04

4

At that moment, my closest companion arrived tardily, accompanied by Bryan. Amidst the bewildered stares of onlookers, she produced a DNA test report and declared loudly, "Flora, I must confess that Bryan and I have been romantically involved for some time and conceived a child simultaneously with you."

"The hospital mistakenly swapped our infants back then. Briela is actually the biological offspring of Bryan and myself. You've cared for her all these years, but now it's time she returns to me."

Her words caused a commotion among those present.

"Isn't that Lauryn Hansen, Ms. Renner's best friend? She's been involved with Ms. Renner's spouse and bore his child?"

"The crucial point is that Lauryn's baby passed away at just one month old. If the hospital did mix up the babies, wasn't the child with Lauryn actually Ms. Renner's biological daughter?"

"That's absolutely vile. Not only did she steal someone's husband, but she also caused her own child's death. Isn't that beyond reprehensible? Lauryn is truly despicable!"

"Furthermore, Ms. Renner just transferred all her assets to her daughter's name, and now this revelation occurs. How can anyone behave so heartlessly?"

Amid the harsh criticisms, Bryan spoke with assurance,

"For half my life, I was constrained by matrimony. As a man, I tried to convince myself to honor this marriage."

"But I'm human too. During countless sleepless nights, I questioned if this was truly the life I desired."

"Flora comes from a respectable background. She's been good to me and my daughter, but Lauryn is the one I genuinely love."

"I simply want to pursue my true feelings. Is that so wrong?"

"Marriage should bring happiness, as should divorce. It shouldn't hinder me from seeking genuine love. I hope everyone can support us."

Bryan's words were tinged with sorrow yet delivered with unwavering conviction.

He portrayed himself as an unhappy spouse breaking free from societal constraints to chase true love.

I disregarded him and turned to my daughter, asking, "What are your thoughts?"

Briela scrutinized the asset transfer agreement before calmly stating, "Mom, this is the last time I'll address you as such."

"Though you've raised me for over two decades, you're not my biological mother."

"Blood ties are paramount. I hope you won't impede our family of three from reuniting."

Lauryn then remarked smugly, "Flora, please maintain your dignity. Don't cling to someone else's child just because yours died prematurely!"

Bryan produced divorce papers and a bank card, tossing them at me.

"Let's finalize our divorce now, with everyone present."

"This card contains five hundred and seven hundred dollars, representing your earnings for caring for our daughter and divorce compensation over the years."

These statements infuriated the onlookers.

"As expected, they're all in cahoots. What's wrong with this family?"

"Indeed, everyone knows how Ms. Renner has always doted on her daughter. It's heartbreaking! After years of indulgence and transferring millions in assets, she turns around and acknowledges someone else as her mother?"

"Seven hundred dollars for divorce settlement? Is this charity for beggars? How dare her husband say such things?"

"I can't tolerate these outsiders anymore! Ms. Renner, don't pay any attention to this family of beasts."

"Absolutely, they're utter scoundrels!"

The attendees voiced their support for me, with some offering legal assistance to reclaim my property.

Faced with this reaction, Lauryn and Bryan remained unperturbed.

They seemed prepared for any eventuality.

However, amidst the righteous anger of the crowd, I couldn't help but smile.

"Very well."

With that, I signed the divorce agreement, much to everyone's astonishment.

Lauryn and Bryan appeared momentarily taken aback, as if my ready agreement was unexpected.

They carefully examined the divorce papers and asset transfer documents, only relaxing after confirming their authenticity.

As they reveled in their apparent victory, I spoke again, "Since you've all presented me with such a significant surprise..."

"I too have a substantial gift for you."

Bryan looked perplexed and inquired, "Substantial gift? What kind of gift?"