Evangeline was in the middle of planning her next steps after the divorce when Soren’s furious voice thundered through the apartment, leaving her momentarily confused.
She was just about to open the door when, before she could even move, it was kicked open with a loud crash.
“Evangeline, did you run to my mother and tattle about Poppy coming back?”
Soren stormed in, face dark with anger, demanding answers as if he were a prosecutor and she was already guilty.
Evangeline froze, then let out a weary, bitter smile. She didn’t bother defending
herself.
What was the point? She’d been falsely accused so many times before. Every time, she’d tried to prove her innocence, but without evidence, Soren never believed her. Even the one time she finally managed to find proof, she’d rushed to him, eyes shining with hope. “See? It really wasn’t me.”
And what had Soren done then?
He’d just sneered. “So what if it wasn’t you? Maybe you should ask yourself why I always suspect you first, Evangeline.”
That memory was still so vivid–how she’d approached him, heart in hand, only to be doused with icy water from head to toe.
So why waste her breath again?
She stayed silent. Soren gave a cold, mirthless laugh, certain her silence meant guilt.
He’d actually started to believe she’d changed, but here she was, still the same. jealous woman in his eyes.
“Do you really think telling my mother on me is going to help you?”
“Evangeline, let me make something clear-
She cut him off before he could finish. “Soren, you should find some time. Let’s get the divorce papers signed.”
“Divorce?” The word seemed to amuse him. Soren scoffed. “You really expect me to
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believe you want a divorce?”
She’d gone to such lengths to marry him; as if she’d ever agree to end it just like that.
“Believe it or not,” she replied, not looking for his trust.
She handed him the divorce agreement she’d already signed. “The lawyer prepared everything. I’ve signed where I need to. Just add your signature when you’re ready.”
Soren’s words caught in his throat. He was stunned into silence.
He took the papers, half expecting a trick. But no, it was a real divorce agreement, her signature neat and clear at the end.
He’d tried to force her into signing this so many times, using every threat and bribe he could think of, and she’d always refused. Why was she so willing now?
He couldn’t make sense of it. And what bothered him even more was that, staring at the agreement, he didn’t feel the relief he’d expected. Instead, a strange, simmering anger rose inside him.
Evangeline looked up and caught the expression on his face–the way he stood motionless for several long moments after seeing the papers.
Was he that happy?
He must be, she thought. With this agreement, he wouldn’t have to put up with her anymore. He could be with Poppy, no more hiding.
“If you don’t have any objections, just sign.” She offered him a pen.
Soren didn’t take it.
He yanked at his tie in irritation. “You’re serious about this?”
“I am.” Evangeline nodded.
Soren’s gaze was sharp, searching her face for any sign of hesitation.
But all he saw was a calmness he didn’t recognize–if anything, she looked alme relieved, lighter than she ever had around him.
Was she really looking forward to being rid of him?
The thought made his anger flare even more. Clamping down on it, he turned his attention to the agreement, scanning until his eyes landed on the section about the division of assets.
“There’s a problem,” he said coldly.
