My Coldhearted Ex demands a Remarriage

Elizabeth kept her composure, her voice steady.

“Mr.

Crawford, you’re overthinking things.

I’m married, and my actions represent more than just myself.”

Though she suspected the thugs might have been Alexander’s doing, she had no proof.

Speculation without evidence would only complicate matters, and the situation already felt like a web.

The waiter began delivering their dishes, momentarily interrupting their conversation.

Alexander, ever the image of refinement, placed several desserts before Elizabeth.

“Let’s not discuss unpleasant matters while dining,” he said with a gentle smile.

Elizabeth turned her focus to the desserts.

One souffle, shaped like a delicate camellia, caught her eye.

Its cream petals transitioned seamlessly from pale pink to white, accented with droplets of maple sugar.

As she took a bite, the elderflower strawberry filling provided a subtle tartness, perfectly complementing the souffle’s rich, creamy texture.

She savored the treat, gazing out the window at the city’s sparkling nightscape.

The lights of Orkset, on its path to becoming a first-tier metropolis, shimmered like stars.

Much of the city’s rise was owed to the Norris family, with Elijah playing a pivotal role.

As she admired the view, a reflection in the glass made her heart skip.

Turning abruptly, she spotted Elijah stepping out of a private room.

A woman in a white dress clung to his sleeve—a mask covering her face, a wide-brimmed hat concealing her hair.

Yet there was no mistaking her identity.

It was Sandra.

Sandra’s childlike mannerisms were painfully familiar as she leaned into Elijah, her movements playful and intimate.

Elijah didn’t pull away, his expression one of indulgent helplessness.

They seemed to exist in a world of their own, oblivious to Elizabeth and Alexander by the window.

She averted her gaze quickly, unwilling to let Alexander notice.

But when she turned back, her heart sank.

Alexander’s eyes, soft with sympathy, met hers.

“Why do you pretend to be so strong in front of me?” he asked, his tone kind yet piercing.

He had seen everything.

Elizabeth felt her chest tighten with humiliation.

The man she had painstakingly escaped from now witnessed her husband’s betrayal.

She reached for her glass of juice, gripping it so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

“Elizabeth,” Alexander began in a gentle voice.

“Why do you push me away for someone like him? You almost married me once, and now, after all this time, fate brings us together again.

Isn’t that a sign?” He reached for her hand as she spoke.

Elizabeth pulled back violently, her chair screeching against the floor.

The noise drew annoyed glances from other diners, but Alexander simply smiled and said, “Apologies, everyone.

I upset my girlfriend.”

They turned back to their tables with understanding looks.

His casual words sent a chill through Elizabeth.

Her voice dropped, sharp and cold.

“Thank you for your misplaced affection, Mr.

Crawford.

Regardless of my happiness, Elijah and I are legally married.

Surely, you wouldn’t want to be the other man, would you?”

Alexander’s smile remained in place.

“If it’s you,” he said smoothly, “I might not mind.”

Elizabeth felt her patience snap.

Rising from her seat, she met his gaze with icy determination.

“Thank you again, Mr.

Crawford, for your help in the past.

However, it’s best if everything ends here.

If rumors spread, it won’t just embarrass me—it’ll reflect poorly on you.

I hear your father’s company is preparing for a public listing.

Scandals wouldn’t do well for your family at a time like this.”

Her words were sharp and calculated, revealing she had done her homework.

Elizabeth had long realized she couldn’t rely on Elijah.

After returning from Foxfire County, she’d looked into the Crawford family.

She didn’t have enough resources to dig up dirt, but she was able to find out some matters of importance.

Alexander’s easy demeanor faltered.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing.

The mask of politeness slipped, revealing something darker.

“Are you threatening me, Elizabeth? Who can you rely on? Your father? Elijah?”

He sneered.

“The Norris family prioritizes their interests above all.

Now that Elijah’s reunited with his true love, do you think he’d jeopardize his standing to protect you? My family’s company may not rival the Norris Group, but we’re powerful enough to make him think twice before crossing us.”

“I—”

Elizabeth leaned forward, her hands braced on the table as she met his venomous gaze.

“I rely on no one.

And those with nothing to lose fear nothing.

In today’s world, public opinion is a powerful weapon.

Would your father really want you provoking a woman’s scorn and risking the Crawford family’s reputation?”

Her words hung in the air like a challenge, the last bits of cordiality between them evaporating in the rising tension.

Straightening, she smiled coolly.

“I’ll settle the bill now.

Goodbye, Mr.

Crawford.”

“And forever this time,” she thought silently.

Alexander remained seated, his earlier charm twisted into something sinister.

He didn’t pursue her, but his expression darkened, his eyes gleaming with malice.

At the counter, Elizabeth paid for the meal, her mind racing.

It was only after she stepped outside that she realized she had left most of the desserts untouched.

But returning to the table now would risk further confrontation.

Some losses, she told herself, were necessary to avoid greater trouble.

She shook her head, heart aching, and walked out of the restaurant.

Nearby, a surprised gaze followed her retreating figure.