The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 82

"I..." Christian wanted to argue back, but found himself devoid of words. Everything his father said seemed to be the undeniable truth.

"This marriage must end." Lawrence's tone was absolute and left no room for debate. "Whether you want it to or not. Sign it, and get out. I'm not in the mood to watch you play the role of a deeply conflicted man." He pointed at the divorce agreement. "When you got married, you claimed we forced you. Fine, let's say I forced you. But over the past three years, you had countless opportunities to rebel, to treat her better, or even ask for a divorce sooner! Did you do any of that? No! You basked in the stability and convenience this marriage provided, yet directed all your coldness and cruelty toward your wife! Now that Lyra is back and you think you've found your 'true love', you just want to kick Evelyn to the curb? The world doesn't work that way! You will sign this paper today!"

Lawrence's words cracked like an icy whip against Christian's chest, tearing away the selfishness and cowardice he had always refused to face. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Under his father's oppressive, disappointed stare, he felt a chill settle into his bones. A suffocating mix of anger, shame, and sheer helplessness gripped him.

He suddenly snatched the pen from the desk. With a self-destructive ruthlessness, he slashed his signature across the divorce agreement. The nib tore through the paper, leaving behind jagged ink stains.

Then, he threw the pen down, spun on his heel, and stormed out of the study without looking back.

Bang!

Another violent slam of the door.

(End of Flashback)

---

At this moment, Christian still stood in the doorway of the study, his silhouette seemingly overlapping with the one that had stormed out days ago. Only, a few days ago, he had been filled with rage and humiliation. Now, beneath the anger, there was a hollow, disorienting void. Evelyn's icy words and resolute departure, coupled with his father's calm yet alienating demeanor, felt like fine needles piercing the most vulnerable, unbearable parts of his heart.

Lawrence finished cleaning his glasses and put them back on. His gaze returned to his documents as if the emotionally shattered son standing in the doorway didn't exist. He picked up his fountain pen and signed a report, the paper emitting a soft scratching sound.

This blatant disregard felt more humiliating and suffocating than any verbal reprimand.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify