Chapter 5

"I won't sign the papers, Alaric! I won't let you go to Dianna," Evelyn exclaimed, standing up from her seat and looking straight into Alaric's eyes.

Alaric remained stoic, almost robotic in his response. "You don't have to worry, Evelyn. I will make sure to offer you a good alimony. Just name what you want."

"I won't hand my husband over to another woman!" Evelyn shouted, "I don't care about any damn alimony!"

Alaric was surprised to see the gentle Evelyn getting aggressive like this. However, he did not lose his composure. He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. "Why are you so determined to stay in this loveless marriage? I'm willing to give you a generous alimony. What more do you want?"

Evelyn's eyes grew teary. "Because I love you, Alaric Pritzker. I always have and always will. I'll keep trying until you accept me."

Alaric was taken aback by her sudden confession but quickly regained his composure. "I've promised Dianna that I'll marry her. What about that?" He stood up from his seat

"What right do you have to promise marriage to someone without telling me, Mr. Pritzker?" Evelyn grabbed the collar of Alaric's shirt, tears streaming down her face. "I'm still your wife!"

Alaric remained silent, unable to give a response.

"I won't sign those papers!" Evelyn repeated herself, letting go of his collar

"If you don't sign those papers, I'll make you sign them forcefully," Alaric warned, pulling Evelyn closer by the waist.

Evelyn stood her ground, determination burning in her eyes. "I won't let anyone trample on my dignity, Mr. Alaric Pritzker! I won't let people look down on me because my husband has another woman!"

As the tension between them grew, Alaric's lips curled into a sarcastic smirk. "Did you mean sex when you said you loved me so much, Evelyn?" 

"Huh?" The sudden question caught Evelyn off guard

"If that's the case, then we can be sex friends after the divorce." Alaric said, "I know I have never touched you, but as long as you agree to give your position to Dianna, I will sleep with you as many times as you want." He continued until he was interrupted when Evelyn's reflexes kicked in as she punched Alaric in the face, causing him to stumble backwards. 

"Don't!" Evelyn spat, disgusted.

Alaric glared at her, his hand gripping his jaw where she had hit him. "I'll overlook that punch, but you need to sign these papers," he said through gritted teeth.

Evelyn shook her head firmly. "My decision will not change."

Alaric let out a sigh. "Can't you see that I never wanted you in my life? Just how desperate you are to force yourself in the arms of a man who doesn't want you?!"

"I regret ever marrying you," Evelyn admitted, her voice cracking with emotion. She was indeed shocked at Alaric's behavior. "I hate that I love someone like you, Alaric Pritzker!"

Alaric swallowed hard, feeling a sudden wave of guilt wash over him. He knew he had treated Evelyn poorly throughout their marriage, but he couldn't help his responsibility for Dianna.

"Since you are starting to hate me now, then just sign the papers," Alaric grumbled, trying to regain his composure.

"It's purely because I am starting to hate my feelings for you, I won't sign the papers," Evelyn said sternly. 

"What do you mean?" Alaric paused

"As long as those papers aren't signed, Dianna will always be seen as a mistress. I want her to feel the shame and humiliation that comes with that title." She replied firmly. "And I want you to feel remorse every time you see her."

Evelyn turned to leave the room, her heart heavy with the realization that her marriage was over. She couldn't believe that the man she had once loved had turned into such a heartless monster. But she knew that she would not back down, no matter what the consequences were. She would fight for what was right, even if it meant facing the worst of Alaric's wrath.

______

After Evelyn walked out, Alaric kicked the chair In Front of him, making the chair fall on the ground.

He clenched his fists in anger, "I planned to handle this calmly!" He felt a little guilty but he shook off the feeling, "Everything could have been managed perfectly, I could have just given her a good amount, and arranged the most perfect life for her." He touched his jaw, "But she just had to be stubborn!"

Just then, Alaric's phone rang, interrupting the silence in the room. He answered without looking at the caller ID.

"Mr. Pritzker, it's me, Jacob Deane from Eldorado Hospital. Ms. East's condition is worsening, and she refuses to take the medicine. She's asking to see you. Can you come to the hospital?" The caller said

Alaric's expression remained unchanged as he replied, "I'll be there."

He hung up the phone and grabbed his coat. He walked out of the house and took his car. The ride to the hospital was silent, and his thoughts were racing.

After an hour, Eldorado Hospital,

As soon as Alaric arrived at the hospital, he made his way to Dianna's room. 

After entering he saw Dianna lying on the bed, tears streaming down her face. As soon as she saw Alaric, she leaped off the bed and hugged him.

"Ric, I'm so glad you're here," Dianna cried.

Alaric's face remained stern as he broke the hug and asked, "Why weren't you taking your medicine?"

Dianna wiped away her tears and said, "I just really wanted to see you. I'm sorry for being so childish."

Alaric's expression softened a bit as he said, "It's okay, but you need to take your medicine." He added, "Your next shoot is coming up soon, you should be in good health."

Dianna nodded, and soon the doctor came in and gave her the medicine. 

After the doctor left, Dianna held onto Alaric's hand tightly.

"I can't stop craving your company constantly after being apart from you for an entire year. When will you marry me?" Dianna asked.

Alaric's mind flashed back to Evelyn, his wife. He felt a pang of guilt, but he dismissed it quickly.

"I've already talked about divorce with Evelyn. Just be patient," Alaric replied.

Dianna then hugged Alaric's waist. "I can't wait to be with you."

Alaric stayed still in his spot, his mind still on Evelyn. His fists tightened. He clearly loves Dianna, then why is his mind wandering off to Evelyn?