CHAPTER 106: CHAPTER 106: THE DIVORCE AGREEMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN SIGNED

Being called "Serena" by Caleb Lockwood made Serena Jennings’s skin crawl.

But in front of Audrey Jennings, she couldn’t show that she was in the midst of a divorce with Caleb Lockwood.

She moved over, sitting next to Caleb Lockwood.

Caleb Lockwood considerately served dishes to both her and her mother.

"Serena’s cooking is still so good... But Caleb must be tired of eating your food all the time, right?"

Audrey Jennings said, patting Serena’s shoulder and advised earnestly, "You need to change the recipes occasionally and try something new. Caleb works hard outside, and you, as his wife, should prepare a lavish dinner for him when he comes home. Otherwise, you’re not a qualified wife."

"I know, Mom, no need to worry."

Serena agreed verbally, but felt uncomfortable inside.

Audrey Jennings was a very traditional and virtuous woman, and she had educated Serena with such principles.

Initially, Serena agreed with this.

Especially since she loved Caleb Lockwood.

Because she loved Caleb so deeply, she was willing to give everything for him.

She could forgo graduating from university, she could do without a degree.

Moreover, because she didn’t have a job and was supported by Caleb, she always thought that it was her duty to do his laundry and cook meals every day.

Just as her mother said, she had to serve Caleb well to be considered a qualified wife.

For three years, she never complained.

However, her efforts and hardships were unseen by Caleb Lockwood, and even more so by the Lockwood family.

Even...

Serena watched Audrey Jennings continuously serve dishes to Caleb Lockwood.

She felt her mother couldn’t see it either.

"Don’t worry, Mom, Serena’s cooking is very delicious, no matter how much I eat, I won’t get tired of it."

Caleb Lockwood’s voice was as calm as always, lacking the usual oppressive feeling, at this moment indeed appearing as a filial son-in-law.

The relationship between him and Serena appeared as a loving couple.

Serena had to admit that Caleb Lockwood’s acting skills exceeded her expectations.

But also because his acting was so good, it was difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Like when he pursued her, she didn’t realize he was actually seeking revenge on another woman.

The meal went smoothly, at least the smile on Audrey Jennings’s face never disappeared.

Although Serena knew all this was an illusion, being able to make Audrey Jennings smile like that, did it matter whether it was fake or not?

After the meal, Serena and Caleb Lockwood accompanied Audrey Jennings for a walk, following which the caregiver took Audrey Jennings back to her room for a nap.

In the courtyard, Serena and Caleb Lockwood walked side by side, casually strolling, from an outsider’s perspective, there was no sign that the two were about to divorce.

Serena learned from Caleb Lockwood that Audrey Jennings had suddenly gained clarity that morning.

It wasn’t totally clear though, sometimes she was cognizant, and sometimes confused.

There were times when Audrey Jennings recognized Serena, but shortly thereafter, she would start talking nonsense again.

This time, Audrey Jennings insisted on seeing Serena, but the caregiver had Caleb Lockwood’s phone number, so they contacted him.

"She thinks we were married not long ago..."

"She’s still a bit confused."

Serena sighed.

"At least it’s not worsening."

"Hmm."

The conversation between Serena and Caleb Lockwood temporarily ceased.

When it resumed, Serena started:

"Thank you for today... In the future, if anything like this happens, just have the caregiver contact me."

"No need for thanks, it wasn’t troublesome."

Without Audrey Jennings around, Caleb Lockwood’s demeanor and aura reverted to his usual indifference.

But his words surprised Serena.

"It’s not bad to occasionally stop by and see her."

"Why?"

Serena blurted out.

She and he were about to divorce, and after the divorce, she would no longer be his wife, and her mother naturally would have nothing to do with him.

Caleb Lockwood glanced at Serena blandly.

"Just pretend I want to eat the food you cook."

With Caleb Lockwood’s mention of it, Serena suddenly realized that Caleb hadn’t tasted her cooking in a long time.

"After eating for three years, wouldn’t you have been tired of it long ago? Changing the taste is good for the stomach."

Detecting the implicit meaning in Serena’s words, Caleb Lockwood remained silent, pausing before he spoke:

"Taking stomach medicine on time is good for the stomach."

Serena shrugged.

She didn’t care whether Caleb Lockwood understood her words or not.

She initially wanted to go to the finance office to settle the accounts and arrange for her mother’s hospitalization fees to be paid by her in the future, but with Caleb Lockwood always by her side, she felt it wasn’t convenient, so she decided to handle it another day.

The two stood at the Serene Meadows Nursing Home entrance, ready to part ways.

"You’re going to see Grandpa next, right?"

Caleb Lockwood saw Serena’s eyes open wide as if asking him "How did you know?" and couldn’t help but smile.

Serena felt that Caleb Lockwood’s smile seemed to say: "Your thoughts are easy to predict."

"Do you... want to go together?"

After asking, Serena realized her words sounded like an invitation to Caleb Lockwood.

Though she didn’t mean it that way.

"No thanks." Caleb Lockwood shook his head. "You go by yourself; I need to head back to the office first."

"Alright."

Serena breathed a sigh of relief.

She actually didn’t want Caleb Lockwood to accompany her to see Lance Lockwood because she didn’t just intend to celebrate the festival but mainly wanted to ask about the ten percent share matter.

If Caleb Lockwood were there, it would be challenging to bring it up.

Serena turned to look for her car, suddenly, Caleb Lockwood grabbed her wrist.

Serena’s body trembled.

Caleb Lockwood raised her left wrist, confusing her.

"I wanted to mention this back in the house... It’s the first time I’ve seen you wearing a ring..."

At this point, Caleb Lockwood probably felt inadequacy in his words and added: "Except on the wedding day."

Serena then understood Caleb Lockwood grabbed her wrist to see the ring on her left middle finger.

This ring was so much smaller than the engagement ring Caleb Lockwood gave her back then, it was inconspicuous, she hadn’t expected Caleb to notice it.

Serena remained silent.

She didn’t know what to say to Caleb Lockwood.

Nor did she know what Caleb Lockwood wanted to hear from her.

Caleb Lockwood continued holding her wrist, remaining silent for a long stretch.

"Did you buy it yourself?"

"A friend gave it."

"Male or female?"

"It doesn’t concern you!"

Exerting some force, Serena managed to free her hand from Caleb Lockwood’s grip.

Caleb Lockwood unintentionally furrowed his brow but quickly relaxed it, raising his lips slightly as he turned to leave.

Serena drove to the old residence, buying a gift for Lance Lockwood.

Lance Lockwood, having served in the military, was in good health, and he maintained himself well, with good agility.

With the festival being rare, Serena accompanied Lance Lockwood to the park to view the chrysanthemums.

Aware of Lance Lockwood’s legs getting tired from walking too long, they found a bench to sit and rest.

"The brisk autumn air, this weather is truly comfortable!" Lance Lockwood took a deep breath.

"Indeed!" Serena smiled and nodded, "Grandpa, your legs are good, in this cool weather, engaging more in activities outdoors is beneficial."

"True, but without Serena accompanying me, strolling through the park with others feels hollow!"

Upon hearing Lance Lockwood’s words, Serena didn’t overthink, responding casually: "Then I’ll often accompany Grandpa here."

Lance Lockwood turned his head to look at Serena, with growing regret in his gaze, releasing a heavy sigh.

"It’s a joy for Grandpa to hear you say that, however... You and Caleb... have already signed the divorce agreement, haven’t you?"