Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 185: She talks too much

Back at Clafford Mansion, Anna and Betty spent the afternoon together, wandering through the vast estate. After exploring the grand indoor halls — filled with art, chandeliers, and quiet echoes of old money — they decided to take their adventure outside.

The gardens stretched endlessly, blooming in soft shades of pink and white, the air rich with the scent of roses and sunlight. Betty trailed behind Anna, marveling at every corner like a child in a fairy tale — until something caught her attention.

"Big Sis," she said suddenly, her eyes narrowing as she stepped closer, "did you get hurt?"

"Hurt?" Anna blinked, confused, until Betty gently reached out and brushed her thumb against a faint mark on her neck.

The moment her skin made contact, Anna stiffened — a shiver running down her spine as she instinctively pulled back.

"Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—" Betty stammered, wide-eyed and flustered.

But Anna barely heard her.

Her thoughts had already darted back to the night before — to the quiet dark, to Daniel’s breath warm against her skin... and the way his lips had lingered on her neck, teasing and insistent.

The memory hit her with a rush that left her throat dry. She pressed her hand against the spot quickly, her pulse quickening beneath her fingertips.

God, no wonder it’s still sore.

"Big Sis?" Betty’s soft voice pulled her back to the present.

Anna blinked, forcing a small, composed smile. "It’s nothing," she said a bit too quickly. "Probably just a mosquito bite."

Betty didn’t look convinced but nodded anyway, following her as Anna turned toward the fountain ahead — her face calm, though her cheeks still burned with the memory of Daniel’s touch.

Once they found a quiet, shaded corner of the garden, Anna and Betty settled into the patio chairs. The afternoon breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine, and for a brief moment, it felt peaceful — until Betty spoke again.

"I know it’s not a mosquito bite, Big Sis."

Anna froze mid-sip of her lemonade, her eyes snapping to Betty in disbelief.

"What?" she asked, her tone a mix of shock and warning.

Betty tried — and failed — to hide her grin. "You don’t have to look at me like that. I might be younger, but I’m not that naïve."

Anna’s brows furrowed, color rising to her cheeks. "Betty—" she began, but the girl only giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Come on," Betty teased lightly, eyes sparkling. "I’ve seen that kind of mark before. You really expect me to believe a mosquito did that?"

Anna groaned softly, leaning back against the chair and covering her face with her palm. "Remind me to never invite you over again."

Betty laughed, her voice bright. "You can try, but I’ll still come!"

Anna peeked at her between her fingers, the corners of her lips curving despite herself. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

Betty grinned. "Maybe. But I’m also right, aren’t I?"

Anna’s blush deepened, and instead of answering, she picked up her glass again — pretending to be far too interested in her drink to respond.

But the faint smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

***

As the afternoon light began to soften, Anna and Betty continued chatting about everything and nothing — films, food, fashion, and fleeting thoughts. Time slipped by easily between laughter and playful banter until Betty’s phone buzzed, reminding her it was time to leave.

She stood, smoothing her skirt with a soft smile. "You should be truthful to yourself, Big Sis," Betty said, her eyes glinting with that knowing look that made Anna instantly suspicious.

Anna raised a brow. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Betty only grinned, sidestepping the question as she slung her bag over her shoulder. "You’ll figure it out," she said cheerfully, waving as she walked toward the gate.

Anna stood there for a moment, watching her go, before letting out a long sigh.

It was Betty who had stirred the thought earlier — the idea that Daniel might actually be considerate toward her. Since then, Anna’s mind hadn’t stopped circling around it.

She tried to brush it off, telling herself it was nonsense, but the more she noticed — the quiet gestures, the subtle glances, the way his tone softened sometimes — the harder it became to deny it.

Still, she wasn’t ready to believe it entirely. Not yet.

"She talks too much," Anna muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she turned and headed back into the mansion.

The familiar scent of the house greeted her — polished wood, faint perfume, and the distant hum of quiet activity. But she stopped short when she spotted a familiar figure by the hallway.

"Mariam?" Anna blinked, surprised.

The older woman looked up from setting down her bag, her expression immediately softening. "Madam," she greeted warmly.

"I thought you were staying away for the weekend," Anna said, smiling as she walked closer. "You’re back early."

"Yes, Madam," Mariam replied, though there was a hint of hesitation in her tone, something small but unmistakable.

Anna caught it but chose not to pry. Mariam wasn’t one to return suddenly without reason, but whatever it was, Anna trusted she’d speak when ready.

"Very well then," Anna said lightly, offering her a kind smile. "I’ll be in my room resting. It’s been a long day."

Mariam inclined her head respectfully. "Of course, Madam."

As Anna ascended the stairs, her steps slow but graceful, Mariam’s gaze followed her — a contemplative shadow passing through her eyes.

She stood there for a long moment after Anna disappeared upstairs, her thoughts heavy, her lips pressed into a thin line.

***

By the time Anna reached her room, the lingering thoughts from earlier had finally begun to fade.

She stepped inside, the quiet stillness wrapping around her like a blanket. Without a second thought, she sank down onto the bed, letting out a slow breath.

This afternoon had been unexpectedly pleasant — spending time with Betty, laughing and talking about everything and nothing. It had been a while since she’d felt that kind of ease.

"Now there’s only one thing left," she murmured, a small sigh escaping her lips. "Shawn’s update."

But the moment her head touched the pillow, the weight of the day caught up with her.

Her eyelids grew heavy, her thoughts scattering like whispers in the dark.

And before she even realized it, sleep had claimed her completely.