Chapter 2

Elaria was drowning in sadness, while Sebastian, unusually, seemed to be in a good mood. He scooped her up effortlessly, laid her down on the soft bed in the master bedroom, and leaned over her, clearly intending to get intimate. But there was no way Elaria was going to let that happen. Her breathing grew uneven as she pressed her hands against his chest, hair partially undone and tumbling over the white pillow. Her bathrobe had slipped open slightly. "Sebastian!" He locked eyes with her, almost obsessed, and leaned in to kiss her. His body language left no doubt about his intentions. All Elaria felt was disgust. Sebastian's dark hair was damp with sweat, his cheeks flushed, voice low and raspy. "Why are you resisting?" Lying there staring up at the man she'd chased for four years, Elaria felt nothing but exhaustion. She was done. She didn't want to keep sacrificing herself anymore. But Sebastian had no idea-he was still demanding to know why she refused to sleep with him, why she wouldn't give him a legitimate heir to help him secure more power. Elaria reached up and gently touched his cheek. Her voice was quiet, but her words landed like a punch. "Sebastian, I want a divorce." His expression darkened immediately. But he tried to keep it together. "This is about Bianca Thompson, isn't it? I told you, she's just a family friend's kid. You didn't like her living there, so I moved her out." Elaria let out a cold laugh. A "family friend's daughter" being kept in a villa? Clinging to him when they walked? She didn't bother saying those words. Arguing would only make her look petty. Instead, she pulled open the nightstand drawer, took out the divorce papers, and shoved them into his hands. Calmly, almost too calmly, she said, "Besides the savings and real estate, I want half of Halden & Co.'s shares." Sebastian frowned. "Half the company? That's a bit much, isn't it, Mrs. Richards?" His tone was all business, laced with sarcasm. Elaria's heart went cold. But she didn't regret it. She had given everything she could emotionally. Now, she was ready to walk away. Trying to stay calm, she spoke from his perspective: "If we divorce, you can finally legitimize your little romance. And I get to walk away with my share of the pie. It's a win-win." She looked completely serious. That's when Sebastian finally realized-this wasn't just a tantrum. She had planned this. He stared at her, dark eyes so intense it felt like they'd swallow her whole. After a long moment, his voice turned icy. "You better give this up soon. Elaria, divorce isn't happening. You and I both know-we're a power alliance. You can't ignore that." Yes, she knew. But now, she just didn't care anymore. Elaria stayed silent. Sebastian, getting irritated, stood up, threw on a robe, and stormed off to the guest room. In his mind, Elaria just needed time to cool down. After tonight, she might just rediscover the thrill of being Mrs. Richards-and that rush of power from being second only to the top at Halden & Co. Sebastian let out a cold chuckle. Elaria was always like this. Behind him, her voice came soft and low, almost like a whisper. It held a familiar vulnerability, an echo from four years ago when she was still that earnest girl: "Sebastian, can we end this peacefully? I really don't want to keep going like this." His body stiffened. After a long silence, he walked back to the bed and said flatly, "You knew what you were signing up for when you married into the Richards family. You knew there wouldn't be love. I wasn't going to give it, and you shouldn't expect it. It'll only make things harder for you." With that, he waved his hand. The thick stack of divorce papers scattered across the floor like snowflakes. ***** 8 a.m. Sebastian came downstairs in a perfectly tailored black-and-white suit, each step calm and collected. The crisp fabric hugged his tall frame-with that kind of look, he was basically made for magazine covers. He'd started the day in a decent mood. But seeing the empty dining room wiped that away in an instant. He took a sip of coffee and asked casually, "Where's Mrs. Richards?" The housekeepers knew. Last night's argument had been loud-no one missed it. One of the staff spoke up carefully, "Madam left early for the office. Skipped breakfast... didn't even take the driver, just drove herself." Sebastian set his cup down with a sharp thud. Suddenly, he didn't feel like eating anymore. Thirty minutes later, he pulled up outside Halden & Co. Ms. Woods was already waiting in the parking lot. As soon as his car stopped, she rushed over and opened the door respectfully. Sebastian stepped out, buttoning his jacket while walking. Every move was cool and confident-made enough of a scene that quite a few women nearby couldn't help sneaking glances at him. Inside the private elevator, Ms. Woods cut to the chase in a low voice, "Regarding the Aurvista project-Ms. Grace's team slotted in someone new." Sebastian stared at the blinking floor numbers overhead. After a pause, he let out a soft scoff. "Looks like she's finally playing hardball." ***** The tension exploded during the meeting. Everyone knew they were husband and wife, and Sebastian had practically mentored Elaria on business from day one. Now here they were, clashing in a boardroom. Watching them go head-to-head was like live theater-the staff at Halden & Co.'s upper levels were all thoroughly entertained. By the time the meeting ended, the sky outside was already dyed orange. Back in her office, Elaria tossed herself onto the leather couch, rubbing her temples lightly. Annie brought over a glass of water and placed it on the coffee table, her voice soft. "Mr. Collins just called. He asked if you'd meet him at the café on the first floor. Should I tell him yes?" Elaria's brows lifted slightly. "Liam Collins?" Liam-top dog in the legal world. His firm, Ashbridge Legal, sat at the peak of the industry. Of course, he was more than just Sebastian's attorney-he was also the man Sebastian leaned on for anything too tricky or messy to handle himself. Their ties ran deep. Very deep.To say that Sebastian might divorce Elaria but would never fall out with Liam wouldn't be an exaggeration. This time, involving Liam showed that Sebastian didn't want the divorce drama going public. After thinking it over, Elaria agreed. Ten minutes later, she took the express elevator down to the café on the first floor. Liam was sitting by the window. His tailored three-piece suit perfectly framed his tall, lean frame. His sharp features had that innate sternness he never quite shook off. Hearing footsteps, he looked up. A rare flicker of surprise flashed through those usually quiet, unreadable dark eyes. This wasn't the Elaria he remembered. Back then, she was always impeccably dressed in designer suits, standing at Sebastian's side like a flawless statue while he fought his business battles. Everyone in their circle knew Sebastian didn't love her. His heart belonged to someone else. But today, she looked... different. She wore a light, comfortable knit top that gently hugged her figure. Her jet-black hair was down, a loose wave brushing her shoulders, making her look softer somehow. Liam was caught slightly off guard, and before he could collect himself, she'd already sat down across from him. Her tone was calm, unfazed. "Sebastian sent you?" Liam quickly regained his usual composure. He pulled a document from his briefcase and slid it toward her. "According to the prenuptial agreement, if you go through with the divorce, you won't come out ahead." Elaria took the file, flipping through it slowly. When she got to the last page, her finger paused - subtle, but noticeable. So, Sebastian had planned this four years ago. She stared for a while, then quietly said, "Even if I get nothing, I'm still leaving. And Liam, don't call me Mrs. Richards anymore - just Elaria." Liam had handled more high-profile divorces than he could count - he was used to this. Emotion didn't faze him. He raised his coffee cup, took a sip, and casually asked, "So, why the change of heart? I thought you were head over heels for Sebastian. Affairs and drama are practically a given in this world." Elaria turned away, giving a faint, bitter smile. Everyone knew she loved Sebastian. Except Sebastian himself. Or maybe he did - he just didn't care. Right then, she had this quiet fragility about her. To Liam, it was a different kind of beauty - softer, more real. Honestly, even more captivating than Bianca. While he was still sizing her up, the door creaked open, and someone walked in with a poised elegance and undeniable presence. It was Sebastian. The moment he walked in, he saw Liam staring intently at Elaria, clearly deep in thought. And out of nowhere, Sebastian felt this weird, uncomfortable twinge in his chest. A feeling he couldn't quite put into words.