Chapter 5: Entangled

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd instantly broke out in commotion. Glenys Clark and the others hurriedly clapped and cheered.

"Wow, so this is Captain Anderson's precious wife that he's kept hidden for three years! They really match well!"

"Yes, their child got all of the best traits from both parents. He's so good looking..."

Everyone was overjoyed as they greeted Gillian Davies. Only Carol stood frozen in place, her face pale without a trace of color.

Gillian Davies was his wife of three secret years. Then what was she? What did she count for?

Sensing Carol's scrutinizing gaze, Gillian Davies calmly stood to Hubert Anderson's side, blocking her line of sight.

"Hubert and I were each other's first love. We've been together for seven years now," she said with a smile, inciting another round of delight from the crowd.

Hubert Anderson held Hugo and boarded the vehicle. As he passed Carol, his steps faltered slightly, but he didn't glance her way.

After counting the number of people, Bartholomew Evans realized Carol was still standing outside in a daze. He hurriedly pulled her aboard.

"Why is your face still so pale? Should we have the doctor examine you again in case there are any lingering effects from the smoke inhalation?" Bartholomew Evans asked with concern.

Carol shook her head. After sitting down and putting on headphones and an eye mask, she blocked out the sounds and people she didn't want to hear or see.

If not for the sake of her ridiculous pride, she truly could not have endured what just happened.

Hubert Anderson already had a child with Gillian Davies, yet she was completely kept in the dark, knowing nothing about it!

This must have been his real reason for rushing the divorce, to legitimately give his child the surname Anderson!

If he still had feelings for Gillian Davies, why did he agree to marry her in the first place?

Too many questions and resentments weighed down on Carol, making it hard for her to breathe. She turned up the music in her headphones to max, not leaving any space in her mind to overthink.

Returning to Armadillo, it was already afternoon.

Bartholomew Evans insisted on sending Carol home. She had no choice but to get in his car.

"They said for you to rest for a few more days before going back to work. Just stay home and lie down these days. I'll bring you anything you want to eat," Bartholomew Evans chattered, arranging everything properly.

Recalling Hubert Anderson's words and her own situation, Carol politely declined, "Captain Evans, just take care of yourself. You don't need to worry about me."

"Come on, we're both single, if we don't look out for each other a little, are we just going to stay lonely singles in 2020?" Although Bartholomew Evans spoke crudely, the deeper meaning hidden in his words was clear to Carol.

She wanted to say something more to make Bartholomew Evans give up his intentions, but the car had already stopped at the side of her neighborhood.

"On Christmas Eve night when I made my wish, it was to find a partner this year. Don't make me fail," Bartholomew Evans said as he helped undo her seatbelt, and brushed aside her hair by her ear.

The sudden intimacy left Carol unable to react in time.

After getting out of the car, she turned and walked towards the residential area. But Bartholomew Evans chased after her from the car.

"Carol, seriously think about what I just said... I like you..." Bartholomew Evans wanted to confess everything in one go, but was interrupted by an approaching figure.

Hubert Anderson walked over, a nearly finished cigarette pinched between his long fingers, his murky gaze fixed on the flustered Carol.

"What, Captain Anderson is taking a rare break instead of spending time with his darling wife and son, and has time to wander around here?" There was an edge to Bartholomew Evans' words.

Hubert Anderson glanced at him indifferently before turning his gaze back to Carol. "We need to talk."

Carol didn't want others to notice anything between them when their relationship was about to end.

She curled her fingers to steady her emotions, then turned to Bartholomew Evans. "You should go back. We'll be in touch tomorrow."

Hearing Carol say they would be in contact tomorrow, Bartholomew Evans' eyes lit up. "I'll bring you something delicious tomorrow!"

After watching him drive away, Carol turned to leave, but was stopped by Hubert Anderson below the apartment building.

"Are you insisting on being entangled with Bartholomew Evans?"

Carol looked at him, her eyes now numb. "What right do you have to question me? As my ex-husband?"

Hubert Anderson didn't speak. Carol let out a mocking laugh and answered herself, "Oh right, I forgot the divorce agreement still isn't signed. Legally we're still married, so your secret wife of three years, Mrs. Anderson... is also me."