ire felt a wave of nausea. "Then sign the divorce papers and find out if it''s real or not! Stop living in your own fantasy world!"


    With that, she mmed the door right in his face.


    The door nearly hit Felix''s nose; he only avoided it by taking a quick step back.


    He raised his hand to knock again, determined to settle things with ire.


    But she shouted from the other side, "If you bother me again, I''m calling the police!"


    Felix gritted his teeth and lowered his hand.


    ire was furious right now, and her words were meant to hurt. Pushing her further would only make things worse. It was better for them both to cool down.


    Finally, reining in his temper, he said through the door, "Happy birthday." There was no response from inside. He didn''t know if she''d even heard him.


    He went downstairs and sat in his car for a long time, a tangle of inexplicable emotions churning in his chest.


    He even ignored a call from Madeline.


    Madeline threw another fit. It was the first time Felix hadn''t answered her call, so she had Genesis call him.


    She would not allow Felix to be alone with ire.


    Genesis got through. Following Madeline''s instructions, she told Felix that Madeline wasn''t feeling well and was at the hospital.


    Felix rushed to the hospital. When he saw Madeline, one of her eyes was bandaged.


    He grew anxious and asked with concern, "What happened? Is something wrong with your eye?"


    Madeline looked aggrieved but acted brave. "I''m fine, don''t worry."


    Genesis, standing beside her, exined, "Mr. Quigley left in such a hurry this


    afternoon, and Miss Lockwood couldn''t reach you. She got anxious and was caught


    in the rain. The doctor said there''s a minor infection, but it''s been treated."


    Felix''s brow furrowed.


    Madeline cut Genesis off. "Genesis is just overreacting. I told her not to call you; I was afraid of interrupting your work."


    She paused, then asked, "Did you and your wife make up?"


    Felix nced down, a cool indifference in his eyes. "No."


    "Is she still angry?" Madeline asked, suppressing her own feelings.


    "Yes."


    "Then you should go back to her. Genesis is here with me, I''ll be fine," Madeline said.


    "She''s fine she doesn''t need anyone. But you why didn''t you tell me.


    sooner that you weren''t yone.


    well? Felix softened his tone.


    "I called you, but you didn''t answer..."


    Felix was silent for a moment before replying, "Sorry, I was busy and didn''t notice."


    "It''s okay. knew you were busy with important things. I was just calling to say could get back on my own," Madeline continued to y the pote of the sweet, understanding girl.


    Felix looked at her eyes and couldn''t help but think, *If only ire were this obedient and considerate.*


    Felix stayed with Madeline at the hospital all night. Just as dawn broke, his grandmother arrived.


    She hade straight to the hospital.


    The two of them began arguing outside the room, their voices carrying through the door.


    Old Mrs. Quigley''s tone was firm. "I came all the way to Rivercrest City to meet with both of you and settle this divorce."


    "Grandma, we''re not getting a divorce," Felix stated clearly.


    "It''s not about whether you want to or not anymore. My dear granddaughter doesn''t want to be with you. A divorce would be a relief for you both. I''m doing this for your own good."


    There was a long silence outside the door.


    Finally, Felix spoke again. "In any case, we are not getting divorced."


    His attitude infuriated Old Mrs. Quigley, and she pped his shoulder a few times.