Final Approach to Freedom

Chapter 12

"Sophia! Let me explain!"

Alexander Hartley rushed out of the mansion, frantically searching the vast estate. Finally, he spotted Sophia Whitaker curled up on a bench in the rose garden.

Her bare ankles were swollen and bruised, tears streaming down her face like scattered pearls. His heart ached as he scooped her into his arms, gently wiping her cheeks with his thumb.

"Let's go home," he said hoarsely.

"No." Sophia pushed him away stubbornly. "Alexander, it's over between us."

She lifted her tear-streaked face, voice trembling. "I'll listen to my family and marry whoever they choose. After all... your promise to marry me years ago is long broken, isn't it?"

Fresh tears spilled onto Alexander's hand, scalding his heart with pain.

His mind screamed: Tell her you'll divorce! Tell her you'll marry her!

But his throat tightened, the words trapped inside.

All that escaped was a heavy sigh.

"I... will get a divorce."

The words weighed like lead, suffocating him. Regret flooded him the moment they left his lips.

"Really?" Sophia's tears instantly turned to joy as she threw herself into his arms. "Let's sign the papers right now, okay?"

The refusal died on his tongue.

When the pen touched the divorce agreement, Alexander's hand shook. His signature was jagged—nothing like his usual steady script.

Sophia snatched the document and immediately snapped a photo, sending it to Evelyn Montgomery. "Alexander signed. Just waiting for you to finalize it."

At the airport, Evelyn stared at her phone, a bitter smile twisting her lips. She'd seen this coming, yet the ache in her chest still surprised her.

"Lost in thought?"

A deep voice startled her. Julian Carter stood behind her, his tall frame casting a shadow over her.

"Just handling divorce paperwork," she said, tucking her phone away. "We're finalizing it Monday."

"Need backup?" he asked suddenly.

Evelyn blinked up at him, meeting his ocean-blue eyes.

"What?"

"I said," Julian replied seriously, "do you need security? Divorces can get messy."

She laughed despite herself. "Sure. Consider yourself hired."

She thought he was joking—until he said:

"Send me the address. See you Monday."

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Dead serious." His gaze was unwavering.

Evelyn bit her lip, realizing she'd walked into this. But something about his resolve eased her nerves.

"Alright then... I appreciate it."