I Refuse to Divorce novel (Zoe and Mason) novel Chapter 68

"Of course, you can reject this," Mason said. "But I can guarantee that without my help, Noah will be in prison for a good ten years. Zoe, let me remind you of how outstanding your brother was back then.

"Numerous elite ladies were eyeing him. If it weren't for his fall from grace and the Sanders family's downfall, he would have it all in a couple of years. He would have a family and children."

…

If, in the past, Mason had torn apart Zoe's body. Now, he was tearing apart her heart. They had finally stripped away all the veils, speaking openly and straightforwardly. He wanted her to be his wife not for love but for the sake of interest and appearances.

Noah's freedom was the price he set for her.

Zoe didn't refuse. Still, she didn't agree immediately. Her hands tightly grasped the bedsheets, restraining all her emotions as she looked at him, softly saying, "I need some time to think about it."

Mason wasn't surprised at all. He thought to himself that people grow, and Zoe was no exception. The blushing girl who called him Mason had long ceased to exist. Now, she was Mrs. Lockwood.

In good spirits, he reached out to touch her cheek. Bringing his face close to hers, he exhaled a masculine scent onto her tender face, his tone carrying a hint of ambiguity.

"I believe you'll make the right choice, Mrs. Lockwood."

…

That night, Mason didn't leave. He stayed overnight but slept on the couch. The lights were off, and the hospital room was dim and quiet, only filled with their shallow breaths. Despite trying to keep it calm, neither of them managed to fall asleep.

Zoe's face was pressed against the pillow.

Mason's words echoed in her mind. He promised that if she stayed and became Mrs. Lockwood, he would help her family and her brother, Noah. That way, her brother wouldn't have to sit in jail.

She said she needed to consider, but in reality, she had known her decision all along.

The night passed with Zoe not getting any sleep.