Chapter 13 " Back in the day , Jennifer was really good to you . She wouldn't start eating until you finished . She knew your tastes best . Even after all these years , we guys still haven't figured out what you like to eat . " One of Alexander's close buddies spoke up first . Seeing him lower his head , he didn't say more . By the end of the gathering , he'd lost all interest . He downed a big glass of liquor and rushed home . The house was cold and quiet as usual . Not even the hallway light was on . Pitch black . Alexander felt irritation rising . No slippers waited at the entryway . He felt unsettled , his expression darkening . " Mrs. Martinez … Mrs. Martinez … " When Mrs. Martinez came , she only brought a cup of hot water . Alexander waved his hand carelessly , smashing the cup on the floor . " I don't want water . I want Herbal Sober - up Tonic . " He shouted at Mrs. Martinez , his eyes turning stormy . 0128 Chapter 13 " I'm sorry, Mr. Smith . Since Jennifer left , I haven't known your routines . " Alexander pressed his temples . " Don't you know how to make the tonic ? " Mrs. ingrembled , sweat beading . " Jennifer always bought the ingredients herself . Sometimes it took hours to simmer . She never told me the recipe . She handled all your needs personally . " Bang ! Alexander tore off his watch and flung it onto the coffee table . " You're her mother , so you'll defend her . Can't you just look up a tonic tutorial online ? " Mrs. Martinez didn answer . Silently , she turned toward the kitchen . When she brought the tonic , Alexander only took a sip before setting it aside . Something pierced Alexander's heart . One taste of Mrs. Martinez's tonic told him it was all wrong - nothing like Jennifer's . Bitter and cloying . A strange feeling washed over him . Those things were crafted through her daily observations of his habits . Prepared step by step with her own hands . He knew she'd cared deeply for their home before . Chapter 15 But never had he felt this hollow ache inside . Alexander just felt regret . Felt he'd failed her . Maybe he truly owed her . Alexander stood in the kitchen's center . Cold marble reflections gleamed on his shadowed face . Mrs. Martinez leaned against the corner wall , holding her breath . " Jennifer once told me she loved you . Said everything done for love is worth it . Why say it ? " For the first time , Mrs. Martinez stood with Alexander , aching for her daughter . " Before , I'd tell her to stop and let me help . She refused . She never cut corners with your meals . Made everything herself , tasted everything before serving you . " Mrs. Martinez added more , hoping Alexander would bring her daughter home . " But as her mother , how could you not know where she went ? " Alexander's fingers absently tapped the countertop . Jennifer only said she was leaving , but never mentioned where she'd go . Mother Li lowered her head , tumultuous waves churning inside . Ever since marrying Jennifer , no matter how late Alexander returned from 48551 Chapter 13 business dinners , a bowl of warm Herbal Sober - up Tonic had always been placed on the living room coffee table . But ultimately she remained his wife . Whenever it might be , she'd surely return . Alexander Smith kept telling himself this . Only the next day , through official inquiry , did he discover Jennifer had already regained single status . She and Alexander Smith were no longer husband and wife . The root of this lay in that agreement he'd signed for Nicole . Rubbing his temples , he felt a hollow ache . When Nicole returned , he lifted his gaze , expression grave . " You made me sign those papers , didn't you ? " His question froze Nicole's thoughts . " What … what papers ? " " Shall I repeat myself ? Did you force Jennifer to sign divorce papers , then trick me into signing them by calling it a property agreement ? " Nicole paled , her face falling instantly . " N - no , not me . " Seeing her persistent denial , Alexander slammed the divorce contract onto the table . " Don't play games with me . "