Rianne’s POV
Chapter 20
It was just a moment of recklessness, nothing more, that led to that forbidden night.”
But standing there, I felt like I’d forgotten how to breathe until I realized I’d bit down hard on my lip.”
After what felt like forever, I finally forced the words out, swallowing the pain in my chest.
“I forgive you, Nigel.““]
What he didn’t know was–I’d only ever forgive him once.
So when I ran into him today, I knew–our marriage was over.
Once I’d gathered myself, I headed straight to the law firm and drafted the divorce agreement myself.”
By the time I got home, the sun was already setting. Nigel rushed to the door, his arms wrapping around me like nothing had happened.”
“Honey, where were you? I called you so many times, but you didn’t pick up.”
As he leaned in, a sharp, heavy scent hit me–strong perfume.§
It was Black Opium, the one I hated most.
I gently pulled away and said, keeping my tone light, “It’s nothing. I just stopped by the law office.”
He frowned. “Next time just have Renz go for you. No need to trouble yourself with something so small–“>
I cut in, “Nigel. I want a divorce.“>
He froze, staring at me like he didn’t understand the words.
“What did you say? You want to divorce me?” he repeated.}]
“All this because of something so minor? I told you–it was an accident. It didn’t mean anything. Harley’s the one insisting on having the baby. I figured, since you can’t conceive, we could raise the child together. Once the baby’s born, I’ll bring him home for you. Then I’ll send Harley abroad. It won’t change anything.“}
The moment he said I should raise his child with another woman, my chest tightened.”
My hand instinctively moved to my lower belly as I replied, “I’m not joking, Nigel. This is the divorce agreement. Take a look.”
His face turned cold.
“Come on, Rianne, are you really throwing a fit over this? I’ve already explained everything, haven’t I? Honey, nothing will change. We have a child now–isn’t that what we always wanted?”
He stared at me for a moment, and then he heaved a sigh. “I’m exhausted, honey. Can you stop being unreasonable?“}
I almost laughed.”
‘He cheats, and somehow I’m the one being unreasonable? Wow.‘>
I shook my head and placed the papers in front of him.
“Nope. It’s not fine,” I said firmly. “I feel dirty, Nigel.”}
That one word lit a fire in him.
“Dirty? Do you even realize how many women would kill for a night with me? God damn it, it was just once! Why can’t you let it go?“} As he spoke, he ripped the divorce papers into pieces.
“I’m telling you–I won’t agree to a divorce. Never!“}
“And look at yourself, Rianne. You’re thirty now. You’re not some young girl anymore. Who else would even want you besides me, huh?“> “Let’s pretend this never happened. And I don’t want to hear another word about it, you understand?”
He stormed out, slamming the door behind him, while I knelt, picking up the torn pieces from the floor.”
Just as I finished, my phone buzzed.
It was a message–two pictures of engagement rings and a question about my preference.§
I glanced at them and replied. [The one on the left.]}
Then, without a second thought, I took off the wedding ring I’d worn for seven years and dropped it in the trash.
The next morning, I wrapped up my last tasks at the office. I was just about to leave when my assistant Ron Harvin came running in, saying a client had asked to see me.”
He led me to a private lounge.
As soon as I opened the door, I saw Nigel standing in the center of the room, holding a huge bouquet of roses.§
The room was full of familiar faces–even his mother, who’d never liked me, was there.
He took a step forward, knelt in front of me, and looked up with guilt written all over his face.
“Honey… I’m so sorry. I lost it and said all the wrong things. Today is our seventh wedding anniversary. Please… give me another chance.”
