Chapter 4 The Divorce Papers
836 Words
When Ethan returned to Serenity Villa, it was nearly eleven at night.
His sharp gaze swept over the figure lying on the bed with her back to him. Then his eyes fell on the divorce papers sitting on the nightstand.
Instantly, his tired expression turned icy. A wave of irritation surged within him. Without hesitation, he grabbed the papers and tossed them into the trash can.
He headed straight into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.
Evelyn, lying in bed, heard the sound of the running water. Her long lashes fluttered slightly before she opened her eyes.
She hadn't been asleep. How could she?
She had left the divorce papers out deliberately, intending to test his reaction. However, when she didn't hear a response and turned to look, all she saw was the crumpled agreement in the trash can.
Her brows knitted together.
'Isn't this what he wanted?' she thought. 'I'm giving him room for Linda. Why would he react this way?'
Sitting up, she cast a puzzled glance toward the bathroom door.
Moments later, Ethan emerged. He didn't seem surprised to see her awake. Without a word, he pulled back the covers and moved to lie down.
"Ethan," Evelyn said quietly, her tone calm and steady. "Let's get a divorce."
Ethan frowned. He leaned toward her, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. His commanding presence was overwhelming as he said, "There's a limit to how far you can push. If you need money, just say it outright. Using this kind of tactic? I don't like it."
Evelyn's lips curled into a bitter smile. "What do you like then? Women like Linda, who are sweet and compliant? If you don't like this, isn't divorce perfect for you?"
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Evelyn, this has nothing to do with Linda. And about what happened in the private room today—I don't want to see it happen again. You are Mrs. Ford. Everything you do represents this family."
There it was. The difference between love and indifference was so painfully obvious. The moment she mentioned Linda, he didn't hesitate to defend her. Yet with Evelyn, there was never even a sliver of respect or care.
Letting out a bitter laugh, Evelyn looked directly at him. "Mrs. Ford? What kind of Mrs. Ford am I? The kind who lives on a $200,000 monthly allowance? Or the kind who has to wait for your signature to access money? Or maybe the kind who needs permission to borrow jewelry for events? Whatever kind I am, I don't want to be her anymore. I'm serious about divorce."
Ethan's frown deepened. He hadn't realized the situation had reached this point. It seemed William had failed to keep things in order. Ethan made a mental note to replace him.
For now, his voice softened slightly. "You could've just called me."
Evelyn almost laughed in disbelief. Was he that dismissive of her? Did he forget the times she had tried? Yet he remembered Linda's birthday, planned fireworks, a light show, and everything in between.
"I didn't call?" Evelyn's lips curved into a sad smile. "When I called, you were busy. Busy enjoying the sun, the beach, and Linda's company."
"So, this is jealousy?" Ethan murmured, brushing his thumb along her chin. "If you're jealous, just say it."
He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Or maybe," his voice grew huskier, "you're just feeling neglected. Is that it?"
Ethan's lips trailed down to her neck as his hand slid over her skin, drawing a shiver from her. Their marriage had always felt most real during these moments—when he touched her. It was the only time she felt like she truly had him.
And now, he thought he could use the same approach to dissolve whatever he believed was the issue between them.
He knew her body's every weak point, how to make her surrender. But this time, Evelyn pressed her hand firmly against his. Her face flushed, but her gaze was unwavering.
"No," she said firmly.
Ethan's jaw tensed, veins standing out on his forehead. His voice was hoarse, heavy with desire. "Your body says otherwise. Are you sure?"
He was never one to reveal emotion, except in moments like these. Now, he was on edge, teetering on the brink of losing control.
Evelyn's heart pounded, but she managed to maintain her composure. "We're out of medicine. It's not safe. It's bad for my health."
Ethan froze. The heated haze in his eyes faded, replaced by clarity.
Without another word, he rolled off her and strode into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water filled the room again.
He never hesitated to use drugs, but it would do no good to her health. He just never cared, which exposed the fact clearly that he didn't love her at all.
Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief. She had escaped this time. But what about the next?
For now, she had managed to protect the child growing inside her.
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