Chapter 2

Evan frowned. "Come back? What are you talking about?" Lila stared straight into his eyes. "Then how do you know I'm allergic to seafood?" "Your parents visited me recently," Evan said, his expression calm. Not a flicker in his expression. "They asked me to treat you better, so they gave me a notebook with your preferences and dietary restrictions. I flipped through it before I tossed it." His answer was airtight, but it still sent a sharp pain through her chest. Had she merely been overthinking it? Just then, a nurse pushed the door open. "Mr. Carter, Ms. Carrington is awake. She's asking for you." Without so much as a glance in Lila's direction, Evan turned and walked out. He never came to see her once during the three days she was hospitalized. Each time the nurse came to change her dressing, the hesitant look in her eyes felt like silent mockery. On the fourth morning, Lila discharged herself from the hospital. The immigration process was already complete. All that was left now was one final step—divorce. She sat at her desk and carefully wrote out the divorce papers, each stroke of the pen slicing into her like a blade. The terms were simple—she wanted nothing but her freedom. Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a new social post from Chloe. In the photo, Evan sat behind his desk while Chloe leaned against his shoulder, flashing a peace sign. The caption read, "Someone said non-staff weren't allowed in his office, but he made an exception for me today." Lila's finger hovered over the screen for a long time, unmoving. In their past life, Evan had also broken countless rules for her. He hated spicy food, but still sat through fiery meals until he ended up in the ER. He was a clean freak, yet carried her home when she was drunk and barely standing. He loathed the sunlight, but still showed up for a magazine interview just because she asked. Lila took a deep breath and forced those memories out of her head. She grabbed the divorce papers and left. The Carter Corporation building was just as grand as ever. As the elevator rose through the floors, she was still figuring out how to bring up the divorce. When she neared the CEO's office, Evan's assistant, Ryan, appeared with a stack of documents. "Mrs. Carter?" Ryan looked surprised. "Are you here to see Mr. Carter?" "Yes." Lila tightened her grip on the folder. "Just need his signature on something." Ryan's eyes lingered on her pale face. "I'm heading in now. I can take it in for you." After a brief hesitation, she handed him the folder. "Thanks." He slipped it in with the documents he was carrying and knocked gently on the door. The moment it opened, Lila's blood froze. Evan was kneeling on one knee, gently massaging Chloe's feet. She was lounging on the couch in a short skirt, her pale legs resting on his thigh. There was a sweet smile on her face. "Mr. Carter, these documents need your signature." Ryan's voice made Evan look up. Without even glancing through them, he signed off on the documents while still focused on massaging Chloe's feet. Lila stood at the door, her nails digging deep into her palm. In her past life, she'd twisted her ankle playing tennis, and Evan had knelt just like this, carefully applying ointment to her foot. His brow had been furrowed with worry, afraid of even pressing too hard. Soon, Ryan returned and handed her the signed document. "Here you go, Mrs. Carter." Lila stared at the bold signature sprawled across the page, her eyes turning red. She nodded, murmured a thanks, and walked away. While waiting for the elevator, she called her lawyer, Alex Sterling. "We've both signed. How long until the divorce is finalized?" she asked. "Mrs. Carter, after the one-month cooling-off period, it'll be official." She nodded and had just ended the call when a voice rang out behind her. "Lila? What are you doing here?" She turned sharply to see Evan letting go of Chloe's hand, striding toward her with a dark expression. "Who told you to come here?" he asked, grabbing her wrist. "How many times do I have to tell you? This is just a political marriage. I don't interfere with you, so stay out of my life." Lila yanked her arm free. "Got it. It won't happen again." The tension crackled between them. Chloe quickly stepped in and took Evan's arm. "Evan, don't be like that. She's still your wife," she said sweetly. Then she turned to Lila. "Actually, it's good you're here. Evan and I are going to an auction. You should come. Your mom saved me, and I haven't had the chance to thank her." "No need." Lila rejected her offer. "My mom doesn't need anything." Chloe's eyes instantly reddened. "But if you don't come, I'll feel terrible…" "Lila." Evan's voice turned cold. "If I told you to go, then go. Don't be ungrateful." His gaze was icy, so different from the soft, loving way he used to look at her. Lila suddenly felt exhausted. She was too tired to argue.