Alexander glanced at the rest of the medicines in the bag, took out the ointment, and asked, "The hospital only gave you ointment? No anti-inflammatories or blood circulation medicine?"
I shook my head. "My stomach's been acting up lately, and the doctor said those medications might irritate it, so they didn't prescribe them."
Stomach problems again.
Alexander frowned slightly, as if sensing something wasn't quite right but unable to put his finger on it.
He helped me lie down before heading into the bathroom. I heard the sound of running water, which stopped after a while.
A moment later, he came out and climbed into bed.
"Alicia," he called.
"Don't bring people to the house. We're still not divorced."
I didn't reply. I simply adjusted the duvet around my body and let sleep swallow me.
The next morning, I woke up to find Alexander already dressed and ready to leave. He turned to face me when he heard movement from the bed.
"You're awake."
"Mm. Are you leaving for work?"
"Yes."
He walked to the edge of the bed.
"Let me help you to the bathroom so you can freshen up and have breakfast," he said, already helping me out of bed.
"Aren't we getting the divorce decree today?" I asked with a slight frown.
He glanced at my injured leg.
"You're hurt. Let's wait until you can walk properly."
"But I can use crutches."
He stared at me for a moment before replying, "I have to go on a business trip today. We'll get it when I return."
"A business trip? For what?" I asked. I clearly remembered that he had no trips scheduled for this week.
"It's something I need to handle at our branch in New York."
I nodded.
"Alright then. We'll get it immediately when you return."
By then we had reached the bathroom door. When I said that, I thought I saw something flicker in Alexander's eyes before he quietly closed the door.
Maybe I was imagining things.
I was talking about divorce as if it were something ordinary, but only I knew how much it hurt—and how much restraint it took not to break down in front of him.
When I finished my shower and returned to the room, I found a tray with breakfast on the table. I assumed Alexander had asked Maria to bring it up.
My leg had improved slightly. I could walk, though not very well or for long distances. After changing the dressing on my wound, I sat down, ate my breakfast, and took my medication.
Afterward, I leaned back on the bed and opened the news app.
Blackwood Dominion Enterprises had branches in many cities, though the headquarters was here in Valeridge City. I often checked international news to see if anything related to our company appeared.
As I scrolled through the headlines, one caught my attention.
At first, I thought it was just clickbait, but curiosity made me tap it.
Headline:
Isabella's Reuters photos spark controversy. Éclat Beauty employees say: "We had no choice—she's with the boss."
The article included several Reuters photos of Lilian.
These weren't ordinary paparazzi shots. They were candid photos taken during Éclat Beauty's advertising campaign, clearly captured by someone inside the company.
The angles and clarity made it obvious the photographer was an insider.
The article focused on Isabella's makeup.
Instead of enhancing her elegance, the makeup exaggerated her cheekbones, giving her a sharp, almost malicious look. Her red lips were drawn too full and sharply edged, making her upper lip and philtrum appear unnaturally short. Her brows were drawn stiff and straight, giving them a slightly comical appearance.
The photos quickly sparked heated discussions, especially among Lily Avery's fans.
They flooded Éclat Beauty's official post with comments.
"Should've chosen our Lily!"
"Such horrible makeup! What a waste of her pretty face!"
There were simply too many negative comments about the makeup.
With three parties fueling the controversy, the topic quickly went viral.