Chapter 817 Taking A Stance
Tiffany gazed at him with barely concealed grief in her eyes. “Have you brought the divorce agreement?” she asked. “I can sign it now.” Derrick clenched his fists to suppress his tumultuous despair. “Let’s talk about it, Tiff.”
Tiffany shook her head. Her face was pale and bloodless. “There’s nothing to talk about,” she said somewhat dispiritedly. “I saw you and Crystal yesterday with my own eyes. That’s when I knew we were completely over. I don’t want to guess the nature of your relationship with her. There is no longer a chance between us.”
The hangover made her body feel weak. In addition to Derrick’s betrayal, everything seemed bleak and bland. Tiffany felt sluggish and wanted nothing but to find a quiet spot to sit.
Derrick was the person she was most unwilling to see at the moment. He took a step forward, but Tiffany raised a hand to stop him. “Don’t come any closer. I hope we can split up amicably. Even if we get a divorce, I don’t want to hate you.”
Derrick was beside himself with frustration. He was like a caged beast desperate to rid itself of its predicament. A single mistake pretty much destroyed my marriage.
“I’m begging you, Tiff,” Derrick said quietly, his eyes tinged red. “Let’s talk about it. We’ve been together for years. Are you really just going to break things off with me?”
Tiffany laughed bitterly. “Why didn’t you think about all our years together when you touched her?”
Derrick was rendered speechless. He could not tell her he had no idea how he and Crystal got involved. The last thing he remembered was drinking Kate’s glass of milk. He knew a woman had entered after that, which he thought was Tiffany. He also assumed that was who she was when he pushed her against the wall. He vaguely remembered the feeling of being with her, but he only realized that the woman with him was not his wife when he was roused by having water splashed onto his face. Then, he saw Tiffany standing by and felt his world spin.
Tiffany’s angry demand for a divorce diverted Derrick’s mental resources to grasp the strangeness of the ordeal, but he could not resist a shudder upon further consideration of the matter; he did not dare believe his mother would set him up.
Tiffany passed him to go downstairs, but he grabbed her wrist.
“If I told you that I had been set up, would you believe me, Tiff?” he asked quietly.
Tiffany turned to face him. “Does that matter now?” She had already found him guilty in her heart, and she would not believe him no matter how he explained himself.
A bitter smile appeared on Derrick’s lips.
“You really won’t believe me, huh?”
Tiffany said nothing and retracted her arm as an answer.
She then went down the stairs and gave Amelia a small smile. “I’m sorry for causing a scene again, Babe. I’d promised you that I would be happy once I got married, but it didn’t take long for my marriage to end in shambles. What do I do? Do you think I’m born to be a loser?”
Amelia felt sorry for her best friend. “Don’t smile if you don’t want to,” she said softly. “You look horrible.”
Tiffany’s eyes grew red despite herself. “Send the person upstairs off for me, Babe,” she choked. “I’ll look for something to eat in the kitchen. I’m starving.”
Amelia nodded.
Tiffany entered the kitchen while Derrick remained rooted to the spot like a pole.
Amelia sighed. These two are destined to suffer.
She went up the stairs and called, “Go on home first, Derrick. I’ll bring Tiff over when she’s feeling better, and you can sign the divorce agreement on good terms then. You wouldn’t be happy if you forced yourselves to remain together. I’m sure this is what Tiff wanted.”
Derrick stared at her in a daze. “Are you not going to help me with this, Amelia?” he said wearily.
She shook her head. “I’m not planning to. You have committed an unforgivable mistake. Maybe other women would let it slide, but Tiff is willful. She does not tolerate infidelity.”
The sparkle in Derrick’s eyes went out. “I won’t give up,” he said bitterly. “I will beg for her forgiveness.” At that, he turned and walked out with his back straight, though Amelia could see how pained he was.
She shook her head and felt a weight in her heart.
Tiffany is going through what happened to me three years ago. I wonder if she would be able to handle it. Nothing can change her mind if she decides to go through with a divorce.
Amelia returned to the kitchen to see Tiffany standing blankly before the pot without a crumb before her.
“You can’t be full from inhaling air, Tiff,” Amelia chided as she opened the lid and took out the breakfast Molly had prepared earlier that day.
Tiffany gave a start and turned to Amelia as she forced a smile. “Has he left?”
“He’s gone,” Amelia assured. “Are you planning to divorce him?”
“What else can I do? I saw with my own eyes how he got involved with another woman in our marital bed. I’, heartbroken, and I suddenly feel so tired that I no longer wish to struggle.” Tiffany took a bun from the plate and ate slowly. Her gaze was blank.
Amelia dragged her friend out by the hand, forced her onto the couch, and half-knelt before the latter.
“Are you not going to give him a chance to explain himself?” she asked gently.
Tiffany shook her head. Her smile looked more like a grimace.
Having exited the kitchen without taking anything, she sat listlessly on the couch instead.
Amelia followed her out, at a loss on how to comfort her friend.
“If you’ve made up your mind, Tiff, I’ll go with you to the Hisson residence,” Amelia offered.
Tiffany clutched her head with both hands. “Thank you, Babe,” she said in a muffled voice. “But I would like to stay for a few days before returning to adjust to the situation. Otherwise, I fear I may go crazy.”
“Of course.”
Throughout the five days of Tiffany’s stay, Derrick came with her favorite food every day.
“Stop coming over, Derrick,” Amelia said exasperatedly each time she opened the door. “Tiff does not want to see you. Go home.”
“I just want to talk to her,” Derrick insisted.
Amelia stood squarely at the door, not intending to grant Derrick entry.
Just then, Oscar emerged and hugged Amelia from behind. “Go home, and stop coming over. I’ve hired the best lawyer for Tiff, who will meet you to talk about the divorce. He will also be discussing the division of property with you, so there is no need for you to show up here anymore.”
Derrick felt a fist closing painfully around his heart.
“You’re a man too, Oscar. You must understand how I feel. I have made a mistake, but not to the extent beyond redemption. I don’t want my fate sealed without even giving her an explanation. Let me see her. I want to talk to her properly about it.” Derrick gazed earnestly at Oscar.
Tiffany’s request for divorce had been tormenting him for the past few days. Dark circles appeared beneath his eyes, and his beard grew straggled. His cheeks became sunken in and gave one the impression of extreme despair.
His wretched appearance seemed to move Oscar. In the end, he half-dragged Amelia to stand aside.
She glanced up inquiringly at him, but he merely shook his head at her.
Derrick entered, promptly went up the stairs, and lightly opened the door to the guest room to find Tiffany sitting quietly by the window. The silhouette of her back looked especially morose.
He walked over as his heart twinged.
“Tiff,” he called out softly.
Tiffany jumped and hurriedly raised her hands to wipe her eyes.
Surprised, Derrick strode over to grab Tiffany’s shoulders and discovered tear stains on her face.
“Have you been crying?” His heart ached, and he tried to wipe her tears, but she avoided his gesture by taking three steps backward.
“What are you doing here?” she asked stiffly.
Derrick felt his heart lurch. “Don’t be like this, Tiff. Please?” he pleaded.
Tiffany pursed her lips. “How would you like me to behave, then? I don’t want to argue with you, Derrick. I’ve had Oscar hire the best divorce attorney in the city for me, who will discuss the divorce with you on my behalf. As for the division of property, you don’t have to give me a dime.”
The anguish in Derrick’s eyes was about to spill forth.
“Is this really how it ends, Tiff?” he croaked.
Tiffany averted his gaze. She feared her resolve would falter if she saw how dejected he looked.
“You have tarnished our marriage, Derrick,” Tiffany murmured. “I’m just putting an end to it.”
Derrick dashed over to hug Tiffany. He could not hold back his tears anymore. “I’m begging you, Tiff,” he cried. “Give me another chance. I did not intend to touch Crystal. It really was a misunderstanding. I don’t even know how I got involved with her. I feel horrible when you treat me like a stranger.”
Tiffany remained stiff and still in his arms. “Stop this, Derrick,” she said quietly. “We could still be friends even if we get a divorce.”
Derrick let go of her and met her serenity with confusion.
“Do I really not have a chance to redeem myself?” he asked hoarsely.
Tiffany shook her head.
Derrick gazed at her for a while before falling unexpectedly to his knees before her.
Startled, Tiffany took a step back and instinctively reached out to help him up, but her hand froze in midair. She quietly retracted it the next second.
Derrick glanced up. “You wouldn’t give me a chance even when I’m on my knees, Tiff?”
Tiffany gazed at him with a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes. Suddenly, she knelt down as well.
“Stop forcing me, Derrick,” she said softly as she lowered her gaze.
Derrick looked at her and let loose a sudden laugh that sent tears streaming down his cheeks.
“I always thought I understood you, Tiff. I never thought you would be crueler than I imagined. I’ve only made one mistake, and you sentenced our marriage straight to death without even giving me a chance to redeem myself. It seems that our four-year-long relationship meant nothing to you.”
Tiffany wept silently.
Derrick stood up and left, slamming the door shut behind him.
Only then did Tiffany crumble to the floor and stared at the door in a daze until Amelia pushed open the door and entered. She half-knelt before Tiffany, whose tears began flowing unbidden.
Amelia held her tenderly in her arms. “Let it out,” she soothed. “We’ll go to the Hisson residence after you feel better. It’s all right. Just get a divorce if you can’t see past this. You were by my side during my divorce back then, and I will be here for you during your divorce this time. So don’t be afraid.”
Tiffany grabbed Amelia’s arm and bawled her heart out, shedding every tear she had and would ever have.
She became so frail that it gave Amelia the impression that she would be unable to hold on.
Fortunately, she was able to step out from her pain slowly after ten days of despondency. Or so she appeared.
That was when Amelia and Oscar accompanied her to the Hisson residence.
Aside from Terrence and Kate, many of the Hissons were also present. Over twenty people were gathered at the hall as if awaiting a trial.
Tiffany could not resist a grim smile. These people would not miss a chance to see me make a fool of myself.
Derrick came down the stairs as Tiffany gazed up and coincidentally met his eyes. Her eyes flashed with emotion.
Derrick had grown thinner. His cheeks had sunken to an alarming degree, and his facial hair was more unkempt than ever. An air of utter misery had replaced his handsome confidence.
Tiffany felt awful seeing him that way, and she could not understand how their marriage had gotten to such a state.
Their wedding vows still rang in her ears. Derrick had promised to love and cherish her for the rest of his life, yet their marriage had collapsed within a year.
She had failed as a woman by not keeping an eye on her husband and pushing him into the arms of another woman.
Derrick hobbled over, and his lovesick gaze fell onto her. “You came,” he said quietly.
Tiffany quickly averted his gaze and closed her eyes to hold back the tears that were about to fall.
Derrick watched her, not intending to miss her expression.
Amelia put her arm around Tiffany’s shoulder. “Let’s go and take a seat over there, Tiff.”
Tiffany nodded.
As soon as the two women turned around, Derrick grabbed Tiffany’s wrist.
“Don’t go, Tiff. Please?” Derrick begged.
Tiffany did not turn around.
Instead, it was Amelia who turned to look at him. “Many people are watching, Derrick. Don’t make things difficult for Tiff, all right?”
Derrick stared at Tiffany’s back instead of responding.
Oscar then stepped forward and pried Derrick’s hand open, to which Derrick increased his grip to contend with his. A hint of plea appeared in his eyes.
Oscar leaned in to whisper in Derrick’s ear, “Be a man. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of people for a woman.”
Derrick let go of Tiffany’s hand at last.
Amelia brought Tiffany to sit on another couch. Thanks to Oscar’s presence, she did not feel nervous as she face the vast Hisson clan.
Terrence addressed Tiffany, “I heard how Derrick has let you down, Tiff, and I have taught him a lesson on your behalf. Men would commit grave mistakes during their process to maturity, but as long as his heart remains true to you, I think this is a forgivable matter.”
Amelia gave Tiffany’s hand a squeeze as she faced Terrence and gave a polite smile. “You may think of your grandson’s mistake as something every man will make in his life, Mr. Hisson, but Tiffany has been brought up in a normal family. She is stubborn by nature and insists on her husband’s fidelity. Although it may seem foolish to you, I will support her in whatever decision she makes. Naturally, Oscar is on my side.”
Terrence’s expression changed greatly at that.
“Are you going to cast me aside because of Derrick’s mistake, Tiff?” Terrence implored after taking a deep breath and facing Tiffany.
Tiffany took a deep breath as well before meeting Terrence’s inquiring gaze. “You have been good to me ever since I married into the Hisson family, Granddad,” she said calmly. “However, Derrick and I are not fated for each other. I only came here today to discuss the divorce with him. Do take care of yourself in the future.”
Terrence’s expression shifted again.
“I have already arranged for Crystal to be escorted out of the Hisson residence and have met with the Halliwells to explain Derrick’s mistake. I guarantee he will not have anything to do with Crystal again. So please, do this for me. Forgive him this one time, will you?” Terrence pleaded, appearing to have set his pride aside.
Tiffany lowered her gaze. Nobody could tell what she was thinking at the moment.
Terrence observed her. “Are you not going to consider it, Tiff?”
Her eyes flickered with a myriad of emotions as she struggled with herself. Although she claimed to hate Derrick and was determined to get a divorce, she missed him. She was deeper in love with him than she realized.
Finally, she spoke. “I’m sorry, Granddad. Let me think about it a little longer. My mind is a mess right now.”
Terrence was visibly relieved while delighted surprise lit Derrick’s eyes. Kate’s face, however, flushed momentarily with fury.
Terrence gave an easy laugh. “Good girl. I know you love Derrick, and I guarantee he will not make the same mistake again. You are the only granddaughter-in-law I approve of, and I will break his legs if he ever wrongs you again.”
Everybody present was aware that Terrence behaved that way for Oscar’s sake.
Only fools would dare offend Clinton Corporation.
Tiffany pursed her lips. “I’ll be heading home then, Granddad. Let me calm down over the next few days, and I’ll give you an answer.”
“All right.”
Amelia helped Tiffany up and turned to leave.
Terrence called out to Oscar, “Derrick has been foolish to make the mistake all men make, Oscar. Teach him a lesson for me at your leisure. Consider it making up to Tiff.”
Oscar turned around and smiled. “I will gladly oblige to your request, Mr. Hisson, but now’s not the time.” With that, he and Amelia marched their way out, looking very much like Tiffany’s guardian angels.
Derrick got to his feet and scrambled after them.
“Get back here, Derrick!” Kate yelled in a panic.
Derrick ignored his mother while Terrence glared at her. “Set whatever scheme you have aside, Kate. You will not remain in the Hisson residence if Derrick and Tiffany get a divorce.”
Kate’s expression hardened, but she did not dare cause any trouble before Terrence.
