His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46 The Missing Certificate

70

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+5 Pearls

“So you’ve never thought about divorce?” Xander asked once Anya’s call ended.

Elian picked up the wine bottle, refilling Xander’s and Nathan’s glasses before his own. “No.”

“Then why not just explain everything to Liana?”

Xander watched him pour, their friendship long past formalities.

Elian set the bottle down and leaned back in his chair with a self-mocking laugh. “At this point, any explanation would only make it worse. She looks at me like she wants to kick me into orbit.”

“So divorce is inevitable?”

At this, a spark of something flickered in Elian’s eyes. “The marriage certificate is missing.”

“Huh?” Xander was taken aback.

“To get divorced, you need the certificate. Getting a replacement takes time.” As he spoke, Elian glanced at Nathan.

Nathan offered a sycophantic smile. “Whatever you say, boss.”

Xander understood immediately. He sighed, looking at Nathan. “Another one of your brilliant ideas?”

“My poorly drafted settlement agreement started this whole mess. I feel a certain responsibility to help preserve Elian’s marital bliss,” Nathan said, his tone unapologetic.

“With someone as stubborn as Liana, I doubt she’ll stay in a marriage she feels trapped in,” Xander countered.

Knock, knock.

A knock at the door interrupted them. They all looked up.

“Daddy!”

Theo wriggled through the doorway and made a beeline for Elian.

Anya followed gracefully behind. “Theo said he wanted to have lunch with his daddy.”

As Elian lifted Theo, Anya positioned herself behind his chair. The door was open as waitstaff brought dishes. Someone with a backpack passed by.

1/3

12:01 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 46 The Missing Certificate

70

++5 Pearls

“Xander, why didn’t you answer my call earlier?” Anya asked, her hand resting lightly on the back of Elian’s chair.

Xander offered an awkward smile. “Phone was on silent. You called?”

He checked, feigning surprise at the missed call.

Seeing his phone was indeed silenced, she let it go. Her fingers lightly squeezed Elian’s shoulder. “Elian, I’ve thought about it. I’ll quit. That way I can focus on taking care of you and Theo.”

Nathan and Xander remained silent.

Elian, holding Theo, said, “Seeing him occasionally is fine. You don’t need to be at the Westhaven Estates every day.”

“What? You want to separate me from my son?”

Anya slid into the chair beside him, her eyes instantly welling up.

Elian’s gaze was heavy as it settled on her. “Yes.”

Anya’s tears spilled over. It took her a moment to find words. “I protected this child with my life. Separating us is the same as killing me.”

Their friends knew how devoted Anya was to Theo, so they waited for Elian’s response.

Elian’s voice remained calm. “I don’t want your life. I’m giving you your freedom back.”

“I know rejecting you before was wrong, I didn’t consider your feelings, but-”

“It’s in the past.” Elian cut her off, standing with Theo in his arms. “Enjoy your lunch. I’m taking

Theo”

“Elian, you-”

“Patience, Ms. Forrest.” Nathan smoothly stood, blocking Anya’s path with a charming smile, gently guiding her back to her scat.

Remembering she needed allies, Anya stayed put. “You have to help me. I can’t be apart from Theo for a single day.”

“Was it you who had Liana’s window smashed?” Xander asked suddenly.

Anya’s face went pale. “What?”

“If you were smart, you’d focus entirely on Theo, not on harassing Liana.”

2/3

12:01 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 46 The Missing Certificate

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