Chapter 16
After Autumn sat down, a server quickly came over to take her order.
She asked for a juice because her stomach couldn’t handle coffee.
Ethan handed her the invitation. “Here’s the pass for the seminar. It’s scheduled for next Friday.” Autumn took it with a smile. “Thanks, Ethan. You’ve really worked hard these past few years p>
She’d been a completely hands–off shareholder, leaving everything in Ethan’s hands.
For three years, she hadn’t involved herself in the company at all, yet she still received generous dividends every quarter.
It hadn’t bothered her before, but now she felt a little guilty.
It was like taking money for doing nothing.
Ethan just smiled and reached out his hand. “Welcome back to the company p>
Autumn reached out and shook his hand. “Thanks. I’ll be counting on you p>
Soon, their orders arrived.
Ethan stirred his coffee slowly, then asked, “Autumn, I overheard you earlier–are you moving p>
“Yeah p>
Autumn took a sip of her juice. “I’m planning to get a divorce, so I’m finding a new place p>
Ethan already knew she was married, so Autumn didn’t hide the fact that she was getting divorced.
“If there’s anything I can help with, just say the word. No need to be polite with me,” Ethan said sincerely, setting his spoon down.
“Alright.” Autumn nodded.
They chatted a bit about work and research, until Ethan suddenly added, “By the way, the organizers want you to give a speech at the seminar. Might be good to start preparing something p>
Autumn blinked, then smiled. “Is that really necessary? I’ve been out of the field for years p>
Ethan raised an eyebrow. “That’s what I hate most about geniuses like you. All our hard work feels pointless compared to raw talent.
“Even after all these years, no one’s managed to surpass you. So, tell me, what are you being so humble and afraid of? That’s not like you at all p>
Autumn’s lashes fluttered slightly before she nodded in agreement.
They chatted a little longer, then went their separate ways.
1/3
A few days later, Autumn unexpectedly saw Julian back at home.
She paused for a moment, then quickly pretended not to notice.
Julian was sitting on the couch, head down, looking at something on his phone.
Whatever it was, it had him smiling.
As soon as Autumn walked in, Zoe brought out the dishes and said, “Ma’am, today is your third wedding anniversary. Mr. Carter cleared his schedule and even brought home a cake to celebrate with you p>
Autumn froze for a second before realizing that it was July 7th.
Three years ago today, they had registered their marriage.
She had been so busy the past few days that she completely forgot.
They used to spend their anniversary together every year.
But now, it was the last thing she wanted.
Just then, Julian put away his phone, stood up from the couch, and started walking toward her while rolling up his sleeves.
“Go wash up, let’s eat. I got your favorite cake p>
Today, Julian was wearing a blue dress shirt, his tie loosened a little.
As he got closer, Autumn could clearly smell the cologne on him.
It was the same scent she had once caught on Luna.
She wrinkled her nose and took two steps back without a word, then turned around. “I’ll go wash my hands first p>
When she came out, Zoe had already set up a romantic candlelit dinner.
The flickering candlelight felt like it was mocking her for being naive.
Julian was placing the cake on the table and adding candles.
A strong mango scent filled the room.
In an instant, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her, chilling her from head to toe and deep into her bones.
She was allergic to mango.
After knowing each other for so many years, there was no way Julian didn’t know she was allergic.
He just didn’t care.
His mind had been on Luna for so long that he no longer paid attention to Autumn.
2/3
Mango was Luna’s favorite.
So, he remembered that.
But he forgot the fact that Autumn was allergic to it.
Her eyes turned cold at the thought, but she didn’t expose him.
Swallowing the disgust in her throat, she walked toward the dining table.
Julian, ever the thoughtful husband on the surface, cut her a large slice of cake and placed it in front of her.
“Didn’t you always love the cakes from this place? This one’s their new flavor. Try it p>
Autumn sat still, not touching the cake.
She just stared at him, her expression calm and unreadable, like she was looking at a stranger.
“What’s wrong p>
Julian noticed her stare and frowned, clearly annoyed.
Autumn picked up the slice in front of her and tossed it straight into the trash bin. “I’m allergic to mango p>
Julian’s hand paused mid–cut, and as he watched her throw it away, his face darkened.
He assumed she was still holding a grudge.
“Autumn, what are you doing now p>
He set down the knife, eyes sharp as he stared at her.
3/3