3

His voice was as cold as ever, but strangely, I didn’t feel sad anymore.

“Okay, see you there,” I replied simply.

As soon as I hung up, Milo spoke up. “At least let me take you there. I’d hate to see you go alone.”

I wanted to refuse—Milo and Lucian had some argument about me a while back then, and the last thing I needed for today was another argument, or worse, an unnecessary fight.

Before I could protest, Milo added, “I won’t say anything to Lucian. I just don’t want you to be there alone while he has his people with him.”

He was right. I needed someone on my side today.

And thank God I brought Milo. Because when we arrived at the courthouse, Lucian wasn’t alone—his sweetheart, Selene, was there too.

She looked just like she had years ago, dressed in a tight denim dress that hugged her curves, red lips curled into an all-too-satisfied smile. But today, she radiated something extra—triumph.

Lucian’s expression flickered with surprise when he saw me stepping out of the car with Milo.

“Milo?” He frowned. “Aren’t you supposed to be meeting with my father about that shipment?”

Milo ignored him, gently guiding me up the courthouse steps. As we passed, he suddenly asked, “Lucian, do you really have to go through with this divorce?”

Lucian’s jaw tightened. “Oh? Did Elara bring you to mediate today?” he sneered.

Before I could respond, Milo spoke again, voice calm and firm. “Elara didn’t ask me to come. I just refuse to let my friend stand here alone while her soon-to-be ex-husband has his hands full.”

“You—” Lucian’s fists clenched, his anger palpable.

Milo, in contrast, remained composed. “Here’s my advice—think carefully about this divorce. Think about the years Elara stood by you. The way your family’s reputation and wealth grew because of her. She helped you, loved you, respected you. Can you really say the same about the person standing beside you now?”

Lucian’s brows furrowed. Did Milo’s words strike a nerve? Was he finally realizing what he was throwing away?

Selene tossed her perfectly curled hair over her shoulder and stepped forward with a sugary smile. “I won’t deny that Elara helped Lucian while I was gone.” She glanced at me, her tone dripping with condescension. “But I’m back now. And shouldn’t real love be together? Their marriage was built on business and profit. It’s nothing compared to the pure love Lucian and I share.”

She reached for Lucian’s hand. “And he’s loved me all these years. Isn’t that enough?”

Milo suddenly let out a short laugh. “Pure love? You really have the audacity to say that?” His tone turned sharp. “Who ran away all those years ago with the money god knows who had given you?”

Selene stiffened.

Milo squeezed my hand gently before continuing. “I don’t know what kind of sick game you two are playing, but I do know one thing—you don’t love Lucian. You only love yourself.”

The silence that followed was thick, suffocating.

Then Lucian finally spoke, voice laced with fury. “Enough. Selene left for a reason. If it weren’t for Elara showing up at her door, threatening her to take the settlement or die, she never would have left me.”

I inhaled sharply.

Lucian turned to Milo, his glare fierce. “You knew all of this, and yet you’re still siding with her? Can’t you see she’s just a crazy bitch?”

Milo’s jaw clenched. “Lucian, what happened back then was—”

“Enough,” I cut him off, my voice steady but cold. “You’re right, Lucian. I’m that bitch who threatened your girlfriend to leave you—or die. And I’m still that bitch today. So here’s another threat—let’s get this divorce over with. I’m done with this bullshit.”

As soon as I finished speaking, my legs wobbled, and I nearly collapsed. If it weren’t for Milo’s steady hands, I would have.

“Elara…” Milo murmured, his eyes filled with concern.

I shook my head slightly. I knew he wanted to defend me, to clear my name. And I appreciated it. But there was no need.

Because in the end, Selene was right.

Lucian never loved me. That was the only truth that mattered.

Everything I had done for him—none of it had ever been enough.