Chapter 12

There was a flicker of panic on Brandon's face. Yet, he was still trying to convince himself that Roxanne's leaving was a good thing. If they got divorced, he could finally openly be with Nicole. However, Brandon's heart seemed to shrivel at this thought. He wondered if he even still loved Nicole. And if he did, why hadn't he confessed his feelings to her after his father had passed away? Plus, he could've taken the initiative to ask Roxanne for a divorce, too. It was something Brandon should've done so he could be with Nicole. Yet, memories of Roxanne began flashing through his mind—her smiling face, the way she called his name, and her warm presence as she accompanied him at home. He also recalled every time Roxanne had affectionately hugged him. Brandon was hit with a realization at that moment. Could it be that he had developed feelings for her? Shaking his head, he said out loud, "No, I never loved her. I was only using her as a cover to hide my relationship with Nicole…" Despite saying this, he had an involuntary urge to find out where Roxanne was. Hence, Brandon ordered his secretary, Mr. Joseph Wrant, to contact the embassy and the immigration department. He also instructed him to check every place she might have visited before to find traces of her. However, days passed, and there was still no sign of Roxanne. When Nicole found out Brandon had been searching for Roxanne, she stormed into his home and demanded to know if he'd developed feelings for Roxanne. Not wanting to argue with Nicole, he could only try to avoid her. Brandon didn't want anyone to suspect the true nature of their relationship, especially at a time like this. But Nicole started coming and going as she pleased from the mansion he shared with Roxanne. Using her status as his stepmother, Nicole bossed all the staff around and began redecorating. It was as though she was attempting to erase all traces of Roxanne's presence from the space. Brandon didn't stop her because every time he tried to, Nicole would threaten to hurt herself. And frankly, he was getting tired of it. Then, one day, she discovered the box he had hidden in a drawer, containing the divorce agreement Roxanne had signed long ago. When Brandon walked into the room and saw Nicole going through his things, he immediately snatched them from her. Looking displeased, he scolded, "I've told you many times not to go through my stuff, Nicole." However, Nicole glared at him and was visibly upset. "Why haven't you signed it?" she demanded in a shrill voice. "Because I don't want to," Brandon replied in a low voice.