Chapter 8 - The Woman He Thought Would Always Wait Finally Walked Away
Despite everything, Evelyn still carried old wounds.
One evening, she overheard Vincent speaking to his attorney.
“Prepare the papers.”
Her blood ran cold.
She waited until he entered the bedroom.
“What papers?”
He turned.
“What?”
“You said prepare the papers.”
Vincent understood.
“Divorce papers.”
Silence.
Evelyn's face went pale.
“Why?”
“Because I don't want you trapped.”
“You think I'm trapped?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Because our marriage started wrong.”
She laughed bitterly.
“That's the first true thing you've said tonight.”
“I love you.”
She froze.
He continued.
“But I don't want your life to belong to a man who once bought it.”
Evelyn's eyes filled.
“So you're leaving me?”
“I’m giving you a choice.”
She stared at him.
“You still don't understand.”
“What?”
“I chose you.”
Vincent stepped closer.
“I know.”
“No.”
She placed her hand against his chest.
“You keep trying to protect me by deciding what I deserve.”
He looked stunned.
“I don't need you to decide.”
Tears ran down her face.
“I need you to trust me.”
Vincent swallowed.
“I do.”
“Then don't leave.”
He closed his eyes.
When he opened them, they were wet.
“I won't.”
He tore the divorce papers in half.
Evelyn laughed through tears.
“That was dramatic.”
“I've been told.”
She leaned into him.
“I hate you sometimes.”
“I know.”
“I love you more.”
He smiled.
“I know.”
They kissed.
For once, there was no contract between them.
No debt.
No threat.
May you like
No obligation.
Only choice.
