Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 45
“Alex, these are the divorce papers Sophia prepared. All you need to do is sign them,” Lyra said, placing the documents on the café table.
“Where is Sophia?” Alex asked, his eyes fixed on Lyra.
Despite her undeniable beauty, every word she spoke dripped with venom.
“She’s busy transferring money. Listen, Alex,” Lyra leaned in, her voice icy.
“While I’m still being civil, just sign the papers. End this. You can’t keep scamming her. For God’s sake, let her go!
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Alex sighed. His only reason for marrying Sophia was to find clues about his mother and to honor his master’s wish.
“If she wants a divorce, she should tell me herself,” he replied calmly. 1
Lyra shook her head. “I know you’re not happy about this, but just accept it. You’re not right for her. Don’t make this harder-just sign the papers p>
He crossed his arms, sensing her disdain.
Maybe she didn’t just hate him; maybe she despised all men without wealth.
“Alex, stop dragging this out p>
“You can yell all you want, but I need to hear it from Sophia,” Alex said firmly. “Then I’ll sign. You heard me p>
“Don’t you have any dignity?” Lyra spat with disgust.
“Dignity?” Alex scoffed as he stood up. “I think we’re done here p>
Just as he was about to leave, the café door swung open. Sophia walked in with Chris beside her.
Chris shot Alex a triumphant look, as if he’d already won Sophia’s heart.
“Sorry I’m late,” Sophia said, approaching Alex. “I had to get to the bank before it closed p>
“Did you look at the divorce papers Lyra gave you?” she asked.
“He wouldn’t sign them,” Lyra cut in before Alex could answer. Sophia sighed, as if she’d expected as much.
Chris’s temper flared. “You’d better sign those damn papers, or you’ll never leave Vancouver p>
Sophia quickly placed a hand on his arm. “Can you two give us a minute p>
Chris scoffed but stepped away. “I’ll be right over there if you need me p>
As Lyra passed Sophia, she muttered, “You can’t go easy on guys like him p>
“Let’s sit,” Sophia said softly, gesturing to the table.
Alex sat across from her, their eyes meeting with unspoken words.
“Alex,” she began gently but firmly, “this wasn’t an easy decision. My grandfather might like you, but my grandmother and parents don’t. We both know this marriage won’t work p>
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Chapter 45
“Do you dislike me?” he asked quietly.
“No,” she replied honestly. “These past few days have been so chaotic. If we had more time, maybe I could get to know you better. Part of me wants to try, but… time isn’t on our side p>
“So you’re going to marry Chris?” Alex asked.
“My family wants that. I’ve known Chris for a long time. I’m not sure if I love him, but they approve of him. I could learn to love him,” she admitted, uncertainty in her voice.
Alex gave a bitter smile. “Because he has money and power”
Sophia shook her head.
“Let’s not get into that. Please, can you sign the divorce papers? And could you keep this from Grandpa Abraham? He’s old, and I don’t want to upset him p>
“Won’t you regret this?” Alex leaned back, searching her eyes.
“You won’t even give me a chance to show you who I really am. You’re pushing me away, but I think you’ll regret it. Deeply p>
“Maybe I will,” Sophia said coolly. “But maybe I won’t. Looking at you now, with no money and no power… I don’t think I’ll regret divorcing you p>
“Are money and power that important to you?” he asked.
“I don’t know how you’ve lived, but yes, for most people, money and power mean everything. I can’t deny they’re important to me too. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get them,” she confessed, her eyes hardening.
“If I told you I have more money and power than you could imagine, would you believe me?” Alex asked, picking up the pen and hovering it over the paper.
He paused, waiting for her response, ready to reveal himself if she showed any faith.
“I wish I could,” Sophia said softly. “But it’s clear you lack both p>
Alex sighed and signed the divorce papers. “You only see what you choose to believe. You’re blind to what’s beyond. You think Chris is rich, but he’s on the brink of bankruptcy. You see me as having nothing, but I have everything you want p>
He slid the papers back to her. “I wish you happiness. I’ll keep this from Grandpa Abraham p>
“Thank you,” Sophia said, pulling out an old medal and placing it on the table.
“I don’t have much to give you as a parting gift, but I remembered buying this from
an antique shop years ago and forgot about it. When I looked at it recently, I saw your name on it. So, it’s yours p>
Alex took the medal and read the inscription: “Alexander Kingsley,” etched in intricate lettering.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his head as memories flooded back-flashes of a woman handing him this very medal.
“Mother,” Alex whispered, his voice barely audible as the memory overwhelmed
him.
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