How I Became His Unforgettable Ex

Chapter 2 No Right to Divorce (Allyn's Perspective)

Luzie took the black, gold-embossed document folder from my hand, her fingers trembling as she pulled out the agreement.

It was just like her father, Aulton.

Five years ago, after learning I'd accepted Luzie's proposal, Aulton had shown up at my office alone, his hands shaking just as hers did now as he laid this same agreement in front of me, nervously picking at his fingers as he said, "Mr. Hall, if you're willing to sign this, I'll transfer all my assets to my daughter Luzie right away. You'll have everything you need to save Hall Holdings from its current crisis."

Aulton, a coal baron from out West, had spent half his life covered in grime before he stumbled upon a mountain of rare metal worth 20,000 dollars an ounce.

One lucky strike, and he'd dug his way onto the global wealth list, shaking up high society.

But even more shocking was Aulton himself.

If one spotted a man at an elite event in a suit by Attolini yet looking totally out of place, his pocket always soaked with a grease stain, that was Aulton.

And if they looked too long, they'd probably catch him pulling a burger out of that same pocket, biting in like he was back in a pitch-black mine, surrounded not by delicacies but by lumps of coal.

That was Aulton, and like her father, Luzie was a social punchline.

As I watched, the agreement on my desk trembled, along with Aulton's hands resting there.

He was terrified. Afraid I'd see right through him, afraid I'd refuse him.

He wanted Luzie to get her permanent pass into the Hall family—or at least to have my entire fortune handed to her.

Why wouldn't I agree? With this agreement signed, I could still divorce her whenever I chose. My personal assets were just the tip of the Hall family iceberg.

Meanwhile, Luzie's wealth was her father's and her everything.

And I had more than enough ways to make sure she'd walk away empty-handed.

When I signed without hesitation, Aulton left, satisfied. At the wedding a few days later, he handed her over to me with that same look of satisfaction, only to pass away shortly after.

I'd always thought Luzie knew about the agreement. But now, it looked like Aulton hadn't had time to tell her and nearly cost her everything.

'Aulton, you were a pitifully lucky man who thought you could play games with a family like the Halls. And this was your end.'

But Luzie—she was the more pitiful one, staring silently at her father's signature as if it were the only thing she could understand.

Maybe I should have my lawyer explain this, give this airhead with more looks than brains a lesson on what the agreement meant.

But I was not that generous.

"Got it now? Remember this—you don't have the right to divorce me."

My voice was ice-cold, and without sparing her another glance, I ordered the housekeeper, "Have the car ready to take me to the office. And we'll stop by the set on the way." Loud enough for her to hear.

The black Pullman hadn't even rolled half a foot before a full-throated yell erupted from the villa behind me. "Screw Karoline! Screw you, Dad! Screw Allyn! What kind of crap agreement is this?!"

The driver jumped, startled, but I barely reacted, lowering my gaze back to my papers. 'Go ahead and scream, Luzie. The louder you yell, the clearer you'll understand. You really don't have the right to divorce me. Yelling is all you can do.'

The movie Karoline was filming was about a pianist—a project I'd funded. When I arrived on set, she was on break. The second she saw me, her eyes lit up as she hurried over. "Oh, Mr. Hall, you're here!"

Nearby, camera flashes went off right on cue—a little setup she'd arranged, I knew. Probably along with that reporter who'd "interviewed" Luzie this morning.

I allowed her this kind of publicity. The more attention she got, the more money I made. And nobody minded making a little extra.

"Mm," I replied, barely paying attention as I glanced around. "How's filming going today?"

There was no sign of her. A strange pang of disappointment hit me. 'It's almost like she's avoiding me.'

Karoline batted her lashes, her white dress molding to her body as she pressed against me, her golden hair brushing my hand as she pouted. "Oh, Mr. Hall, I don't even know how to play piano. Why'd they cast me as a pianist?"

"Didn't they get you a double who actually knows how to play?" Annoyed, I quickened my pace to shake her off. "How's she doing?"

"Not sure, probably fine. The director hasn't mentioned anything," Karoline answered absently and then gave me a shy smile. "Mr. Hall... perhaps we could have dinner tonight?"

With that, she looped her arm around mine, her generous chest deliberately pressing against me.

I jerked my arm free, about to snap at her, when I noticed a figure in the corner watching me with pale blue eyes that seemed to be waiting for my response.

The anger vanished in an instant. I didn't want her to see that side of me.

So I gave Karoline a slight smile. "Sure. As long as you don't mind Luzie joining us."

At the mention of "Luzie," Karoline's eyes went wide, and she quickly shook her head. "Oh no, Mr. Hall, I just remembered I'm on a diet. I think you and Mrs. Hall should have dinner on your own."

She darted off, practically terrified that Luzie's shoe would leave an imprint on her face. That was about all Luzie was good for.

In the corner, those pale blue eyes were smiling at me, seemingly pleased with my response.

I smiled back.

'Oh, right. Almost forgot—Luzie has one more purpose, her most important one.'

As long as Luzie was by my side, Zara would keep coming back. Just like now.

So, no, I wouldn't be divorcing Luzie.