The papers

Startled, Marcellus halted in his tracks and spun around to face Larisa, his voice high with shock as he inquired, "What?! You're pregnant?!" Although he had only slept with Larisa occasionally, it was never because he loved her; it was because he experienced arousal or pining for Clara. When these feelings arose, he would conjure visions of Clara superimposed on Larisa, allowing him to use her as a substitute for his true love.

Larisa was left completely taken aback as she nervously bit her lower lip, the way Marcellus responded and exclaimed, causing her to realize that he was displeased with the news.

She hesitantly sought clarity on her assumption, inquiring of Marcellus inquisitively, "What if I'm pregnant? What will you do?" her eyes looking up directly into his as she so eagerly awaited his response as she breathed deeply.

Marcellus glanced downwards at her, firmly shaking his head as he uttered, "You will need to abort it." His eyes remained fixed on Larisa as he intently asked, "Are you pregnant?", his expression remained emotionless as he did not blink.

Confident in her realization, Larisa knew that Marcellus was willing to terminate the child for the sake of Clara. Knowing that if her suspicions were true and she was pregnant, she had to hastily act to protect both her and her unborn baby, as she had experienced telltale signs that she might be pregnant despite not having gone for a checkup or utilized a pregnancy kit.

Larisa cracked a smile as she glanced up at Marcellus, then she shook her head and declared, "I'm not pregnant Marcellus, that's why I asked 'What if' remember?" Though she was lying, she tightened the grip of her hand in the hope that Marcellus would believe her.

Marcellus was downcast and unsure of what he was wanting to hear, yet hoping to receive a positive answer before being able to make a decision. All he could do was look at her and give a curt nod while bringing himself to utter a soft, "That's Good, Thank Goodness you aren't pregnant" despite his true feelings otherwise.

As she perched on the bed's edge, Larisa put her hand up to her mouth in a fashionable manner and offered her silent thanks to her good fortune for having lied to Marcellus, otherwise, the single true present she had acquired from Marcellus within their two years' marriage would have been an abortion. She knew all too well that when Marcellus had made up his mind about something, he was sure to execute it.

Marcellus took his briefcase and removed a paper. "Here are the divorce papers, sign them as soon as possible, I cannot postpone any further," he declared while making strides in Larisa's direction. He then extended his arm, offering her the papers.

While tears formed in her eyes, Larisa halted in shock while inquiring of Marcellus, "You have already obtained the divorce papers so soon?" Looking up at him, she could not believe it.

Marcellus gave a nod as he replied, "I have been preparing these for several months now, so sign them, and let's finish this." Gliding his hands through his hair, he continued, "You will be granted 500 million as alimony for the divorce, so make your decision wisely. With that immense amount of money, you will be able to relish life to the fullest once we are divorced."

Given that there was no way she could evade the divorce with Marcellus' unwavering position, Larisa somberly uttered, "Allow me time to consider," as she dropped her head.

Marcellus gave a nod in agreement, "Yes, Larisa, that is not an issue as long as I get my desired outcome. I will be granting you three days to contemplate on your own," he declared. "During those three days, I won't be returning home either, I need to get some space to regain my clarity of mind."

Raising her head and gazing up at Marcellus, Larisa nervously bit her lower lips as she stammered, "Wh-Where will you stay Marcellus?"

With an upturned eyebrow, Marcellus spoke firmly, "That is none of your concern, Larisa, simply sign the divorce papers."

After showering and departing the residence for his office, Marcellus left Larisa to ultimately choose her fate. He directed Mrs. Mary, their head maidservant, to ensure Larisa's safety during his absence. 

Despite his ardent desire to be rid of Larisa from his life, he still, in some way, wished her the best, although he was unaware of the meaning of this emotion.

He muttered, "Finally," as he settled into his large, adjustable, and comfortable office chair with armrests and a backrest. Quickly signing and going through the necessary documents, he did not want to spend another second without being with Clara.

"Hello, darling," Marcellus spoke lovingly as Clara answered the call. "I'll be spending time with you soon, so get ready! I'll be heading to your apartment soon! my love."

She said excitedly, “I can't wait to have you around me all night! It's been two years since you got married and we've only been able to make love and cuddle during the day.”

Marcellus let out a giddy laugh and said, “That's why I want us to be together all night, just cuddling!” With that, he hung up the call with Clara, contacted his secretary to arrange for the documents he had signed, and quickly left the office. 

He zoomed off in his luxurious vehicle, which was equipped with the most advanced features, straight to Clara's apartment.

Meanwhile, Larisa had been sitting on the bed, with the divorce papers in her hands, ever since Marcellus had left the house. The head maid grew concerned and lightly knocked on the door of Larisa and Marcellus' master bedroom.

When she heard the knock on the door, she called out, “Come in!” as she looked at the door, awaiting Mrs. Mary's entrance.

Mrs. Mary took in Larisa's appearance and saw her eyes, red and swollen from her continuous sobbing. The maids, including Mrs. Mary, had overheard Marcellus' shouts reverberating through the house.

"Mrs. Huxley, why don't you seem to be eating any of the meals that have been served? It has been hours since you were last served and you haven't touched your food. You are becoming skinnier by the day because you don't eat. Don't you think it would be beneficial to at least try and consume some of the food that has been presented to you? Your health is important and skipping meals can take a toll on you".

She replied, “I'll eat soon, Mrs. Mary, I just wanted to take some time to think about my life...” As she said this, she started to sob once more.

Arriving at Clara's apartment, Marcellus was hit with the pleasant aroma that filled the area. After Clara had set the dinner table, they both sat down, smiling and holding hands.

Once Clara had taken her first bite of the meal, she suddenly felt nauseous and quickly placed her hand over her mouth before standing up and making her way to the bathroom.

Marcellus quickly got up and followed her, standing close by her side as she puked. When she was done, he couldn't help his curiosity and nervously clenched his hands as he asked.

“Clara,” Marcellus asked hesitantly, “Are you pregnant?”