24 Would Regret Ever Come To Him Some Day?

After dinner, Rupert challenged Elaine to a game of Go. She quickly accepted it. When the two of them were engaged in the game, Alvin dragged Asher to follow him to the balcony.

Standing in the cold night air, the two men threw their eyes at the wintry landscape. White snow blanketed the entire area, creating the illusion of a winter wonderland.

They could see the people coming and going to the club from where they stood. The outdoor pool area was deserted because of how cold it was.

Alvin stared at Asher who was still looking out into the distance. With a helpless sigh, he asked, "I'll be direct here. Why divorce all of a sudden? Liliana really requested that?"

When the news reached Alvin and Rupert, both of them were so startled. Especially when they knew it was Liliana who initiated the divorce.

Even though Asher was not a compassionate husband to Liliana, Alvin caught the traces of deep feelings she tried hiding from everyone. Every little gesture piled up, revealing her heart.

As someone who was close to Asher, Alvin had seen numerous young ladies showing their feelings openly to his friend. Some even went as far as trying to blackmail Asher into accepting their hearts, something that displeased Alvin.

Asher slowly moved his eyes away from the twinkling lights of the city skyscrapers. His gaze fell on Alvin who was looking so concerned to him right now.

"I don't know. Maybe because of the miscarriage," answered Asher flatly, "She seemed so upset when I visited her later. If she feels that miserable, divorce is a good option."

Alvin was exasperated. Sometimes, he really wanted to cut through Asher's mind and try looking at what was going inside his head.

"You agreed just like that? You didn't try to change her mind?"

Asher shook his head, "There's no point. My grandmother already has Attorney Su drafting the divorce agreement."

Alvin had to hold back his surprise. This should be too serious if Old Madam Shen herself supported Liliana's decision to divorce Asher.

Everyone in their circle knew how much the Shen family's matriarch cared for Liliana.

"You won't know unless you try," Alvin let out a sigh. He rubbed the space between his temples, "Haven't you guys been married for four years?"

"It's a waste of time," Asher frowned, "I admit that she's a good partner. She never demands useless things from me but, if she wants out now, why should I stop her?"

Alvin pursed his lips into a straight line. He knew too well what Asher meant by 'useless things'.

Asher had made it clear several times that he didn't want his wife seeking his affection. To him, his duty as the Shen family's successor overweighed everything.

Overindulgence would just bring disaster. Just like how Asher's father and uncle were. They destroyed their own families because they didn't stop any women to climb their beds.

Alvin had to acknowledge that his friend was too extreme in this part. Asher set a clear and unbroken boundary even for his life partner.

Standing with one hand on his hip, Alvin's gaze on Asher's face turned more sullen. He repeatedly shook his head. His curly hair was brushed gently by the breeze.

"Asher, Liliana is a good woman. I'm relieved because you have such a lady as your wife. We're getting older. I really hope you won't be that rigid to yourself."

"You're overthinking," retorted Asher, sounding displeased, "It's just a divorce, not the end of the world. I won't tie myself with someone who thinks to get away from me. Wouldn't it be messy later?"

Alvin sighed again, "You're right about that part, but... just remember that you're still a human. We're prone to having feelings no matter how hard we try not to."

Asher just shrugged. He was obviously not paying attention to what Alvin was pointing out.

"When's the court hearing? I heard you won't contest for anything?"

Even though it was Asher's grandmother's own doing, Alvin still thought his friend would object to some arrangement in the divorce agreement.

Not only Liliana would be bestowed with millions of money, but she also got three high-end properties under her name.

Apparently, Old Madam Shen herself chose which properties to be given to her. Both were located in different prosperous and rich neighborhoods of the capital city.

Alvin knew of Liliana's strained relationship with the Xin family. It was obvious that Old Madam Shen did this to allow her to have financial freedom.

"Should be after New Year. I left everything to my lawyer," Asher slowly rubbed the back of his right hand, dispersing warmth all over, "What's there to contest? Even if we don't have feelings for each other, she's still my wife. The alimony requested is nothing."

"Yeah, you really should give her a good alimony," Alvin also agreed, "As thanks for keeping up with your attitude all this time."

Asher glared at Alvin, "Save your nagging another time. It's getting colder. We should head back inside."

"Yeah."

The two men entered the room again, bringing in the frostiness of the night air. Elaine and Rupert were still playing Go. Based on Rupert's upset look, it seemed like Elaine was leading the game.

"Yes! I won!" Elained clapped her hands happily.

"No! That's not fair, Elaine!" Rupert cried out in frustration.

"Just give up," Alvin knocked on Rupert's right shoulder, "You can't win against my sister. How many losses have you got until now?"

Rupert smacked Alvin's hand away, "Screw you. Not that you can win over Elaine too."

Asher sat on the single couch in between Elaine and Rupert. He reached out for the wine bottle sitting on the table. The red liquid flowed into the glass in his hand.

Elaine's attention moved to Asher. She silently watched the man who was leisurely sipping the wine.

"Brother Asher, are you alright?" asked Elaine gently. Her pretty little face displayed her worry, "Well... I also heard about your divorce from Sister Liliana."

Asher's eyelashes fluttered. He threw a disinterested look at Elaine, "Does your brother spout nonsense about it? He has nagged at me earlier."

"I'm just worried about you, man," Alvin rolled his eyes, "Sorry that I forgot you're a robot. Just make sure not to regret it later."

Asher ignored Alvin's sarcasm. He quietly looked into the wine glass, seeing himself reflected in the red liquid.

Regret?

Would there be one day when he regretted this?

No. No such day would ever be in his life.