25 Countering Her Happiness

Christian seemed unfazed by Diane moving out after sorting her apartment issues but beyond what other eyes could see laid the bad thoughts he harboured in his heart.

He was torn between staying cool-headed and using his leverage over her thanks to their contract, to force her to remain at his penthouse.

Since he met Diane after they broke up, this was his first time seeing her in a good mood even though a smile was still missing.

"Of course," Diane said, replying to his question. "Thanks for the breakfast," she added before getting off her chair.

Diane left for the hospital after freshening up. Her heart was so filled with joy that Tricia couldn't help pointing it out.

"Girl, you are all smiles and calm this morning. Tell me, what's good?" Tricia winked.

A smile was forced out from the corner of Diane's lips. She has been holding back on her emotions while only letting it out to herself in the confines of her car but with her friend's question, she couldn't help revealing her big smile.

"Do I really look happy?" She asked, immediately finding her question to be absurd.

Tricia's gaze traced from her head down to her feet before moving back to her face again. "Diane, I haven't seen your dimples in months. You should always stay happy," she encouraged with a smile that reached her eyes.

"Thank you. I just managed to get something I wanted." Diane said, spreading her arms.

Tricia gave her a thumbs-up and said as they resumed their steps; bypassing the large reception area and going straight for the elevator.

"So…. When are you coming to get yourself checked out?" Tricia probed.

Unlike before, Diane would have frowned upon this question but this day, the smile remained plastered on her face.

"It isn't important anymore. I will let you know if I change my mind."

---

As soon as Diane finished seeing her last patient for the day, she left the hospital for her condo to watch the service department change her entire door handle.

She spent a good amount of money on it and since she had been cut off financially by her mother, she was left with her monthly paycheck from the hospital which she had to learn how to start managing onwards.

On the other hand, Phillip was fuming after receiving the papers Diane sent through his lawyers and to think that the court granted that order of keeping him away until their divorce battle was over, pricked his heart in different places he never knew existed before now.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" He cursed through gritted teeth as he threw a fit in his office.

His lawyer who was sitting at the other side of his desk released a deep breath. "You should calm down," he managed to advise amid that chaos.

Hearing that, Phillip with his dishevelled hair straightened his back and continued raging while holding the papers the court served him.

"Does the court not know that I am entitled to half of her assets and that there is nothing wrong with me taking over the condo now?"

His lawyer shook his head. He really didn't know that it would be difficult trying to get his client to understand a simple law.

"Mr. Sanders, even though you are entitled to half of your wife's assets according to the prenup agreement, as long as the court hasn't ruled in your favour or granted judgment, you don't have anything yet. Also, you were wrong for locking her out of the condo in the first place. You shouldn't have done that."

Phillip's brows were knotted in a tight frown as his jaws flexed. His anger seemed to be rising by every minute.

"Are you saying I deserve what I got?" he questioned.

His lawyer let out another sigh. There was no way he was going to answer that question. He picked up his briefcase and rose to his feet.

"You should calm down and stay low for now. If there is any problem, please consult me before taking any decision."

Phillip watched as his lawyer took his leave with his mind in shambles.

"Diane…" he slurred.

Diane has finally scored a goal against him and the feeling it left on his ego was horrible.

---

Once Diane was done setting up her new door lock, she happily drove back to Christian's penthouse.

Stepping in, she saw Christian busying himself in the open kitchen and walked over. "What are you cooking?"

Diane's approach was direct and valiant, unlike her usual mannerism whereby she had to think twice before speaking to him.

Today was different and Christian noticed that. He seemed to have realized that she was beginning to be so casual with him and he didn't like it.

The things that happened in the past cannot be overlooked so freely.

Diane never got a reply with those broad shoulders facing her and instinctively, she took some steps back. It just dawned on her that she was acting out of line.

Without waiting for a second longer she turned and went away, carrying her dampened mood with her.

Some minutes later, she came back in wide swede pants and a big polo with her long hair tied in a ponytail.

"Can I help you with dinner, at least to cut the vegetables?" she offered softly as soon as she came up behind him.

A deep breath fell off Christian's lips as the knife in his hands continued to chop the carrot on the chopping board before him. He didn't utter a word.

The awkward silence was beginning to suffocate Diane so she tried one more time, "I still can't cook, but I definitely know how to cut things up."

"This is a kitchen knife, not the same scalpel you use in the hospital." Christian's voice was low, and his tone with a hint of impatience in it.

Diane overlooked those things. She was happy that he finally responded to her. "Don't worry, I won't cut my fingers like in the…"

Christian didn't let her say the last word. He quickly turned around and burned his gaze through her.

"What are your intentions for wanting to help me with dinner? Why are you trying to mention the past you are not proud of? Are you trying to get me to look upon you in a new light?"

Instantly, all the happiness that had been travelling through Diane's bloodstream and bone marrow throughout the day, ceased.

The joy and satisfaction in her heart were replaced with sadness and dejection.