My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage

Chapter 53:

Abandoning her thin mask of civility, Yara scoffed disdainfully, “Even the distant relatives in the Norris family manage to throw lavish weddings, eager to broadcast their joy to the world. Yet here you are, married to the Norris family’s patriarch, with nothing but a marriage license to your name. Meanwhile, the netizens rave about Lise, Kristopher’s true love, as if you, the so-called Mrs. Norris, don’t even exist.”

Carrie stopped, the sting of Yara’s words halting her retreat. She couldn’t refute the truth in them. Her union with Kristopher had started as a mere business arrangement, never meant to face public scrutiny. However, as her feelings deepened and after their original agreement ended, Carrie had timidly suggested perhaps holding a wedding. Initially, Kristopher dodged her proposals with a string of excuses. Eventually, he dropped the act and bluntly declared that since they were already legally bound, any additional ceremony was unnecessary and a mere waste of time.

Carrie, blinded by her affection, had rationalized his hectic life and quelled her desires, telling herself that life was inherently flawed and what truly mattered was making the best of their life together. But reflecting on it now, she recognized her naivety, realizing she had been far less perceptive than Yara. Suppressing her growing sadness, Carrie managed to muster a contrived smile. “At least having something is better than having nothing. Holding the title of Mrs. Norris keeps me one step ahead of you. In our social circles, rank matters greatly.”

She paused, inching closer to Yara with a sly tilt of her head. “Truth be told, if I set my sights on ruining you, there wouldn’t be a place for you in Orkset at all.”

Carrie’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she observed the shift in Yara’s demeanor. With a slight, knowing smile, she straightened, her hands unfolding as if displaying her helplessness. “Indeed, as you’ve mentioned, the title of Mrs. Norris carries substantial weight—something you and your mother can merely dream of.”

Yara bristled at Carrie’s air of superiority, her jaw clenching. “Don’t get too full of yourself, Carrie. Your husband and Lise have been all over the news lately. Who are you trying to impress by acting tough with me? Will you not eventually be outclassed by Lise, despite her charm and lineage being far beneath yours?”

Yara’s voice grew louder, her words sharp with challenge. “I might never claim the title of Mrs. Norris, but tell me—how long can you truly cling to it?”

At that moment, a deep, resonant voice, rich as a cello, filled the air behind Carrie. “Since Carrie became my wife, she will remain my wife forever. We value unwavering faithfulness in my family—something your family doesn’t seem to share.”

Startled, Carrie spun around. Kristopher was approaching, his silhouette outlined against the glowing sunlight, his features more defined and imposing than ever. Oliver stood behind him, holding a grand bouquet of Ecuadorian roses.

The atmosphere grew thick with unease as Kristopher made his appearance. Yara’s complexion drained, shifting swiftly from ashen to a heated flush, yet she refrained from voicing her discontent. Instead, she mustered a strained smile and inquired, “Kristopher, I thought you had left?”

“I merely stepped away to pick up flowers for my wife. Furthermore, my wife is an only child, Miss Campbell, so please refrain from fabricating familial connections,” Kristopher responded, his tone detached, his eyes avoiding Yara’s gaze.

Yara was left momentarily speechless, her fingernails pressing sharply into her palms. Rumors had flooded the internet about Kristopher’s adoration for Lise, and whispers of his imminent separation from Carrie were rampant. Yet here he was, boldly proclaiming Carrie as his wife and standing by her with unshakable devotion.

Carrie, equally baffled by Kristopher’s actions, watched him as he approached. With a discreet sidestep, he signaled Oliver to present the roses to Carrie. “Do you like them?” he asked, his eyes softening considerably as they met Carrie’s surprised yet glowing face—his expression a stark contrast to the iciness he had exhibited earlier during their disagreement.

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