Chapter 7
713 Words
Lila stood there in her hospital gown, trembling. Her eyes were bloodshot, her voice hoarse.
"I'm sorry… this is all my fault. I shouldn't have come back and disturbed Killian and Liora… Please, don't blame Liora."
Liora watched coldly, anger burning beneath the surface. She stepped out from behind Killian and brushed the microphones aside.
Her voice was low, each word sharp as ice.
"First, the one who has been clinging to Killian is Lila. Second, there is no 'old romance'—because they never ended it. Third, I have no intention of winning Killian back, because we are already divorced. And finally, I am the sole heir of the Thorne family. My name is Liora Thorne."
The reporters erupted, rushing toward Lila.
"Ms. Pierce, is that true?"
"Did you break up their marriage?"
"So you're the third party?"
The barrage overwhelmed her.
Lila staggered back, covering her face as her body trembled.
Killian, silent until now, fixed his gaze on Liora.
His eyes were dark, filled with disappointment and hatred.
Then someone shoved Lila.
She screamed as she fell, looking up at Killian through tears. "Killian… save me!"
Killian's expression changed instantly.
He pushed through the crowd and pulled her up. Her arm was bruised, and blood seeped from a cut between her thumb and forefinger.
"I'll make every one of you pay!"
He took out his phone, his voice thunderous as the call connected. "Round them all up and take them to the station! Assault, harassment—make sure they pay for this!"
The reporters scattered in panic.
Silence fell.
Killian gently pulled Lila into his arms. "It's okay. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Suddenly, Lila revealed a broken bracelet.
Clutching it, she burst into tears.
"Liora, I already said I would step aside—I'll give Killian back to you. Why are you still targeting me? This bracelet was the only thing my mother left me. Now it's broken… I'll never feel her presence again…"
She buried her face in Killian's chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
Killian stroked her back, then looked up at Liora.
The blame and disappointment in his gaze were unmistakable.
Only after Lila calmed down did he release her and walk toward Liora.
Without warning, he yanked the emerald necklace from her neck.
Before she could react, he threw it to the ground and crushed it under his foot.
Once. Twice.
The emerald shattered.
Each step felt like a blow to her past.
Yet strangely, she felt lighter.
A memory surfaced—
That night, she had torn a button from his shirt. The next day, she had it set into a necklace.
For five years, she had never taken it off.
Now, he had destroyed it—for Lila.
How ridiculous.
"Killian."
Liora suddenly laughed.
"Do you really think our marriage was just business?"
Her eyes were clear for the first time.
"When I said I would take responsibility, it wasn't just for that night. Back in university, I spent three years hiding in library corners just to watch you. I've loved you for over ten years."
She paused.
"And now I regret all of it."
"One month is up. Let's finalize the divorce tomorrow."
Killian stiffened.
After a long silence, he said, "Once it's done, there's no going back. I'll be there. Don't come if you're not sure."
He turned and left.
At Lila's side, he picked her up gently.
The next morning, Killian arrived on time.
He signed quickly, then looked at Liora with a cold expression.
"To compensate Lila, I'm taking her to the Maldives for two weeks. I know this divorce act is just your way of getting my attention. Go home and wait. When I have time, I'll take you somewhere too."
Liora laughed in disbelief.
Killian mistook it for satisfaction. With a scoff, he threw the papers aside and left.
Liora picked them up and signed her name firmly.
Holding the documents, she exhaled deeply.
For the first time in years, she felt free.
As she walked out, she saw Rowan leaning against a pillar.
His caramel-colored trench coat draped over his broad shoulders, his hair neatly styled.
When he saw her, he straightened, a warm smile on his lips.
"Ms. Thorne," he said softly, "I'm here to be yours."
- Writer
