Chapter 2

"Sign the divorce papers now!"

Julian Edward slammed the divorce documents onto the glass table with such force that Evelyn Stone flinched. His once gentle eyes were now cold and stormy, filled with a harsh finality. There was no trace of love left between them.

Evelyn sat frozen, her hand trembling as she reached for the pen. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps as if her chest was being crushed. Is this really the end?

"Why are you in such a rush, Julian?" she asked softly, almost in a whisper. "Am I so unbearable that you can’t stand one more day with me?"

Julian’s gaze was razor-sharp. "Stop wasting time, Evelyn. I don’t want to drag this out. Just sign it, and let’s end this!"

Evelyn slowly lifted her face, trying to read the expression of the man she had once loved with all her heart. But all she saw now was a stranger—cold, distant. With shaking fingers, she began to sign the papers.

Suddenly, a sharp pain twisted in her stomach. A wave of nausea slammed into her without warning. She covered her mouth, shot up from the chair, and ran to the bathroom.

The sound of retching echoed again and again. Her knees buckled as she collapsed against the bathroom wall, gasping, pale as a ghost.

Julian followed, knocking on the bathroom door, annoyed. "Evelyn? Hey, what’s going on with you?"

Evelyn opened the door slowly, her eyes dull, her face drained of color. She wiped her mouth with a tissue.

"I’m just… nauseous," she whispered weakly.

"Nauseous?" Julian narrowed his eyes. A sudden suspicion flickered in his mind. "Wait. Don’t tell me… are you pregnant?"

Evelyn looked down. She wasn’t sure herself. But lately, her body had felt different. Her breasts were sore, and she was constantly tired.

"Don’t worry," she said, trying to sound strong. "Even if I am pregnant, I’ll still sign the papers. You don’t have to feel responsible."

Julian froze. His heartbeat stuttered. Evelyn’s words struck like lightning. Pregnant? What if it was true? What if she was carrying his child?

What if it was a boy?

A dull ache throbbed in his head. His mother’s ultimatum from a few months ago flashed in his mind.

“You’ll only inherit the company if you have an heir, Julian. A son. A rightful heir to the Edward legacy.”

His thoughts raced. If Evelyn truly was pregnant—and the baby was a boy—he’d finally gain access to the multimillion-dollar company inheritance. But if he divorced her now…

Evelyn had picked up the pen again, ready to sign.

Julian lunged forward, grabbing her hand.

“Evelyn, wait!” he cried.

She looked up, startled.

“We… we shouldn’t go through with the divorce.”

“What?” Evelyn frowned, unable to believe what she just heard.

Before she could press further, footsteps echoed from the stairs.

Selena appeared at the living room entrance, wearing a thin silk nightgown and a forced smile. Her expression turned sharp the moment she saw Julian and Evelyn standing too close.

“Did I hear that right?” Selena sneered. “Julian, you said you’d finalize the divorce today. What’s with this sudden change of heart?”

Julian opened his mouth, hesitating.

Selena crossed her arms, eyes flashing. “You’re not seriously backing out because she might be pregnant, are you?”

Julian gave a slow nod. “I’m not sure. But if she really is… and if it’s a boy—”

Selena laughed bitterly, her voice laced with venom. “Oh my god, you’re a fool if you still believe that inheritance nonsense. Look at her! You really think a woman like that could give birth to a son?”

Evelyn winced inwardly. Each word was a dagger to her heart.

“And even if she is pregnant,” Selena added, “just pay her off. Tell her to disappear. Problem solved.”

Suddenly, Selena clutched her stomach. Her face turned pale.

“Ugh… I feel sick,” she moaned, closing her eyes. “I’m dizzy…”

Julian immediately rushed to her side, helping her to the couch. He touched her forehead, concern flooding his features. “Selena? Are you okay?”

Evelyn stood frozen, watching the man who once cared for her now so quick to show tenderness to another woman.

Her tears spilled freely now, no longer held back.

“How ironic,” Evelyn said, her voice trembling. “When I was throwing up just now, you didn’t even touch me. But the moment she feels slightly sick, you’re already panicking.”

Julian said nothing. He just stared at Selena.

Evelyn took a deep breath and wiped her tears. She picked up the pen that had fallen earlier.

Without another word, she signed the divorce papers.

Silence fell over the room. Even the sound of breathing seemed deafening.

Evelyn looked Julian in the eyes—her gaze no longer wet with tears, but sharp with resolve.

“I’m done, Julian,” she said. “I’ve fought long enough for a love that only I believed in. Now, go live with your choice.”

She placed the papers on the table and turned away, not waiting for his response.

Her steps were firm as she walked out of the house she once called home. Now, it was nothing more than a graveyard of memories.

At the doorway, she paused briefly. Her hand moved to her stomach.

“I’ll protect you, baby… even without him.”