Chapter 100

The words left her lips before she could stop them. Instant regret flooded her veins.

What a foolish question. The answer was painfully obvious.

"I should remind you too," Vivian pressed on stubbornly, clutching at her crumbling dignity. "Cassandra isn't right for you. Forget her questionable character - the moment she heard you might be paralyzed forever, her disgust was written all over her face. She's the type who only wants the perfect version of you, not the real man beneath the surface."

Nathaniel's response came calm and measured. "Her feelings don't matter. I only care about my child's safety and happiness."

"Mr. Blackwood, how noble. Now that's what I call true love."

The words cut deeper than she'd expected. Humiliation burned through her, making her wish the ground would swallow her whole.

So this was his devotion? Loving Cassandra enough to accept her conditional affection, so long as their child was protected?

A bitter realization struck her. Thank God she hadn't told him about her own pregnancy. That would have been the ultimate humiliation.

Children born from love were treasures. Those conceived in passion? Mere burdens.

And who wanted burdens?

The clerk signaled their turn. They signed mechanically, posed for the obligatory photo, and watched the official stamp seal their divorce.

"Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Lockhart, the process is complete. You're now legally divorced. Please keep your certificates safe."

Vivian accepted the document, studying it intently.

The infamous divorce papers had a red cover, duller than marriage certificates. Where couples once smiled together, now only solitary portraits remained.

She remembered reading something poetic on another divorce certificate: 'Marriage is precious, but when differences arise, part with kindness, not bitterness.'

"Goodbye." Her wave felt strangely light.

Finally, it was over. Four years of marriage - both blessing and curse.

She'd loved. She'd hated. But she'd never regretted meeting him or being his wife.

Now she only hoped they could let go of the hatred and part with grace.

Her phone rang the moment she stepped outside city hall. Alfred Blackwood's cheerful voice filled her ear.

"Viv, I heard you and Nate are back from your trip! My recovery's going well. Come have dinner with me tonight - I've missed you both terribly."

Her throat tightened at his warmth.

He'd treated her like family all these years, his affection never wavering. Now the divorce meant severing that bond too. She hadn't even said a proper goodbye.

After a pause, she forced brightness into her voice. "Of course, Grandpa. I'll be there soon."

To maintain the charade, she stopped at an upscale grocery store for imported delicacies.

Blackwood Estate loomed ahead, its grandeur unchanged.

"Young Miss! Mr. Alfred's in his study waiting for you. Go right up!"

Unlike the cold staff at Blackwood Villa, the main estate's servants remained warm and welcoming - all because of Alfred's influence.

Vivian walked the familiar hallway to his study.

The old man looked up from his writing with a smile. "Viv, come here. I have something for you."