Divorce Anxiety

Christopher took Kathleen home and drove her to the mansion’s entrance.”We've reached your house,” Christopher said warmly.Kathleen glanced at the white building outside his car window and said, “Thank you for taking me home, Chris.”"There really is no need for thanks, Kate. It's okay.” Christopher disliked how Kathleen was being distant from him.Despite that, he knew if he confessed to her, she would certainly reject him.“I'll get going then.” Kathleen pushed the car door open and got out of the car.Christopher stared blankly at Kathleen's slim figure as she disappeared from his sight.Maybe I should give her more time and not force her to make a decision now.Once Kathleen entered her house, Charles descended the stairs.”Did you have fun?” he asked in concern Kathleen shook her head. “I bumped into Samuel.""What is he doing there?” Charles walked and stood in front of Kathleen.”It was nothing. He wanted me to visit Grandma,” Kathleen answered and pursed her lips. “I know that! But I just came back home today. I'll visit her. It's just a matter of time. What's the rush, geez."Charles knew that Kathleen treated and loved Diana like her own grandmother.”When will you visit her? I'll go with you,” Charles said."I'll go tomorrow,” Kathleen answered after contemplating. “Anyway, I think Samuel would assume I'll visit her several days later, but I want to catch him off guard by visiting Grandma earlier."Charles smiled faintly. “Okay, I'll prepare the gifts then.”"Don’t get anything that's too lavish or expensive, otherwise she'll think we're not being sincere enough,” Kathleen said before adding, “I think I'd better prepare the gifts myself. I know what she likes best, after all.”Charles chuckled. “You don’t trust me, your own brother?"Kathleen snorted.”Don’t worry. I know what to do,” Charles said with a slight laugh. “Just go and rest.”"If you say so.” Kathleen nodded and climbed up the stairs with her high heels on.Charles withdrew his gaze. A hint of coldness glinted in his eyes.Samuel is such a pest!The next day, Kathleen and Charles visited Diana in the Macari residence.For the past year, Kathleen frequently stayed in touch with Diana.However, they never met face to face. When Kathleen arrived at the Macari residence, everyone was glad to see her.After all, Kathleen had lived in the Macari residence for a few years. Moreover, she was kind, so everyone loved her.Everyone had missed her for the past year."Grandma!” When Kathleen saw Diana, she ran over and hugged the older woman.Diana had recovered well in this past year.Now, she could get down from her bed and walk around on her own.”Oh, my sweet little Katie is here! Haha!” Diana exclaimed in joy."Grandma, I'm back. I'm sorry for worrying you for this past year,” Kathleen said sadly as if blaming herself."Silly girl, it's not your fault. We're the ones who let you down,” Diana said as she patted Kathleen's head. "Come here and sit with me."Then, Kathleen released Diana. With a slight laugh, the former introduced her brother. “Grandma, let me introduce you to Charles. This is Charles Johnson, my elder brother.”Diana was a little shocked. “Your brother?“Charles took a step forward. “Nice to meet you, Old Mrs. Macari. I'm Kate's elder brother, Charles Johnson."You have a brother?” Diana asked quizzically."Yes.” Kathleen nodded and continued, “Actually, we lost my brother when he was born. He was passed through many hands before he was sold off overseas. We only reunited with him last year."My goodness,” Diana exclaimed and looked at Charles with pity. “Poor boy, you've really suffered. Come here and sit."Holding Charles’ hand, Diana and the pair of siblings sat down.Diana scrutinized Charles’ face and nodded. “You have your father's eyes.”*Grandma, my brother and I had already done our DNA test,” Kathleen explained, grinning.Diana nodded. “That's good, but it's truly a miracle.” heard it from my parents when I was young. They believed that my brother had passed away. Every time he was mentioned, my mom would cry, so everyone was careful not to talk about him anymore because they were afraid that my mom would cry herself ragged,” Kathleen continued to explain.”This is natural. Since you're Katie's brother, then Charles, you are also my dearest grandson. From now on, I'll love you too,” Diana said with a twinkle in her eyes."Thank you, Grandma.” Charles smiled too. It seemed that Diana was an easy person to get along with."Maria, please call Calvin and Wynnie. I want them to come back for lunch.” Diana was delighted. “We'll have a family lunch!” she exclaimed.Although she had said it was a family lunch, she did not invite Samuel.At that instant, Kathleen knew that Diana had her best interests in mind.Despite that, she only hoped to be able to get along with her former husband.This could only work if Samuel was willing.“Yes, Old Mrs. Macari,” Maria said with a smile. “I'll prepare something Mrs.... Ms. Johnson likes.”Smiling, Kathleen did not mind Maria's mistake. Honestly, Maria was not the only one that needed to become accustomed to Kathleen's new identity, for Kathleen herself needed to get used to it as well. Maria glanced outside the window. “Old Mrs. Macari, Mr. Samuel is back.""What?" Diana panicked.Why is that little brat back now?"Grandma, it's okay,” Kathleen said as she clasped her hands around Diana's hand. “It's really okay. We've agreed that we'll treat each other like siblings when we divorced."Diana’s other hand gripped Kathleen's hand in return. Her hand is so cold! She really doesn’t want to meet Samuel. Look how much that little brat must have scared her!As they were chatting, Samuel entered the house.His almond-shaped eyes narrowed when he saw the trio in the living room.”"Why are you here?” Diana said, her disapproval being written all over her face."Documents,” Samuel said expressionlessly before adding, “I left them here yesterday.”"Hmph!” Diana scoffed.Kathleen was a little surprised. Is Samuel living in the Macari residence? I thought he lived at Florinia Manor.Florinia Manor was the mansion Samuel currently lived in.The man shot a glance at Kathleen.Today, she wore a rose-red sweater and a black umbrella skirt. She looked cute yet dignified.On the other hand, Charles was dressed in a formal black suit and white shirt, making him look like an elite. However, his gaze had a wild look to it."Leave when you've gotten your document,” Diana urged Samuel unhappily.“Mm,” Samuel hummed in agreement, but he looked slightly gloomy.Pursing her lips, Kathleen glanced at him and then at Diana.Samuel turned and went up the stairs for his document.“Grandma, does Samuel always live here?” Kathleen asked in curiosity.”Sometimes,” Diana answered.Kathleen nodded.At this moment, Samuel descended the stairs with a document in his hand.”I'll get going now,” he said, looking at Diana.However, Diana ignored him and stayed silent.Expressionless, he strode with large steps to the entrance.Before he could leave, Kathleen stood up and called out to him, “Samuel."He halted his steps abruptly, turned around, and walked toward her.Stunned, Kathleen took two steps back instinctively."Hey, Mr. Macari. Don't you know you have to keep a safe social distance?” Charles exclaimed in annoyance. Why does he have to walk all the way over here? My sister only called out to him. He could have just stood there and answered.”Looking someone in the eye and talking with the person face to face is the polite way of interaction.” Then, Samuel looked at Kathleen before saying gently, "What is it?"Kathleen was a bit nervous as she was not used to talking to him with him so near her. Nonetheless, she invited, “Come and have lunch with us.”