The Rose He Showed Off Is Putting Down Roots in a Garden of Her Own novel Chapter 17

When Julian came home that night, he found Elara sitting motionless on the bedroom balcony, staring into the distance.

The lights in the room were off. The only illumination came from the soft glow of the courtyard lamps below.

He looked at her and saw nothing but dead air.

Julian hated this. The psychological warfare was agonizing for him too, but his pride absolutely refused to forgive her.

He flicked on the bedroom light, making sure his footsteps were loud enough to announce his presence.

Elara stood up and walked inside.

"You're home."

Seeing her bloodshot eyes and hearing her initiate the conversation, Julian smirked inwardly. He assumed she had finally realized the harsh reality of her situation. With the Vance Group collapsing and her sister whoring herself out across the city, Elara had no choice but to grovel if she wanted to keep her title as Mrs. Sterling.

Julian didn't answer. Maintaining a frigid expression, he began loosening his tie.

"Julian. I want a divorce."

His hands froze on his collar. For a second, his brain short-circuited.

Her voice was as casual as if she were asking if he'd had dinner, or if he'd had a long day at work.

It took a long, heavy moment for the word 'divorce' to actually register.

He couldn't believe it. He literally couldn't find the words.

Elara repeated herself, completely devoid of emotion: "Julian, I want a divorce."

This time, the message landed. Never in his wildest dreams did he think she would be the one to pull the trigger.

He hadn't discarded her yet, and she dared to walk away?

His voice dropped to sub-zero. "Elara, think very carefully before you speak. I will not give you a second chance."

Elara remained perfectly stoic. "Thank you for your mercy, but I don't need it."

Seeing her bulletproof indifference made Julian's face twist with rage. "What do you think marriage is? A child's game? You just quit when you're bored?"

Elara didn't bother arguing. She calmly picked up her handbag. "I've said what I needed to say. Call me when you've made your decision."

Julian fought to keep his exploding temper in check. "If you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back."

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