Infatuated with my Ex-wife

Elio decided to pay Irene a visit after he made the necessary arrangements for Irene and her daughter's departure.

"Irene, everything has been arranged, and you'll be going to Italy tomorrow. What do you think? You'll definitely be able to take your mind off things once you're there. After all, that place is rich with awe- inspiring scenery."

The moment Elio stepped into the room, he saw Irene lost in her own thoughts. He stood there for a long time, but she paid no attention to him.

He wanted to know what she was thinking.

"Wow, that was quick. Thank you, Elio. I think Italy is a fine place I'll have a good life there."

Elio's voice startled her out of her thoughts. She thought he had settled matters pretty quickly, and she would also be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.

"Irene, you don't have to force yourself to leave if you don't want to. That way, we'll be able to meet up often like we always did."

Honestly, Elio knew Irene wouldn't let go of Edward just like that. After all, she had loved him deeply for so many years, just like he had loved her. He had never let go of his love for her.

"I didn't force myself, Elio. I'm following my heart. Though, I have to admit I'm a little emotional now that I'll be leaving the place where I've spent so many years of my life. That's all."

Irene deliberately feigned a nonchalant attitude as she spoke. Truth be told, she wasn't as calm as she looked.

"Okay, I hope things go well. I just don't want to see you regret your decision, so please think it through once more. Are you really going to leave this place-leave Edward behind? Irene, are you really willing to leave him?"

Elio was very familiar with that feeling.

After all, he was also in despair when he received news that Irene was going to marry Edward. He wanted to leave this place behind, thinking that if he could no longer see her, then he would finally be able to let his feelings go.

However, things did not turn out like that. Instead, it made him long for Irene even more. That was why he didn't want her to make the same mistake he did.

"Yes, I want to leave Edward and this place behind. My heart has gone through enough anguish, and I'm sick of it. Elio, I've given it a lot of thought, so I won't regret it. Just like how I paid no heed to your advice back then, I won't regret this decision!"

Irene's words were so firm, but Elio knew she was all bark and no bite. He knew that she didn't really want to leave this place or Edward behind.

"Elio, I didn't regret my decision to marry Edward. True, he didn't really treat me well after we got married. But I've made up my mind to leave him now, and I definitely won't regret it. No matter how miserable my life may get in the future, it's the result of my personal choice. I won't regret it."

Elio felt distressed when he heard Irene repeat her decision so firmly.

"Oh Irene, how great would it be if you loved me instead of him? I will definitely treat you well and protect you from all this emotional turmoil. Moreover, I wouldn't give you a reason to leave me," Elio thought. Elio definitely wouldn't allow Irene to hear his silent confession. He knew it would only add to her burden if she heard it. After all, the one she loved was Edward, not Elio.

Irene was a kind person who didn't want to make others feel uncomfortable because of her.

Honestly, it wasn't a bad idea for her to leave.

Once Edward lost Irene, he would learn to cherish her more. At that time, Irene would no longer get hurt, and she could live a happy life.

He gave it some thought and finally accepted it.

"I know you very well, Irene. Once you've set your mind on something, you'll do it without hesitation. Okay, you have my full support, and I believe in you," Elio spoke with sincerity. Perhaps her lack of hesitation was also what he liked about her.

"Pfft-Elio, what's gotten into you? You've changed your mind so quickly, just like a lady."

Irene never thought that the ever handsome and elegant Elio would change his mind so easily. What a lovely surprise indeed. However, she no longer found it funny after putting more thought into it. It suddenly occurred to her that Elio might've changed his mind this quickly because of her words. Irene had nothing to offer him, yet he treated her so well. He probably didn't have it in him to voice his opinions.

Elio was too kind to her, so she wouldn't respond to him. She felt quite ashamed and wasn't sure how she should approach him. Perhaps she shouldn't turn to him for help in the future.

That way, Elio would be able to find a girl who was better than Irene and find his own happiness. After all, she had already delayed him for so long.

"Haha, nothing's wrong with me. I'm perfectly fine. If I've somehow fried my brain, then I'll have to be admitted into the hospital like you. C'mon, who said that only women can change their minds so easily? Men can do the same too, okay? Hmmph, how sexist of you."

Elio watched as Irene laughed happily before guilt suddenly appeared on her face. It wasn't wrong to call women fickle-minded.

However, Elio knew why Irene had changed. The more he understood her way of thinking, the more his love grew for her. She was a kind individual who always put others before herself.

Most women liked to be doted on by others, but Irene was different. He found himself quite fascinated by her personality.

Elio didn't want Irene to feel guilty about asking him for help, so he joked with her and appeared to be extremely relaxed.

"Elio, I think you came back because of your parents, right? I mean, you've been working abroad all these years, and I'm sure you've built up a wealth of contacts and resources over there. You won't return for no reason."

Irene knew he was trying to make her happy, but she couldn't bear to watch anymore. Her words were blunt, for Elio had been so thoughtful towards her, and she needed to repay it.

A person shouldn't be too selfish. Irene had always followed this principle.

"C'mon, Irene, people get homesick after spending too much time abroad. Moreover, my parents are getting older, so I should spend more time with them."

Elio knew Irene so well, of course he understood what she was trying to say. But he really didn't want her to worry about him. His hometown and his parents weren't the only reason why he returned. He had missed her dearly too.

He wanted to see how she was doing. If Irene was happy, he would find someone to make do with. But if she was unhappy, then he would continue to protect her until she found her happiness. Only then would he be able to let go of his feelings for her and find another person to love.

"Yeah, I know. As people age, they normally want to see their child get married and have kids of their own! Elio, I hope you'll find a girl to love too. Who knows, perhaps she might turn out to be even better than you think!"

Irene was straightforward and told him the truth. She hoped that Elio would not devote himself to her any longer, for there was nothing she could offer him.

Moreover, Irene knew that her best friend was deeply in love with Elio. She believed that if he spent more time with Millicent, then he would begin to catch feelings for her instead. After all, Irene could never end up with Elio in this lifetime of theirs.

"Fine, fine. It seems that I can't hide anything from you. It's true, my parents told me to return because they wanted me to get married and give them grandchildren."

Elio saw her question coming, and he figured he needed to answer it directly. He didn't try to avoid the topic anymore because he knew he had to get it done and over with at some point.

"After you leave for Italy, and after I am sure that you're happy-that's when I'll meet other women and find someone to love. I'll get married and start a family with her. Don't worry about me, Irene." Sometimes, being truthful has its own merits too, for it could ease their worries. At least, that was how Elio felt.

"Of course. That's great! Elio, do you have anyone in mind? If you don't, there's somebody that I can introduce you to. She's a wonderful person, and I'm sure you'll find your own happiness with her." As Irene spoke, Elio had a hunch who she was referring to. He felt that the girl she was talking about was sweet and kind.

"Don't worry, Irene, I have someone in mind. Alright, take care now. You'll be departing tomorrow," Elio said before taking his leave.

After all, he had to return and prepare for Irene's departure tomorrow.☐☐☐☐

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