Chapter 189

The clock struck noon when Rosalind burst into Evelyn's dressing room, clutching a slinky black dress. "Wear this," she commanded, thrusting the garment forward.

Evelyn's fingers hesitated over the silky fabric. "This is a divorce, not a wedding. Why would I need to dress up?" Her laugh sounded hollow even to her own ears.

Rosalind's expression turned deadly serious. "Precisely why you should look absolutely breathtaking." She spun the dress to showcase its plunging neckline. "Let's make that stone-faced general regret losing you."

"But I'm the one filing for divorce," Evelyn protested weakly. "I don't want anything from him anymore."

Rosalind arched a perfectly sculpted brow. "You only filed because he broke your heart, didn't you?"

The words struck like a physical blow. Evelyn's breath hitched as fresh pain lanced through her chest.

"Men are simple creatures," Rosalind continued, smoothing the dress against Evelyn's frame. "You always dress like you're attending a funeral. Today, let's make his jaw drop so hard it cracks the marble floors at City Hall."

Despite herself, Evelyn chuckled at the mental image. The dress was scandalously short, nothing like her usual modest wardrobe. Yet she couldn't refuse Rosalind's determined kindness.

By two o'clock, Evelyn stood transformed. The dress hugged every curve, her legs appearing endless beneath the short hem. Rosalind had worked magic with her makeup - smoky eyes, flushed cheeks, lips painted the color of crushed roses.

Outside City Hall, Liam leaned against his black Bentley, shoulders slumped beneath an invisible weight. The midday sun beat down mercilessly, yet an arctic chill seemed to radiate from him.

The click of stilettos on pavement made him glance up. His breath caught.

Evelyn stood before him, sunlight glinting off her golden highlights. The dress revealed miles of creamy skin, the neckline dipping dangerously low. She looked like a fallen angel - devastatingly beautiful and utterly untouchable.

For the first time in their six-month marriage, Liam saw his wife truly shine. And it was for their divorce.

"You're..." His voice failed him. Clearing his throat, he checked his watch. "Right on time."

Evelyn's pulse fluttered under his intense scrutiny. "Shall we?" she asked, fighting to keep her voice steady.

Liam straightened, his gaze darkening as it swept over her. "You have all the documents?"

She nodded, clutching her purse like a lifeline. The disappointment tasted bitter - all this effort, and he barely reacted. To him, she might as well have worn sackcloth.

They'd barely taken three steps toward the building when Liam's phone rang. The conversation lasted mere seconds, but his entire demeanor shifted.

"I need to handle an emergency," he said abruptly, turning back to her. "Can you wait two hours?"

Evelyn blinked at the bustling plaza. "Here? For two hours?"

His jaw tightened. "Or we reschedule."

"No." Her voice came out sharper than intended. "Today. I'll wait."

As Liam strode away, Evelyn squared her shoulders. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her break. Not today. Not ever again.