It has been a hectic past few days before the annual dinner for the Tang's company. Qiu Wen also avoided being too close to the twins or Xue Ting for fear that he would have second thoughts or accidentally reveal his intentions. Fortunately for him, Xue Ting was understanding and had always kept tabs on him via Jia Yi who was lying to her for the sake of the ultimate plan.
By the time he finally met his family was on the annual dinner day itself. He was approached by the twins and Brisbane who had tagged along. He thought it would be a good idea to give the twins some hints beforehand.
"Daddy! We missed you!" Joy was hugging him while Brisbane was hugging his leg as Matthew noticed his disturbed look.
"Daddy, is there something wrong?" Matthew asked solemnly as Qiu Wen's gaze confirmed to Matthew there was but Qiu Wen could not say anything. Joy gave him a worried look too as he gently patted Brisbane's head with a forced smile.
"Nothing… But I want you both to bear in mind. No matter what I do or say that you think is out of the norm after this, do not believe it." He sternly emphasised to them before hugging them all. He wanted to tell them to take care of their mother but it was going to be giving away too much. Instead, he left the twins confused but helpless.
"What does that mean?" Joy asked Matthew as he shrugged trying to distract his sister that it was not something major to worry about while ushering them both into the hall.
"Let's head in first and look for Auntie May." He said, knowing something bad was going to happen.
May too felt strange that Qiu Yeh had specifically asked her to attend the company's annual dinner by mandate but she gladly obliged as it was an avenue for her to make great business connections which meant more money for her and she can never reject such an offer. After a satisfying outcome, she snuggled with Brisbane when the opening ceremony began without thinking much to the surprise awaiting them all.
As Qiu Wen took his spot on the stage, he caught the sight of Xue Ting about to enter the hall as part of the opening ceremony. Qiu Wen purposely requested for Xue Ting to be able to walk down the aisle as though it was their wedding reception which he owed her before he announced the divorce. However, to Xue Ting and the guests, it was made known that she was to showcase the new jewelry production line. With the elaborate pieces of jewelry she had to put on, she chose a simple peach maxi dress from Joy's collections.
Her radiant look nearly drove him off stage to escort her but he knew if he did so, he would not be able to make the announcement later. The only thing he could hope for was for her to remember his words and to trust him even if she could not stay by his side despite the circumstances they would be put in.
Xue Ting felt like the luckiest person ever existed to finally be able to stand right next to Qiu Wen on stage and support him without any binding elements. Little did she know the warmest smile he gave with his twinkling eyes on stage that night was the last time she would see for a long while.
"You look pretty." He said briefly unable to take his eyes off her as she blushed and hooked her arm in his as he guided her to the mic stand. Right before he began his announcement, he turned to her with a serious look before leaning in as though to kiss her cheeks but was actually whispering to her.
"Ting Ting, always remember to not believe whatever I do and say after this. Smile… Keep on smiling for now." Qiu Wen said solemnly as Xue Ting raised an eyebrow in confusion but remembered to smile.
"Good evening and thank you all for coming tonight. You have seen the new production line we launched recently and we are committed to continue with our efforts and collaboration with all of you to come up with yet another year of success…" He paused as his eyes scanned the room and met with Qiu Yeh who was folding his arms with a scowl.
Qiu Wen swallowed his saliva which was harsh to his tightening throat. When his gaze met with Mrs. Tang who was showing him the file of documents which he knew were the half-signed divorce papers and Francesca's pregnancy result, he took a deep breath and forced himself to continue.
"I hereby announce my divorce from Ms. Liew Xue Ting. I have no further comments on this matter." Qiu Wen did not dare to look Xue Ting in the eyes as the whole room of crowd was gasping and sent into a state of shock. He could only reached out to her left hand and dragged her out of the hall.
Joy and May were greatly affected while Matthew had mentally prepared himself for bad events.
"What's divorce, Matt?" Brisbane asked innoncently as Matthew sighed heavily and hugged Brisbane.
"We will explain later… Let's get to Mum first." He urged the ladies as they made a move out of the hall while Qiu Yeh stormed off outside as well and followed the couple before keeping May updated of Xue Ting's whereabouts with text messages.
Is this the reason you made me come tonight? May was furious with Qiu Yeh for knowing about it in advance yet not telling her earlier.
Yes. He replied.
Qiu Yeh could not be bothered by her curses on him as his focus was to keep the family drama at bay and knowing Xue Ting and the twins would be well taken care of, left him at ease. Jia Yi was already prepared in advance to have Qiu Wen escorted away while Liew Wei was keeping an eye on Francesca in case she was up to no good in harming Xue Ting or the twins.
Xue Ting felt she was living a dream that was cracking and bursting into a million pieces of glass in front of her.
No this can't be happening. This has to be a lie… Wake up, Ting Ting! Wake up! It's all a dream! While her consciousness was screaming at her, she was dumbfounded, staring back at Qiu Wen for an explanation while they stood by a gazebo outside the hall.
"Could you explain at least?" Xue Ting finally mumbled. However, Qiu Wen was still not brave enough to see her that he wanted to leave.
"Wen Wen no… Don't go…" Xue Ting pleaded in tears before falling onto the ground.
"Then why did you sign it?! You know what? Forget it." He screamed before leaning to her ears as he knew eyes were watching them.
Calm down, Tang Qiu Wen! Now it's not the time to snap at her! He scolded himself before squatting down to help her stand before whispering.
"Remember what I said. Stay here and follow my plans." Qiu Wen whispered sternly before running off with Jia Yi who came to his rescue. Jia Yi left the contract to her while she cried all by herself. It was the results Qiu Wen expected of her though he preferred it to be an act but he knew he had hurt his family. The twins came with May and Brisbane to Xue Ting's rescue following Qiu Yeh's messages.
Grandma saw their commotion but knew it was not the right time to meddle just yet. She trusted the brothers would have already planned things out as she left for home, bracing herself to face more drama.
Xue Ting forced herself to not sob in the car but to no avail as she hugged Matthew and wept while Joy watched worriedly in the passenger seat with Brisbane. When they arrived at May's place, Matthew carried Xue Ting into the house while trying to keep her hydrated and comfortable.
"Drink some… You need to look after yourself too…" May coaxed while the twins watched her worriedly.
"I didn't sign the papers… I don't understand…" Xue Ting mumbled. Brisbane went up to her with tissues and helped her wipe her wet face.
"We believe you… But it doesn't explain why your signature was on the papers, Mummy..." Matthew pointed out before being hushed by May.
"Don't think too much about it Ting Ting… Stay here with me for as long as you need to with them all." May coaxed while Matthew sat back, defeated trying to help to solve the mystery to the problem.
"But you did when that bad bad witch came to the house when we had to send Joy to the hospital that night…" Brisbane reminded as she climbed onto Xue Ting's lap with a pout.
Xue Ting instantly recalled and began to realise it might have been all an act.
"But that was an urgent insurance form…" Before Xue Ting could finish, everyone shared the same thoughts as her.
"How could she take advantage of you when you were saving your baby's life and taking care of another baby?" May nagged furiously.
"I must give Qiu Yeh a good scolding for mandating me to come to your rescue tonight without telling me all these in advance!" May fumed as Xue Ting held her hand to calm her.
"I'm sure they all had their predicaments…" Xue Ting mumbled, trying to comfort May but also trying to wrap her head around the entire situation.
"Awww poor Mummy… I'm sorry…" Brisbane hugged her.
"It's not your fault Brisbane. Thank you for reminding us." She hugged her tighter as she swayed a little to cuddle her before urging the twins to clean up and put her to bed first.