Your Love Is But a Dream

"I'm not here to negotiate. I'm here to inform you." Katrina's voice was

unwavering, and her expression was resolute. "Carlisle, this marriage is over. I am leaving."

She met his gaze head-on without hesitation in her stance. "Think carefully. If you refuse to sign the divorce papers, I'll take this to court."

Carlisle stared at her, stunned.

She looked like a stranger to him. He had thought if he lowered his pride and softened his tone, she would at least hesitate, maybe even reconsider.

But she hadn't. She still insisted on divorcing him. She was even willing to threaten him with legal action just to force his hand.

Did she not understand what kind of impact a public divorce would have on the company?

His gaze darkened, the last remnants of warmth in his eyes fading away. His lips curled into a cold smile. Without another word, he reached for the drawer beneath his desk, fingers moving toward something he had kept hidden at the bottom.

But before he could retrieve it, the office door suddenly swung open.

Annoyed, he assumed it was Natty barging in without permission. Without even looking up, he snapped, "Do you not know how to knock? Get out!"

Silence.

retreating. Sensing something amiss, Carlisle lifted his

with grievance, drifted through the room, "Sorry... I didn't

that voice made his hands stiffen

to the doorway, and the moment he saw Shirley standing there,

the first time, her unexpected

again when he noticed the redness around her eyes and the hesitance in

tried to explain. "I didn't know it was

at her. But lately, the sense of unease gnawing at her had only

saw you leave this morning without eating. You

stomach, and I

unwell,

softly, lifting the insulated food container for him to

"I didn't realize Katrina was here. I hope I'm not interrupting? You

that, subtle yet laced with provocation,

have felt a twinge

wasn't fighting for