Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 350: Are you going to beg Hugo?

A soft chuckle rumbled through Daniel’s chest as Anna finished explaining Fiona’s brilliant plan to expose them before the public.

They both knew Fiona lacked foresight, but using poorly cropped images as leverage was a new low, even for her.

"That’s exactly why I let you handle her alone," Daniel said casually, his words instantly catching Anna’s attention.

Surprised, she rolled onto her side and propped herself up on her elbow, staring down at him. "You planned on coming for me?" she asked, brows lifting.

"Yes," Daniel admitted without hesitation. "After Henry failed miserably at hiding things, I was already on my way. But then I stopped."

Anna narrowed her eyes playfully. "And why is that?"

"Because I realized what you were about to do," he replied, slipping one hand under his head. "And I knew you wouldn’t just confront her. You’d end her game completely."

Anna laughed, clearly amused. "You knew I’d use the video to crush her this time?"

Daniel nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You don’t fight halfway."

She shook her head fondly and leaned forward, resting her head against his chest. Their bare skin brushed, familiar and warm, and Daniel’s arm came around her automatically, holding her close.

"You seem to know everything about me," Anna murmured, her voice softer now. "But why do I feel like I keep discovering new things about you?"

Her pout was subtle, more thoughtful than accusatory. Still, Daniel smiled, brushing it off lightly.

"Who said you don’t know me, wifey?" he said. "If there’s anyone who sees the real me, it’s you."

Anna tilted her head slightly. "And how is that? I just found out you have an aunt who raised you," she pointed out, her words carrying more weight than her tone suggested.

Daniel stiffened almost imperceptibly.

"I’m sorry," he said after a moment. "I didn’t realize it was something I needed to tell... until she showed up."

Anna lifted her head to look at him properly. She could see it now. The hesitation. The history he didn’t talk about.

"I wasn’t accusing you," she said gently. "I know it’s not easy. With everything we’ve been through... opening up doesn’t come naturally."

Daniel exhaled slowly, his arm tightening around her just a bit. "Some parts of my life were built around survival, not trust," he admitted quietly. "You didn’t come into my life when I was ready to explain things. You came when I was still learning how to feel again."

Anna softened completely at that. She traced small circles on his chest. "Then we’ll learn together," she said. "No deadlines. No pressure."

He smiled down at her, something warm and unguarded in his eyes. "That’s why it’s you," he said simply.

She rested her head back on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was grounding, calming, and for the first time that night, neither of them felt like they were holding anything back.

After a moment, Anna shifted, resting her chin on his chest and looking up at him with wide, almost innocent eyes.

"So," she said lightly, "when are we planning on meeting your aunt?"

Daniel looked down at her, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. There was something almost dangerous about the way she asked it so casually, as if she were talking about meeting a distant relative over tea rather than a woman who clearly carried weight in his life.

"Soon," he replied simply.

Anna’s lips curved into a small smile. "That’s very vague."

"It’s meant to be," he said, brushing his thumb along her arm. "Aunt Norma doesn’t do schedules. She does timing."

Anna hummed thoughtfully. "She didn’t look like someone who waits for permission."

"No," Daniel agreed. "She never has."

And it was then that Anna realized why Norma had never appeared in their lives before. If so, it would have been different or more intimidating than it is now?

Anna didn’t want to think too much. None of it made sense anyway.

Her life felt split into two versions she was still learning how to balance. One where Daniel loved her with a depth she never saw coming, and another where Aunt Norma existed like an unread Chapter, heavy with meaning and unanswered questions. Everything felt unfamiliar, as if she were reading the same story from different perspectives and realizing too late that she had never known the whole plot.

And yet, instead of fear, curiosity settled in her chest.

She shifted slightly, fitting closer against Daniel, her fingers curling into his shirt as if anchoring herself to the one thing that felt steady.

"Good night, wifey," Daniel murmured, his voice low and heavy with sleep.

Her lashes fluttered, the weight of exhaustion finally pulling her under. "Good night, husband," she replied softly, a faint smile on her lips.

Daniel’s arm tightened around her instinctively, protective even in rest, as if his body recognized her presence before his mind did.

And just like that, the world around them grew quiet.

No schemes. No enemies. No unanswered questions.

Only the steady rhythm of two hearts in sync, holding each other as sleep claimed them both.

***

[Next Morning – Stewart Household]

Fredrick Stewart had lost his footing long before he was willing to admit it.

What once stood as a towering empire was now nothing more than a collapsing illusion. Daniel’s exposure had been ruthless and precise. Every illegal deal, every shadow transaction Fredrick had buried under layers of influence had been dragged into the light. Investors vanished overnight. Partners who once praised his vision suddenly stepped down, afraid that even standing near him would draw Daniel’s attention.

Fear was contagious. And Daniel Clafford was the disease no one wanted.

Fredrick stood near the doorway, jacket clutched in his hand, his reflection in the mirror barely recognizable. The charm that once defined him had dulled. Dark circles clung under his eyes, and the weight of failure pressed heavily on his shoulders.

"Where are you going?" Ester’s voice stopped him.

He froze.

She stood a few steps away, her fingers clenched tightly into the fabric of her dress as she looked at him. Watching her husband like this was breaking something inside her. This wasn’t the man who once commanded rooms with confidence and certainty. This was someone cornered. Desperate.

"Step back," Fredrick snapped without turning around. "Don’t stop me."

The warning in his tone made her flinch, but she didn’t move.

"I won’t," Ester said firmly. "Not until you tell me where you’re going."

Fredrick turned slowly, his dark eyes fierce, burning with frustration as they locked onto hers. For a moment, it looked like he might explode.

Then Ester spoke again, softer this time but sharper in intent.

"Are you going to beg Hugo?"