Chapter 13

Judge Reynolds' eyes scanned the room, his voice a gentle prompt. "Okay, let's move on. Is there any joint property or demand for compensation?"

Roslyn's gaze drifted to Alexander, her voice laced with a mix of sadness and resolve. "I only expected some respect and care from this man during our three years together, which he has failed to give me."

Her eyes locked onto Alexander's, and for an instant, the air was charged with unspoken emotions.

"So, now I don't want anything from him," Roslyn continued, her voice steady. "I don't want to make his bitter lies come true—that I'm just a gold digger, interested only in his wealth."

Alexander's expression remained impassive, but his eyes flickered, a hint of guilt dancing in their depths.

Roslyn's gaze never wavered. "I want nothing, Alexander. No money, no property. Just my freedom from this loveless marriage."

The courtroom fell silent, the only sound being the soft scratching of pens on paper.

Judge Reynolds nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Mrs. Alexander. Your willingness to forgo material compensation is... unusual."

Roslyn's voice took on a hint of steel. "I'd rather walk away with dignity than be tied to a man who sees me as nothing more than a possession."

Alexander's eyes dropped, his jaw clenched. The tension between them was palpable, a living, breathing entity.

Judge Reynolds leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "Very well. We'll take this into consideration during the proceedings."

As the judge's words faded, Roslyn's gaze lingered on Alexander, a silent message passing between them—a message of disappointment, loss, and liberation.

Alexander's fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. His mind raced, a silent mantra repeating: Control... control. I deserve this. I really deserve this.

Judge Reynolds' voice cut through Alexander's thoughts: "Okay, then, since both parties have no objection to this divorce, I approve."

The judge's pen hovered over the documents, ready to sign. But Alexander's hand shot up, his palm facing the judge.

"I object," Alexander said, his voice firm and resolute.

The courtroom fell silent. Roslyn's eyes widened, shock and confusion etched on her face. Judge Reynolds' eyebrows arched, surprise evident in his expression.

"What did you say, Mr. Valtor?" Judge Reynolds asked, his tone measured.

Roslyn's voice rose, incredulity lacing her words. "Are you crazy? You can't be serious!"

Alexander's calm demeanor was a stark contrast to Roslyn's growing anger. "I don't want this divorce," he stated, his voice unwavering.

Roslyn's eyes flashed with indignation. "What! Alexander, what are you saying? This is happening as per both our wishes."

Her voice dripped with disdain. "Have you taken drugs early this morning? Or have you lost your mind?"

Judge Reynolds leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Mr. Valtor, please explain yourself. You've expressed no objections throughout these proceedings."

Alexander's gaze met Roslyn's, a hint of determination burning within. "I know I haven't. But I've realized... I don't want to let her go."

Roslyn's face paled, her lips parting in shock. "You're doing this now? After everything?"

The judge's expression turned thoughtful. "It seems we have a development, Mr. Valtor. Are you certain about this?"

Alexander's nod was resolve. "Yes, Your Honor. I won't consent to this divorce."

The courtroom erupted into chaos with Roslyn's protests and the judge's gavel banging for order. Alexander's decision had thrown everything into turmoil.

Roslyn's anger boiled over, her face flushed with indignation. "What nonsense is this?" she spat, her voice venomous. "You bastard, what's your problem? Can't you digest my peace?"

Judge Reynolds' expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Mrs. Valtor, calm down. Respect the court."

Roslyn's eyes blazed, but she bit back her retort, her chest heaving with suppressed rage.

Judge Reynolds continued, "Considering the circumstances of both parties, a divorce requires the consent of both spouses. If your husband, Mr. Valtor, is not ready to proceed, then I cannot approve the divorce."

Roslyn's outrage was palpable, her words tumbling out in a furious torrent. "This is ridiculous! You're telling me I'm trapped in this loveless marriage because of his whims?"

Alexander remained silent, his expression impassive, as if the proceedings didn't concern him.

Judge Reynolds leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Roslyn's. "Mrs. Valtor, I understand your frustration, but hasty decisions often lead to regrets. The court's primary concern is the well-being of both parties."

He paused, his gaze shifting between Roslyn and Alexander. "I hereby order both parties to cohabitate for a period of one month. During this time, I encourage you to reflect on your marriage and consider reconciliation."

Roslyn's face paled, her voice barely above a whisper. "What? No, this can't be happening."

Judge Reynolds' expression softened. "If, after this one-month period, you still feel that you cannot continue your marriage with Mr. Valtor, then you may reapply for divorce, and the process will proceed without issue."

The gavel banged, signaling the end of the proceedings. "Have a nice day, Mr. and Mrs. Valtor."

Roslyn's eyes locked onto Alexander's, a mix of anger, shock, and desperation swirling within. Alexander's gaze met hers, his expression unreadable, but a hint of determination flickered in his eyes.

As they left the courtroom, the tension between them was palpable, a month of forced cohabitation looming ahead like an uncertain storm.

Alexander Pov

I stood beside Roslyn in the courtroom, determination washing over me. Why was I doing this? Why was I halting the divorce proceedings? I wasn't entirely sure myself.

Perhaps it was the realization that I'd been living in emotional numbness, and Roslyn's desire to leave me had awakened something within. The sting of pride refused to let her go without a fight.

I knew I couldn't let her walk away. Not yet. Not when I'd finally begun to understand the depth of my feelings.

Judge Reynolds' order for us to cohabitate for a month sent a surge of resolve through me. Roslyn's outrage and frustration were palpable. She felt trapped, and I couldn't blame her. Our marriage had been a sham, a facade of love and happiness.

But I wanted to prove to her—and to myself—that we could be more. That our relationship wasn't beyond repair.

I glanced at Roslyn, her eyes flashing with anger and desperation. Could I reach her? Could I break down the walls she'd built around herself?

The month ahead would be a challenge, but I was willing to take the risk. For the first time in years, I felt alive, driven by a glimmer of hope.

Roslyn's disdain was evident, but I sensed a spark of curiosity beneath. She wondered why I'd done this, why I'd halted the divorce.

I smiled inwardly. She'd find out soon enough. I'd make sure of it.

Roslyn stormed out of the courtroom, her heels clicking angrily on the marble floor. Alexander followed closely behind, his long strides easily keeping pace with her furious pace.

"YOU!" Roslyn spun around, her eyes blazing with indignation. "You Fucking Alexander, Fucking Valtor, what do you think of yourself?"

Her voice echoed through the corridor, drawing curious glances from passersby. Alexander's expression remained calm, his eyes locked onto hers.

"I know this is just your way of humiliating me," Roslyn continued, her words tumbling out in a venomous torrent. "What do you want from me? Haven't you tortured me enough?"

Alexander's expression softened, his voice gentle. "I'm sorry for my old behavior, Roslyn. I was blind to my mistakes, but I've realized my errors. I really want to give this marriage another chance."

Roslyn's laughter was harsh and incredulous. "Another chance? You think you deserve another chance?"

Alexander's eyes pleaded for understanding. "This time, I won't give you a reason to complain, I promise. Please, forget everything and let's start anew."

Roslyn's face twisted in disgust. "I gave you three years—three fucking years—to correct your mistakes. That's more than enough time for anyone to change. Please, just leave me alone."

Alexander's smile was unwavering, his dimples flashing. "I can't, wifey. There's a court order that we have to live together for one month. So, let's go home, wifey."

Roslyn's eyes widened, her frustration boiling over. "Did his head hit something?" she muttered, closing her eyes.

Alexander's chuckle was low, husky. "No, my love. My head is perfectly fine. And so is my determination to make this marriage work."

Roslyn's eyes snapped open, her gaze clashing with Alexander's. For a moment, they stood there, the tension between them crackling like electricity.

Finally, Roslyn spun around, striding toward the exit. "Let's get this over with."

Rose Pov

How dare he! That infuriating, selfish, cold-hearted bastard! He thinks he can just waltz back into my life and expect me to forgive and forget? Three years of emotional torture, three years of feeling worthless and unloved, and now he wants another chance?

You Fucking Alexander, Fucking Valtor, what do you think of yourself? Do you have any idea how much pain you've caused me? The sleepless nights, the tears shed, the countless times I've felt like dying inside?

And now he's sorry? Sorry isn't enough. Sorry can't erase the memories; sorry can't heal the wounds. His empty words mean nothing to me.

That smug, self-satisfied smile on his face makes my blood boil. Does he really think I'm that naive? That I'll fall for his charm again? No, I won't make that mistake.

A court order? Living together for a month? This is a nightmare. Trapped with the one person I despise most in this world. How will I survive this?

His words echo in my mind: "I won't give you a reason to complain, I promise." Promises mean nothing to me now. He's broken every promise, shattered every vow.

And that dimple-flashing smile? It only fuels my anger. Does he think he can charm his way back into my heart? I'll never let that happen.

I'll play along for now. But I'll make sure he knows I'm only doing this because I have to, not because I want to. I'll make this month a living hell for him. He'll regret ever trying to win me back.

Roslyn fumed in the passenger seat, her anger radiating like a palpable force. Alexander, sitting beside her, seemed oblivious to her ire, his gaze fixed on her with an unwavering smile.

"Stop staring at me, Alexander!" Roslyn snapped, her voice low and menacing.

Alexander's smile only broadened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm just admiring my beautiful, angry wife," he said, his tone husky.

Roslyn's frustration escalated. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Seeing me upset, angry, and helpless."

Alexander's smile never wavered. "Now I regret what I've missed in these past three years," he said, his voice laced with sincerity.

Roslyn's eyes narrowed. "You're very clingy all of a sudden. Has some other soul entered inside you?" She asked, her sarcasm biting.

Alexander's gaze intensified, his voice filled with emotion. "I love you, Roslyn."

Roslyn's eyes widened, her anger momentarily stunned into silence. She hadn't expected those words, not after everything they'd been through.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound being the hum of the engine. Roslyn's mind reeled, trying to process Alexander's declaration.

How could he say that? After three years of neglect, of indifference? Did he truly mean it, or was this just another manipulation?

Roslyn's gaze searched Alexander's face, seeking answers. His eyes, once cold and distant, now shone with warmth and sincerity.

Her surprise slowly gave way to wariness. She wouldn't fall for his words again. Not so easily.

"What game are you playing, Alexander?" Roslyn asked, her voice measured.

Alexander's smile softened. "No game, Roslyn. Just the truth. I love you, and I'll do everything to make this marriage work."

Roslyn's skepticism remained, but a tiny spark of curiosity flickered within. Could she trust him? Or was this just another lie?

Why is he saying this now? After three years of hell?

Is this another manipulation?

Can I trust him?

Does he truly love me?

What changed him?

I won't fall for his words again.

But why does his gaze seem so sincere?

No, I mustn't weaken.

I'll keep my guard up.

This can't be real.

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