Chapter 17
Chapter 17
This divorce agreement, in the end, never took effect.
Lillian was now the freshly wedded wife of the Whitmore family heir. If news of a divorce broke just one day after their opulent wedding, it would he nothing short of a public relations disaster for the entire family.
So when Adrian’s father learned about her suicide attempt, he gave an unyielding order: Adrian must stay and take care of Lillian until she recovered.
Even if a separation was inevitable, it couldn’t happen while public attention was still burning hot.
The family’s name had to remain untarnished.
No matter how much Adrian wanted out, he had no choice but to comply–for now. Defying the family was not an option.
Doctors came and went, running tests, administering treatment, prescribing medication. Fortunately, despite the blood loss, Lillian’s injuries weren’t life–threatening. A few days of rest would be enough.
Three days later, she finally woke up.
By her bedside sat Adrian, expression cold and unreadable.
Lillian gave him a faint, hopeful smile and whispered with effort, “Darling… you haven’t slept these past few days, have you? Thank you for taking care of me. Once I’m better, I’ll be a proper wife to you. I’ll take care of this home.”
She truly believed everything would go back to how it was–as if nothing had changed. She didn’t see the icy distance in his eyes.
“As soon as you recover,” Adrian said slowly, each word like a blade, “I’m filing for divorce.”
Lillian froze. She realized, then and there, he was absolutely serious.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her voice trembled. “You’re really that heartless? In our last life… we were happy. Why have you changed so much this time around?”
A flicker crossed Adrian’s face. He’d caught it too–she remembered.
But the emotion vanished as quickly as it came. He let out a sharp laugh, laced with scorn.
“We were only together last time because you lied–because you let me believe you were the girl behind that piano piece. That performance that stole my heart… it was Evelyn. I was already married to her when you found me. You’re the one who talked me into faking my death and running away with
you.”
“If not for you, I would’ve spent my life with her.”
Lillian’s face paled as she listened. In her previous life, she did live a happy life, but that happiness was stolen from someone else.
Still, she softened her tone, desperate. “But you agreed to it, didn’t you? Don’t tell me you never had feelings for me. We were together for years… you’re telling me none of it meant anything?”
Adrian didn’t respond.
His mind was full of Evelyn–her quiet smile, her little gestures.
The gifts she’d secretly bought for him, the clumsy meals she’d cooked.
All those things he’d ignored… and now couldn’t stop thinking about.
His lips curled bitterly. “It’s always been Evelyn. You just tricked me into forgetting it.”
Lillian gripped the bedsheet, her knuckles bone–white. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. Tears mixed with rage spilled from her eyes.
“You say I tricked you, but what did lie about? Other than the piano, tell me–just once, when did I lie to you in that life? You were the one who wanted a thrill! You were the one who suggested faking your death! I did everything for you!”
D–zaina
11.8%
Chapter 17
“As for this life–wasn’t it your own distrust that let all this happen? Don’t put it all on me! You’re the one who ignored Evelyn You didn’t protect her, didn’t believe her. And now you say you love her? No you just can’t stand the idea of living poor again. You think marrying her means getting back into the lap of luxury!”
“Shut your mouth!” Adrian roared, fury breaking loose as he struck her again.
Lillian’s head snapped to the side, blood seeping from the corner of her lips.
She knew there was no going back now. She clutched her face and let out a ragged, tearful laugh, her voice rising into a scream.
“Lies? Adrian–you of all people should know the truth!”
