All Chapters of The Best Divorce: Never Forgive The Scandalous Billionaire: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Lillian POVThe next three days stretch on endlessly. Michael hasn’t made it easy, of course. Every day, I’ve sent him a fresh set of divorce papers. Every day, his response is the same—silence, followed by the inevitable return of the torn pieces. “A reminder,” I’d told myself this morning as I stuffed yet another copy into an envelope.Ava insists I focus on something else, on moving forward instead of looking back. “Do something for yourself for once,” she said just this morning over coffee. “You’ve put everything into him, into that marriage. Now it’s time for you.”Her words still ring in my ears as I sit at her dining table, staring at the blank document on my laptop screen. Writing has always been an escape for me, a way to disappear into a world where I’m in control. I haven’t done it in years, though—not since before Michael.Finally, I start typing. It’s slow, awkward at first. I dredge up stories my mother used to tell me when I was a child, weaving them into something n

Michael’s POVHer laughter rings out, light and carefree. It’s been so long since I’ve heard her laugh like that—too long. But that’s not what stops me in my tracks. It’s the way she leans into him, the way his hand lingers near her waist like he belongs there. And the matching outfits? Perfectly coordinated, as if they’re some kind of... couple.The blood rushes to my head, a mix of disbelief and fury. For days, she’s refused to see me, sending divorce papers instead, while this—this policeman—has been keeping her company? My hands clench into fists.Before I know it, I’m crossing the room. She doesn’t notice me, too busy smiling up at him like he’s the center of her universe. When I reach her, my hand moves of its own accord, clamping down on her arm.Her smile vanishes instantly. She whirls around, and her eyes widen when she sees me. “Michael.”The way she says my name, as if she doesn’t have a drop of care for me, cuts deeper than I care to admit.“What’s this?” I demand, ges

Lillian’s POVMichael’s mother’s gaze narrows, her lips pursed so tightly they look like a single straight line. “You know we’re taking a family photo today,” she says. “How could you not wear something nice, or even put on makeup? Are you deliberately trying to embarrass us?”“Excuse me?” I say.Eleanor scoffs, tilting her head as if I’m some unruly child. “You heard me, dear. It’s a family tradition. A professional photographer comes every year. Everyone knows to look their best. But I suppose that sort of consideration is too much to expect from you.”“I didn’t realize I needed to meet a dress code to eat dinner.”Her eyes narrow even further. Before I can say more, Michael’s sister, Vanessa, appears, sliding into the conversation like a snake. She’s always been good at turning small sparks into full-blown fires.“She has a point, Lillian,” Vanessa chimes in. “It’s not that hard to put in a little effort. I mean, you knew tonight was important, didn’t you?”“I dressed appropriatel

Lillian’s POVChris offers to help me move as soon as he spots me struggling with the heavy box.“You don’t have to do this,” I protest weakly, even as he lifts the box like it weighs nothing.“Neighbors help each other,” he says with an easy smile. “Besides, it looks like you’ve got enough to keep you busy for a while.”I laugh softly, trying not to focus on the way his shirt stretches over his shoulders as he carries the box inside. “Thanks, Chris. Really. You didn’t sign up for this, though.”Chris grabs one of the heavier boxes labeled Books and lets out an exaggerated groan as he lifts it.“Okay, Lillian, be honest. Are these actual books or bricks disguised as books?”“They’re classics! You know, the cornerstone of every decent library.”“Cornerstone? More like a literal foundation.” He pretends to stumble under the weight, leaning against the wall as if he might collapse. “Do you really need all of these?”“Absolutely. Don’t tell me you’re one of those people who thinks digital

Lillian’s POVAva flops onto my couch, tucking one leg under her as she looks around my new apartment. “Okay, spill. How are you liking the new place?”I smile faintly, glancing at the boxes I still haven’t unpacked. “It’s cozy. I really like it. It’s close to work, there’s a park nearby, and the layout’s perfect.”She raises an eyebrow. “I still can’t believe you got this place for the price you’re paying. I mean, a 20% discount? That’s crazy.”“Yeah, I got lucky. Chris lowered the rent for me.”“Wait. Chris? The neighbor who helped you move?”“Yeah, turns out he’s not just my neighbor. He’s the landlord.”Her jaw drops, and she points an accusatory finger at me. “And you’re just casually mentioning this now? Since when are you two on a first-name basis?”I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Since the second time we met, I guess. I didn’t know this was his apartment until I ran into him here.”“Wait, wait, wait. Back up. You’ve met before? How? When? And why is this man giving you discounts a