CWMBR 32

Chapter 32

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Sanna's voice softened slightly. She seemed to think that her words would bring some comfort to Bridget.

But how could it be comforting? Bridget had never imagined that she would confirm in this way that Ain still had the slightest desire to maintain this marriage. It was an extremely unpleasant discovery.

Bridget stared blankly at Sanna with her mouth open. Sanna led Bridget to the sofa.

“Sit down first. Gilum, tea.”

Gilum, who had been standing quietly, moved skillfully. Bridget, who had been standing there blankly, blinking, suddenly spoke up.

“Before we begin the investigation, is it okay if I clarify one thing first?”

“Of course.”

The focus of her green eyes, which had momentarily blurred, sharpened again.

She conveyed her intentions to Sanna. It was very simple, so Sanna had no difficulty understanding. After a moment of contemplation, Sanna nodded in understanding.

Thus, Bridget smiled.

***

The investigators sent by the royal family were unexpectedly polite and courteous throughout. Considering that Bridget's testimony was personal and embarrassing, they did not rush her and did their best to create a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to this, Bridget was able to maintain a relatively comfortable attitude.

The testimony could not be completed in a single day, and the investigators announced that they planned to continue their investigation while verifying the authenticity of her testimony in real time. From Bridget's perspective, it didn't matter either way. She just wanted it to end quickly.

After meeting with the royal investigators in the morning and setting the next statement schedule in advance, she stopped by the bank and then visited a law office in Glynford. It was for a different matter unrelated to the annulment lawsuit. After a few consultations, Bridget took out the documents she had prepared in advance.

“These documents are indeed valid. Legally, both the mansion and the theater belong to the wife.”

“I see. So, if I wish to dispose of them, everything will proceed according to my wishes?”

“Of course. You can handle it as you wish at any time. Even if it’s not a disposition but another legal procedure.”

“That’s a relief.”

Bridget quietly looked down at the documents in front of her. They were documents related to the ownership of the theater and mansion. She had kept them safe using a bank security service that only she could access, so they hadn't been passed on to Ronan. Ronan had wanted to see these documents many times, but fortunately, Alencia Bank was a reliable financial institution that strictly adhered to credit and principles. Thanks to that, she was able to maintain her position as the owner of the theater and mansion.

She had no intention of selling the theater, but she was prepared to sell the mansion if necessary. Fortunately, she could sell it according to her own will, which gave her a sense of security. After selling the mansion... Well, in the past, she often stayed up all night at the theater, and there were countless times when she took naps at the office. The theater also had a study that her parents had built for Bridget, so if necessary, she could stay there.

The street where the mansion was located was a safe residential area, so they wouldn’t offer a low price. She would decide after checking the operating situation of the theater.

“Thank you.”

She stopped by the bank again to store the documents, and then planned to go to the theater to review the operational records from the past… No, she needed to visit Magnus first.

Bridget, holding the documents, touched her tired face and thought about what to do next. Lost in thought, she left the building and walked on, half-absent-minded. Still, there were so many immediate tasks to handle that there was no time to feel emotionally down, which was an advantage.

It was similar to when she heard the news of her parents’ accident. Bridget, who had been in despair after hearing the sudden news of their death, had regained her composure thanks to Ronan, who had come to discuss the ownership of the theater. Although she had entrusted the management of the theater to Ronan, the immediate goal of protecting her parents' legacy became her driving force, and she continued her hectic daily life as if she were a different person.

Returning to her previous routine wasn’t difficult. However, what Bridget had overlooked was that her physical condition was completely different from a few months ago.

“Ugh.”

Bridget stopped abruptly while walking down the street. It was because of a sudden dizzy spell. After spending so much time without much activity, suddenly moving around all over the place from morning onward seemed to have taken a toll on her body. As the dizziness darkened her vision, she stumbled and clutched her forehead. As she gasped for breath and closed her eyes tightly, someone firmly grabbed her shoulder.

Just from the presence of someone standing close by and the strength of the large hand gripping her shoulder, Bridget knew who it was.

So she pushed his hand away without even looking. But the force surrounding her only pulled her tighter.

“Stubborn.”

At the voice that sounded like a scold, Bridget finally grimaced. Clenching her teeth, she yanked her shoulder away with all her strength, and this time his hand let go. As soon as she was free, Bridget quickly widened the distance between them and looked at Ain with a slightly sharp gaze. If it weren't for him, she would have lost her balance and fallen, but she didn't want to thank him for holding her. She would rather owe everyone else in the world than receive even the slightest help from that man.

“Why does your personal physician even exist?”

Ain said with a sigh, confirming Bridget’s pale face. Bridget looked stunned at his sudden appearance and his criticism of Magnus.

Magnus wasn’t her official attending physician; he was simply a kind acquaintance who took special care of Bridget out of goodwill.

And even if he were her primary care physician, Ain had no right to criticize him. Especially not Ain, of all people.

“Just leave me be, whether I collapse on the street or not.”

“I’m not so inhumane as to just stand by and watch someone stumbling right in front of me.”

How ridiculous that sounded. Bridget laughed openly.

“Do you know how many months it’s been since I last saw your face after the wedding?”

Was it someone else who watched her wither away in that remote mansion? Ain was truly an unbelievably brazen and absurd person.

“If someone saw us, they’d think we’re in an intimate relationship. You’re the one who couldn’t stand looking at my face. Wouldn’t that be creepy to let people think that?”

Bridget felt a chill.

She knew very well that to others, this man's behavior would seem very special. So if someone saw them, wouldn't they misunderstand? That Ain Wise was affectionate to his wife.

Even if a child fell right in front of him, he would not bat an eye, but seeing him take such care of her, it seemed that he had some special feelings for this woman.

In truth, this wasn't the first time Bridget had been in such a situation.

“Are you the only one working in this grand theater?”

“Thank you for catching me. I almost fell.”

An unpleasant memory from the past came to mind. The man who was cold to everyone else occasionally showed her small acts of kindness. Capricious consideration. The gossiping glances of those around her, her erratic emotions, and the flush on her face that was hard to hide.

Catching someone who was about to fall? Thinking about it, it was just common courtesy and common sense that others would do, but when that man did it, everyone praised him as if he had done something extraordinary. What a ridiculous situation. Even Bridget had once agreed with that generous assessment. It was a foolish time.

The most important thing in that man’s life was himself. If such a person were to care for others even a little, it would be for a reason—something the naive and foolish Bridget of that time did not understand.

“Stop doing things that don’t suit you.”

After all, every action of his had a purpose. In the past, that action was motivated by his awareness of his first love, Donna Green, but now it was motivated by his awareness of the annulment lawsuit.

Bridget wasn’t foolish enough to be deceived twice.

Ain fell silent for a moment, staring at Bridget, who was glaring at him with nerves on edge. Then he nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. I didn’t want to see you.”

He didn't bother to make any excuses for his actions.

“I deliberately didn’t even go near you.”

He tilted his head slightly and muttered to himself.

“I knew it would be like this.”

It seemed like he was lamenting, which was utterly absurd.

***