Divorce.

The word, like a bomb, exploded in Wendy's brain.

In her impression, Dolly and Conor had never had any quarrels.

She took it for granted that her parents loved each other better than anyone else, which she was once so proud of.

When she was a student, she had confidently told her classmates that her parents loved each other so much that they would never have any disputes over anything.

It was not until the "brother-sister love" between Wendy and Gavin spread that in order to quell the netizens' attacks on them, Dolly had to announce to the media that Wendy was adopted.

The news shocked Wendy a lot.

But since then, she and Gavin could justify their relationship.

Wendy had to, though it was a little embarrassing, admit that this made her easily accept that she was not Dolly and Conor's biological daughter.

However, she did not expect that Dolly then said her marriage to Conor was only an agreement and they didn't actually love each other.

At that moment, Wendy felt as if she was struck by lightning-

Her parents seemed to be in love just because they treated each other as friends and respected each other like guests.

It was not true love between them.

It could not be denied that Wendy couldn't accept this fact.

But after knowing how it felt to be in love, she didn't doubt Dolly's words at all when she recalled the way Conor and Dolly got along with each other.

Dating Gavin made her realize that no matter how much two people loved each other, frictions were inevitable.

But she could not recall anything intimate that had taken place between Dolly and Conor.

They were the best business partners who could fight side by side, but they were not the love of each other's life.

Not everyone would fall in love as time went by.

Wendy couldn't do anything about it. She couldn't create love between Conor and Dolly. She could only accept the fact.

Wendy thought that Dolly and Conor would spend the rest of their lives like this as they had gotten used to this arrangement.

But now, Conor suddenly told her that he and Dolly had decided to get a divorce...

Wendy had spent over 20 years in Austrilia and had long been used to living with her parents in that house.

Even though she was no longer in Austrilia, she knew that no matter what happened, she had a home there when she went back. That home was a haven to her.

However, her home would be gone once Conor and Dolly got divorced, which would destroy the good memories of her childhood.

She refused to accept such a change.

Conor knew that it was difficult for Wendy to accept the fact, so he had discussed it with Dolly for a long time.

They finally decided to divorce because Wendy had grown up.

Such a decision broke their agreement and they were unable to turn back.

Wendy had to accept it.

Conor gently held Wendy's shoulder with one hand and said apologetically, "Wendy, I apologize to you."

Wendy looked at Conor and tried her best to hold back her tears. But in the end, she burst out crying.

She shook her head and begged, "Dad, don't..."

Conor hugged Wendy and sighed. "Wendy, your mom and I made this decision after careful consideration. We had no choice but to set aside your feelings. We hope you can forgive us."

Wendy couldn't speak. She plunged into Conor's arms and cried louder.

Emotionally, she didn't want their marriage to end in divorce, but rationally, she knew she couldn't be so selfish.

Dolly and Conor had signed the marriage agreement for so many years. If they could breed love, they would have forgotten that agreement and given their hearts to each other.

However, both of them could not forget the people they had really loved.

Now that Wendy had grown up, it was selfish to force them to be together for her sake.

Most importantly, she understood that Conor and Dolly would not be happy if they tried to maintain a conjugal relationship.

Wendy calmed down and wiped away her tears. She looked at Conor and said, "Dad, I won't blame you."

Conor knew that Wendy couldn't accept it so readily. She said that just to make him feel better.

For a moment, Conor didn't know what to say.

"Dad, if it weren't for me, would you and Mom... have divorced long ago?" Xiao asked slowly. Her voice had returned to normal.

There was one more thing she recognized after dating Gavin-true friendship hardly existed between a man and a woman, unless one person concealed his or her feelings and the other one played dumb.

Similarly, people could not pretend to be real husbands and wives if they just treated each other as a friend.

20 years ago when Dolly and Conor had settled their own problems, they had already thought of a divorce, hadn't they?

If they hadn't adopted her, they wouldn't have maintained that family life and lived in the same house for so long.

Now that she had grown up and was about to get married, she should free the parents who had raised her.

Not expecting that Wendy would be so spot on, Conor just smiled and said nothing.

Both Dolly and he had tried their best. If possible, they were willing to live like this for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, the people they loved before their marriage had left indelible marks in their hearts. No matter how hard they had tried to be a real couple, they found that friendship was a more comfortable relationship for them.

They maintained conjugal relations just to let Wendy grow up in a complete family environment. If not, they would have separated a long time ago.

Wendy understood her father's smile. She nodded and said, "Dad, I respect your decision. I... won't blame you."

Conor patted his daughter gently on the shoulder and said, "Wendy, the only thing I can do is to apologize to you."

"Dad, you don't have to apologize," Wendy shook her head and said in a tearful voice with a smile. "You've done enough for me in my life. You and mom should live the life you want."

Conor couldn't help laughing. "I heard people say love makes a person grow up. It's true. You've become thoughtful now."

Wendy also smiled. She stood on tiptoe and vowed, "Dad, don't worry. I will take good care of myself in the future, and I will be happy!"

"Sure." Conor nodded. "I believe you can."

Wendy held Conor's hand and said, "Would you like to go somewhere else?"

"No." Conor patted Wendy's hand. "I know you are in a hurry to go back to accompany Gavin. I won't take up your time."

Wendy was very embarrassed, but she had to admit that her father was right.

Conor beckoned the driver over and ordered, "We're going back. Please send Wendy back to the apartment first."

"No problem." The driver opened the door. "Mr. Xiao, Miss Moore, please get in the car."

Gavin's apartment was not far away. They arrived in less than ten minutes.

Wendy jumped nimbly out of the car. She turned around and saw Conor smiling at her.

She waved at Conor and smiled sweetly, "Dad, see you tomorrow."

"I didn't want your wedding to come so soon. But look how happy you are! Maybe it is indeed a suitable time. " Conor motioned for Wendy to go inside. "Go. I'll return to the hotel."

"Okay!"

Wendy agreed happily. She turned around and rushed into the apartment.

The security guard knew Wendy. Seeing her, he told her with a smile, "Mr. Gavin is already back."

"I know!" Wendy rushed into the elevator and pressed the button quickly to close the elevator door. "Thank you!" she,said smilingly.

The elevator soon took her to the top floor.

Wendy rushed out of the elevator to the apartment. Not seeing Gavin in the living room, she instinctively ran into the bedroom.

She was right. Gavin was lying in bed with his eyes closed. Apparently, he was sleeping.

Maybe he was disturbed by Wendy's movements, Gavin opened his eyes and found her there.

Like a child, Wendy threw herself on Gavin and looked at him with bright eyes, shouting, "I'm back!"

Gavin stroked Wendy's hair and said in a hoarse and gentle voice, "I know." After a pause, he asked in confusion, "What makes you so happy?"

"I have good news to tell you!" Wendy couldn't wait for Gavin to ask and said directly, "My father said you passed his test! Are you excited?"

"Of course I am." Though he said this, Gavin looked at Wendy intently. After a while, he suddenly asked, "But, Wendy, are you really happy? Is there anything else you haven't told me?"

Wendy's eyelids quivered. She quickly looked away without saying anything.

Gavin realized that something was wrong. He sat up, looked at Wendy and asked in a soothing and encouraging voice, "What happened when you went out with your father? Don't cry. Tell me."

Wendy tried her best to suppress her emotions, but tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at Gavin and said sadly, "My father and mother... have decided to get a divorce."

Gavin was surprised. He held Wendy in his arms and hugged her tightly in a protective way.

Being with Wendy for such a long time, what he heard most from her were stories about her parents.

He knew how important the family Dolly and Conor built was to Wendy.

If they got divorced, that family... would not be complete anymore.

How could he comfort Wendy?