Betrayal Leads to Divorce

Nathan left without hesitation, and soon after, I found myself bedridden due to illness.

The heartbreak was so intense that it left me feeling numb.

Dr. Lawson Bryant examined me, prescribed some sedatives, and advised I rest, warning against emotional stress.

I looked at Nathan's Facebook posts with a bitter smile.

After leaving, he moved in with Laurel and her son.

He hadn't been to the office these past few days, busy taking Laurel and Matheo on a tour of Paris, flooding social media with dozens of cheerful photos daily.

I distinctly remembered how much he used to despise posting photos online.

I wanted to follow the doctor's advice, but it felt as if someone kept twisting a knife in my heart.

After a few days of rest, my health began to improve, and I finally had the courage to call my lawyer.

But just as I picked up my phone, Nathan called.

On instinct, I answered, and his cold voice cut in immediately.

"I’ve been reflecting for five days. Haven't you calmed down yet? If you promise to sincerely apologize to Laurel, I can bring them both home now, and we can return to our normal lives."

His infuriating words brought tears to my eyes.

Sniffling, I replied softly, "It's good that you’re coming back."

Nathan assumed I agreed to apologize, sounding noticeably more cheerful.

"Hold on."

He hung up, and as I listened to the dial tone, I collected my emotions and called the lawyer.

By the time Nathan got home, I had already printed the divorce papers.

He didn't notice the documents in my hand and approached me, pulling Laurel along, trying to play peacemaker.

"You were too emotional that day and scared Laurel and Matheo. Today, just apologize properly, and we can move on."

Laurel was holding his hand, smiling, but her smile couldn’t have been more annoying.

I turned my gaze away and began to scrutinize Laurel.

Not yet thirty, she could easily pass for eighteen despite having a child.

Her makeup was flawless, and she wore the latest Dior dress, with the pink diamond ring Nathan had won at an auction.

I glanced at myself, with crow's feet deep enough to trap mosquitoes, hair like a bird's nest, and wearing an old nightgown from a decade ago. I wore no jewelry for convenience while working, and surprisingly, I found myself feeling at peace with Nathan's choice.

I handed over the divorce papers with a smile, "Sign them."

"You!"

Nathan looked up angrily but paused when he saw how pale I was.

Quickly, he let go of Laurel and held my shoulders, concerned. "Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you to the hospital."

Seeing his furrowed brows, I could sense his concern.

My heart ached momentarily, but I shook my head and handed him the divorce papers again. "Take a look. If you agree, just sign them."

Nathan finally faced the papers, but he merely tossed them aside and held me tightly.

"Aria, please stop this. You know I don’t want a divorce..."

His words were cut off by sobbing.

Laurel, holding her child, stood nearby and spoke sorrowfully, "It’s all my fault. If I hadn't had Matheo, I wouldn’t have made Aria so sad, nor would I have put Nathan in such a difficult position."

Nathan’s grip on me tightened, then loosened as he moved to comfort Laurel instead.

Tenderly, he wiped away her tears and kissed her lips, murmuring, "Don’t say that. You and the child mean the world to me. How could you not know that?"

He glanced at me, then whispered something in her ear.

Laurel broke into a shy smile, playfully hitting his chest.

Watching them share such affection in front of me, what else was there left for me to say?