Chapter 99

Nathaniel Blackwood looked just as striking as ever, despite their days apart. His tall frame carried the same effortless grace she remembered. Those long legs showed no signs of his recent injury - he'd healed perfectly.

Vivian Lockhart exhaled quietly. At least she wouldn't have to worry about any lingering complications.

If there had been permanent damage, she'd never hear the end of it. The divorce proceedings would become even more complicated.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and cleared her throat. They were still technically married - some civility was warranted. Better to end things amicably.

With what she hoped was a convincing smile, she raised her hand in greeting. "Hello."

His lips pressed into a thin line. Cold eyes swept past her without acknowledgment as he strode away, those ridiculous legs carrying him swiftly down the hall.

Just like that.

Her smile froze.

Anger prickled beneath her skin. The nerve of that man!

'Who does he think he is?' she fumed. 'I literally nursed him back to health. Couldn't he at least pretend to be civil?'

Vivian quickened her pace, following him toward the second-floor divorce department.

The line for divorces stretched just as long as before. In stark contrast, only a handful of couples stood at the marriage registration counter.

A bittersweet pang hit her. People were finally waking up. The institution of marriage was becoming obsolete.

Nathaniel bypassed the queue entirely - perks of being Nathaniel Blackwood. The staff practically tripped over themselves to accommodate him.

Documents were processed with alarming efficiency. They were offered drinks while they waited.

Now they sat side by side in suffocating silence. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Vivian sipped her water, emotions churning. This was it. Soon, she'd hold the paper that severed their connection completely.

If they both played their cards right, they might never cross paths again. Just like these past few days - two strangers moving through separate worlds.

She'd made peace with this. Or so she'd thought.

But thinking of the twins growing inside her sent fresh grief crashing through her chest. They'd never know their father.

Would they resent her for this choice someday?

"You should tell him," a voice whispered.

"Co-parenting could work."

"But would he even believe me now? He'd think I'm trying to trap him."

"He has Cassandra now. Her child is the one he actually wants."

Her grip tightened on the cup until the paper crumpled.

"Planning to remarry?"

Nathaniel's icy voice shattered her thoughts.

She choked on her water. "Excuse me?"

His expression remained unreadable. "Julian Montgomery. Are you marrying him?"

Vivian's eyes widened. "Why do you care?"

He studied her for a long moment before speaking slowly. "As your ex-husband, it's none of my concern. But consider this a courtesy warning - Julian isn't right for you."

Was that genuine concern or another dig? She couldn't tell.

"Then are you marrying Cassandra?" she fired back.