Chapter 3

Evelyn’s POV

"Since you’ve proposed divorce, I assume the Carter family doesn't need to carve up my assets," Adrian stated, his words dripping with arrogance.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could he be so shameless? Doesn't he understand why we're getting divorced? It wasn’t about assets. Not for me, anyway.

"I’ve already told you, if you resist this divorce, I'll make sure everyone knows about your affair. Think carefully, Adrian," I cautioned.

I held Adrian’s gaze without hesitation. Even though he was still the handsome man I had fallen for, dark-haired, straight black eyebrows over light brown eyes, full cupid-bow lips, and a toned physique, I no longer enjoyed the sight of him. His good looks no longer held any appeal.

At this point, I had lost all hope. Six years of marriage, and only now have I discovered what kind of person Adrian truly was.

"Well, Evelyn, we don't have to divorce. Let's pretend what happened just now never occurred. We can still keep this going, and I’ll try to treat you better," he said, his tone softer than before. He moved in closer and took my hand, 

But that look in his eyes disgusted me. I knew what he was doing, he just didn’t want to split our assets, plain and simple. He was making a play to keep hold of everything we owned. He thought I was a fool. Why should I let him have anything that’s rightfully mine? I yanked my hand away, putting distance between us.

As soon as I did, our son let out a piercing cry. "Daddy, make her go! You and Miss Vivian can be together!"

Adrian turned to Vivian, who was watching the scene unfold. All eyes were on her.

Vivian stood up, wiping nonexistent tears from her eyes. "Mr. Whitman, you should stay with your wife. I won’t interfere. I’ll take my leave," she said, preparing to go.

But Adrian grabbed her hand, pulling her back, and gently ran his fingers through her hair. His voice was surprisingly tender. "Vivi, don’t go."

Vivian didn't push him away; instead, I could see the greed in her eyes as they exchanged glances.

Liam suddenly rushed over to me, his small fists pounding on my legs. "You bad woman! Get away from my daddy!"

The little boy’s teeth were sharp, and he bit me hard enough to draw blood. I cried out in pain, shoving him away.

The force of my push sent Liam tumbling aside, and he began wailing, "Daddy! She kicked me. Make her go away! She’s not my mom!"

Liam sat there, crying and screaming. Adrian rushed over, pulling him into his arms, his face full of concern.

"This is your son, Evelyn!" he said, his voice dripping with reproach. "How could you do this to him? I thought a mother’s love was supposed to be unconditional. You’re so heartless."

But Adrian knew better than anyone how much I cared for Liam. He knew all the late nights I’d spent caring for him, trying to heal him when he was sick, and making sure he had the best possible care. And now, I was being blamed for this?

It was then I realized that Liam was behaving this way on purpose, coached by Adrian and Vivian. He was just like his father — ungrateful and manipulative.

"The three of you really are a fine ‘family’ already," I said bitterly, my words laced with sarcasm. “You deserve each other.”

Soon, Adrian calmed Liam down. He shot me a venomous look. "Let’s go. We’re going to the solicitor’s office right now, Evelyn. You’ll regret this." He said it with chilling finality.

Vivian left and I accompanied Adrian to our lawyer’s office without another word. 

When we arrived, the legal secretary handed us some documents and explained, "Unfortunately, there's a six-month cooling-off period for divorce. Please fill out the forms, and if you still want to go through with it after the six months, come back to complete the proceedings."

The thought of waiting for six months made me feel uncomfortable, but my decision was already made.

"Six months is nothing," I said, taking the documents and carefully filling them out.

Once the paperwork was done, we left the office together but Adrian hastened ahead, getting into his luxury car and speeding away, leaving me standing alone at the building entrance.

"Things change so fast," I muttered under my breath. I had no choice but to take a cab home. The mansion felt strangely empty, cold and unwelcoming, like never before.

I reached into my pocket, feeling the weight of the Patek Philippe watch I had bought for Adrian, hoping to surprise him. But now, it felt like nothing more than a bitter reminder of the shock he’d dealt  me.