Belinda had returned home the night before. While having breakfast, Holley casually asked, “Mom, when did Belinda get back last night?”

.

.

.