Chapter 119

Evelyn recognized the document in front of her immediately, its implications clear as day.

"I've already told you, I don't want anything," she said firmly.

She truly had no interest in Nathaniel's wealth.

Nathaniel's brows knitted together in irritation. "I don't have time for games," he snapped.

"Nathaniel, I'm not playing games. I meant every word," Evelyn replied, meeting his gaze steadily.

"You made it clear you despised being forced into marriage. Maybe my initial feelings were... misplaced."

"Consider this my way of making up for any pain I caused you these past three years."

"I don’t want financial obligations. I’d rather leave with nothing," Nathaniel shot back.

He lowered his hand from his temple, his piercing eyes locking onto Evelyn’s calm, almond-shaped ones—eyes that radiated unshakable serenity.

He pushed the document toward her. "No, it’s my responsibility. I won’t be so petty as to deny someone who once stood by me."

Evelyn glanced at the paper, then decisively tore it in half. "I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Whitmore, but I have every right to refuse."

A flicker of surprise crossed Nathaniel’s face as he stared at the torn contract.

Leaning back in his seat, he remarked coolly, "Fine. Just don’t come crying to me later."

Turning toward the window, Evelyn watched the scenery blur past, her resolve unwavering.

I won’t regret this.

After all, she had already taken the most precious thing from him.

A child was all she needed now.

Evelyn and Nathaniel were the first to arrive at the courthouse.

After submitting the divorce application, they were informed of the mandatory one-month waiting period before finalization.

The news caught Evelyn off guard. She hadn’t realized modern divorces required such delays.

Once the paperwork was filed, Evelyn stepped outside, stealing a glance at Nathaniel.

"We’ll be back in a month, then. Don’t worry—I won’t change my mind. Just make sure Eleanor’s surgery happens as promised."

Nathaniel’s voice was heavy. "I know. No need to remind me."

As he strode away, Evelyn paused, then hailed a taxi.

From his car, Nathaniel watched Evelyn’s taxi disappear before shifting his attention elsewhere.

In the passenger seat, Robert hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Whitmore."

Nathaniel cut him off impatiently. "What is it?"

"Ms. Sinclair has been trying to reach you. She says it’s urgent."

Nathaniel exhaled, staring out the window. After a beat, he replied, "Fine."

With that, the sleek black car sped away from the courthouse.

Evelyn attended her university lectures as usual, but her mind kept drifting back to that morning.

She had mentally prepared herself to finalize the divorce—only for the waiting period to throw her off balance.

As evening fell and she headed home, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Julian.

"Evelyn, when can I expect those medical records from your friend?"

"Julian, don’t worry about it. They’ve already arranged a surgeon."

"Alright. Understood."

Julian had wanted to help, to prove himself useful to her, but once again, the opportunity slipped away.

He sighed, conflicted. Part of him wanted Evelyn to rely on him—yet another part hoped she never had to.

A complicated feeling.

Moments later, a message from Victoria lit up Julian’s screen: "Julian, we need to talk. Eleanor’s surgery is everything to me."

Frowning, Julian closed the chat without responding. Some things were better left ignored.

Back at home, Evelyn found Victoria Hawthorne waiting—Nathaniel nowhere in sight.

Sensing her unease, Victoria offered, "Mr. Whitmore is often busy with work."

"Maybe you should take a break. Shopping might help clear your mind."