?Chapter 525:


    Howard, unable to hide his longing, asked hesitantly, “So… do you think there might be a chance for us in the future?” His eyes searched hers, hopeful.


    Ellie contemted a potential future without Kaiden. “I’m sorry, Howard, but no.”


    She saw the light of hope in Howard’s eyes dim, and a twinge of guilt momentarily gripped her.


    She sighed. “Howard, you’re a wonderful person, truly. It’s not just a ‘nice guy’bel — I mean it. You deserve someone who can fully appreciate you.”


    Howard couldn’t bring himself to ept her words. To him, Ellie had always been the one.


    He shook his head, believing she couldn’t see the radiance she had brought into his life.


    Ellie continued, “Howard, when I refuse you, it’s not about you; it’s about me.” She sighed, herughter tinged with self-mockery. “I already have someone I like.”


    “Can you… tell me who?” Howard asked tentatively.


    He had gathered some information about Ellie and Kaiden’s marriage, which remained shrouded in mystery. The sudden incident with Carole had only deepened the enigma.


    Many remained skeptical about whether Ellie was genuinely Kaiden’s wife. Their marriage was shrouded in secrecy.


    Howard spoke. “It’s…”


    But he was cut off by Ellie.


    “Kaiden. The person I like is Kaiden. I’m sorry, How—”


    Ellie abruptly stopped, her attention drawn to the door. It stood ajar, revealing a man with a food thermos in hand, unclear how long he had been standing there. It was Kaiden!


    Kaiden’s face was a mask of inscrutability, his eyes unwaveringly fixed on Ellie. No matter how she looked at him, he remained impassive, as if he were a statue.


    Ellie, puzzled by his thoughts, found the situation increasingly ridiculous. She had taken pains to conceal her emotions. Her desire for a prompt divorce and her yearning to put distance between them intensified as the days passed.


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    And yet, there she was, having spilled everything before him. Embarrassed, Ellie averted her gaze to the window, feigning ignorance of Kaiden’s presence and her own confessions.


    “Ellie, I understand now, thank you,” Howard expressed his gratitude for her frankness.


    After Howard exited the room, Kaiden seemed to snap out of his daze, holding the food thermos, and approached Howard. Kaiden inquired, “How did you learn my wife was here?”


    “A gentleman informed me,” replied Howard, his demeanor calm and courteous. “Mr. Thorpe, I hope you value what you possess. Likewise, I won’t abandon my own pursuit.”


    “Your pursuit will always be futile as she is and will continue to be my wife.”


    “Farewell, Mr. Thorpe,” Howard said, unfazed by the taunt. He was determined to rise to Kaiden’s level, to win Ellie’s attention. Within their circles, Howard was described as a well-mannered, handsome gentleman.


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