?<strong>Chapter 395:</strong>


    After their conversation, Belinda went back to her room to gather her things. Her packing was brief due to the few belongings she had, and soon, she was descending the stairs with her suitcase in hand.


    “Belinda, you…” Hooper’s voice trailed off as he saw Belinda with her suitcase. He felt a bit reluctant to see her leave. He, too, felt it was a pity that Lucas divorced Belinda.


    “Goodbye, Hooper.”


    “I will visit again when I can,” Belinda said with a smile, waving at him.


    Hooper responded with a nod. “Take care, Belinda. I wish you the very best.”


    “Thank you,” Belinda said before turning to leave.


    She strode away resolutely, not once looking back. Leaving marked a fresh start for her. From now on, the Belinda who had once loved Lucas so deeply was gone.


    Taking the suitcase from Belinda’s grasp, Johnson walked toward the car, apanied by Bethany, who held Belinda’s hand supportively.


    Norma’s reaction was one of sheer shock when Harold told her the news of Belinda and Lucas’ divorce.


    “What? They actually ended their marriage? Is that even possible? Belinda’s love for Lucas is so evident. How could she bring herself to end their marriage?” Norma struggled deeply with the reality of their divorce. She had always harbored doubts about Belinda, feeling she was unsuitable for her son. Her feelings towards Belinda remainedrgely unchanged now. Yet, the news of Belinda’s divorce from Lucas evoked a surprising pang of sorrow in her. She had not foreseen their rtionship dissolving in such a manner.


    Frustration evident, Norma red at Harold and said, “Harold, how could you just ept this? Didn’t you think to intervene?”


    Visibly angry, Harold answered, “Intervene? Given how your son behaved as a husband, it’s a relief they got a divorce. Now, Belinda might find some happiness.” He then sighed heavily. “You think I didn’t try to keep them together? I did what I could. Now that their marriage is over, what more is there for me to do? Belinda’s decision wasn’t rash. The incident at the banquet was just the tip of the iceberg. Her growing disappointment with Lucas over time is what led her here.”


    With a dismissive tone, he added, “Belinda leaving your son might actually be for the best. Maybe now they will both feel relieved. Belinda deserves someone who will appreciate and care for her.”


    Norma found herself unable to argue with Harold’s logic.


    Belinda relocated all her belongings to her new house. Johnson and Bethany remained by her side, assisting with the unpacking. The topic of “Lucas” was carefully avoided as they filled the air with light-hearted jokes and bits of gossip. Belinda maintained a peaceful facade, seemingly unaffected by the recent divorce. Yet, Johnson and Bethany could sense an underlying difort. It had be clear to them that Belinda was suppressing her true feelings.


    In the evening, they gathered for dinner at Belinda’s new home. Belinda had prepared the dinner herself. As they settled at the table, Belinda broke the silence, saying, “There’s no need to tread so lightly around me, worried you might upset me. I’m stronger than I look.” She stopped briefly, her lips curving into a subtle, knowing smile. “Can you believe it? I’m actually not that upset. On the contrary, I feel a sense of relief.”


    Bethany quickly responded, “You are right; it is a relief! Staying in a loveless marriage where your partner’s heart belongs to someone else is nothing short of torture. Divorce can truly be a liberation for you!”


    Johnson found himself lost for words. He had always believed that Lucas held genuine affection for Belinda. But now… he shook his head. Why linger on such thoughts? Their marriage was over.


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