Chapter 121

Evelyn regained her composure with a sharp inhale. "That's enough, Liam. We've already settled everything. Let's just end this meaningless marriage."

The words hit Liam like a physical blow, his chest tightening painfully.

He forced a bitter smile, striding to the table to pick up the divorce papers.

As he flipped through the documents, Evelyn silently placed a black pen beside them. "Sign it and we'll get the certificate at city hall tomorrow. I don't want to drag this out - I'm relocating to the coast."

Liam's fingers froze. The coast? She was really cutting all ties?

Frustration burned through him as he scanned the pages without reading a single line.

With a scoff, he tossed the papers down. "This is unacceptable. It needs revisions."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "What's the issue? No children involved, I'm waiving alimony - these terms favor you. What exactly is the problem?"

Liam's eyes darkened. "That's precisely it. If word gets out I left my ex-wife with nothing, what would that say about me?"

Evelyn nearly laughed at his wounded pride. After a beat, she shrugged. "Fine. Write me a check then."

But Liam suddenly grabbed her wrist, yanking her up from the chair. "Are you that desperate to be rid of me?" he growled.

The irony wasn't lost on Evelyn.

After his obvious affection for Victoria and that damning text message, shouldn't he be celebrating their split? Unless this was all some twisted performance for his mistress?

Meeting his gaze squarely, she said, "Maybe I am."

The words visibly wounded him. Just then, his phone rang.

Liam released her to answer, his expression shifting as he listened. "Understood. On my way." He ended the call and moved toward the door.

Evelyn watched silently, her heart sinking with each step. When his hand touched the doorknob, he paused abruptly.

Normally, he'd never explain himself. But something made him turn back. "Emergency at base. We'll discuss this later." The door clicked shut behind him.

Alone, Evelyn collapsed into the chair, pressing her palms to her aching eyes.

Who knew divorce could hurt this much?

Even knowing Liam didn't love her, their marriage had persisted through circumstance - a gilded cage slowly rusting shut around her.