Infatuated with my Ex-wife

"Mr. Wilson, this clears up all the misunderstandings that we had. We hope you can quickly resolve matters with your wife," the reporters said sincerely. "Alright, thank you, everyone. This concludes the press conference for today," Edward said. He had finally settled this issue, or so he thought.

He wasn't aware that this matter was, in fact, not over yet.

Meanwhile, Irene had been awake for a few hours now. She was sitting on her bed, ruminating about something that disturbed her greatly.

Was Edward aware her mother had passed away? Moreover, he was so close to Celine while Irene was pregnant with his child.

"Don't worry, Irene. You need to rest and let your body recover before you set off to do whatever is on your mind. Then you'll be more likely to succeed," Elio said.

He stood by her bed, concern and worry plastered all over his face. Of course he knew what she was thinking, but there was nothing he could do about it. He didn't want to get involved between Edward and Irene's feelings.

He decided to set his focus on protecting Irene.

"I know, Elio. Don't you worry about me, I'm okay. Look at you, staying by my side all night until I woke up. You should wash up and take a nap. You don't exactly look like a gentleman now, do you?" Irene joked.

She deliberately pretended to be relaxed because she didn't want to make Elio worry. How could she allow such an outstanding man to do so much for her?

"Oh, Irene, looks like you're well enough to joke about me. I'm fine, and I'm as lively as ever. I can't be called your senior if I'm that weak now, can I?"

Elio could see that she was still bothered about that scandalous article and her mother's death. Ever the thoughtful and considerate one, she was just pretending to be relaxed because she didn't want him to worry.

In that case, he had to go along with her wishes to ease her own worries. Perhaps he could make some small talk to lift her spirits. Otherwise, he would feel sorry for her.

"Elio, were you always this lively? Weren't you always the graceful and handsome one? Did you decide to change your trademark? I think I need some time to get used to it," Irene said with a chuckle. She still remembered how he used to be the elegant Prince Charming at school. He also studied art and knew how to paint, so he had a refined temperament.

Back then, Elio's looks and talents attracted many girls in the school, and he received many confessions. However, the one he liked was her, and it was a shame they weren't fated to be together. Irene really hoped that he would someday find a sincere person.

She wished Elio could let go of his feelings for her, for she knew she couldn't return them. Even if she currently felt distant from her husband, she wouldn't accept his feelings.

"Time heals all wounds, Irene. Time stops for nobody, so who is to say that things will always be like this forever? People change, Irene. Myself, yourself, everyone has the power to change," Elio said, comforting her gently.

He wanted to tell her that she could heal from the hurt she felt as time passed. Humans would change, and so would Edward. He hoped she wouldn't ponder over such distressing things anymore. Sometimes, letting go was better.

With all that happened, should she let go of the love she had held onto for so many years? It was the first time Irene had asked herself a question like that.

"Elio, can you do me another favour?"

A thought suddenly popped into Irene's mind. She figured it was time for her to let go of someone who wasn't hers to begin with, seeing as she was deeply hurt by the events that had passed. "Why should I force myself to do the things I can't do? It will only tire me out and affect others in the process. This is something I should do," Irene thought.

Irene had figured it out-she finally decided to let go of her love for Edward. Perhaps she shouldn't have forced this marital bond between them from the very beginning. This was the result of the things she forced herself to do.

"Irene, you don't have to be so polite to me, it feels weird. We're friends, so just tell me straight. Don't talk like that in the future, okay?" Elio chided her.

In fact, he wasn't mad. He knew she said that because she didn't want to trouble him anymore.

But was Irene not going to give him a chance to protect her?

Of course, he knew that Irene was doing this for his own sake. His age was also catching up to him and he should settle down with someone soon. He could no longer afford to be willful.

"Alright, Elio. I want to leave this place with my daughter. Can you take care of it for me? I should've given up my love for Edward sooner. I shouldn't be the only one putting effort in this relationship," Irene said dejectedly.

She was really desperate, and she didn't want this unrequited love to continue. She had waited long enough for him to return her love, and she was exhausted.

"Irene, are you absolutely sure? Are you going to let go of him after all those years? Don't be whimsical because you're upset now, or you'll definitely regret it," Elio said seriously.

Five years ago, he had hoped that Irene would tell him that. However, no matter how much suffering she went through, she had never thought of leaving.

Yet here she was, desperately begging him to bring her and her daughter away from this place full of unhappy memories.

"Mmhmm, I know you're worried this is an impulsive decision, and that I might regret it later. But Elio, I've come to realize that nothing is more wretched than apathy." Irene was very calm as she spoke.

After all the things she had endured, she finally felt that it was time for her to let go. She shouldn't aim for things that were beyond her reach.

It took her five whole years and a figuratively fatal wound to her heart to understand such a simple theory.

The once passionately blazing flame in her heart had been reduced to ashes.

"I used to wait for the day you'd ask me, but now, I'd rather you didn't. Irene, you sound like you've given up all hope."

Elio's heart ached as he spoke.

When he saw Irene's indifference, he knew that this was the result of being deeply hurt. It wasn't that she didn't care, but rather, she had lost the strength to care. Elio felt very distressed at the thought of this.

She used to be so strong and steadfast-as if nothing could bring her down. But now? All that was left of her was an empty shell.

"That's right, Elio. I'm tired and I don't want to deal with Edward anymore. It's natural for a person to tire out one day after persisting for such a long time, isn't it?" "Once all hope is lost, only despair remains," Irene thought silently.

Irene was utterly anguished.

She was determined to leave this miserable place and start a new life in a new city, where nobody knew who she was. That way, she would have peace of mind. What would the future entail? "Okay, Irene. Since you're so sure of yourself, I'll see to it. Just promise me you'll wait for me to arrange everything before you leave. It won't take long," Elio said firmly.

Since Irene had made up her mind, he would definitely fulfill her wishes despite knowing that they would never be together.

However, such matters wouldn't affect his determination to fulfill Irene's wishes. He loved her so much that he was willing to do anything as long as he could see her smile. "Thank you, Elio. You've been so helpful towards me, but I don't have any means to repay you. I can only offer you my sincere gratitude," Irene said wholeheartedly. She was very grateful to Elio, but this was all she could do.

At the same time, she was also giving him a hint that he shouldn't treat her with such kindness because they didn't have a future together.

She hoped that he could find his own happiness.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

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