Final Approach to Freedom

Chapter 14

"Ms. Montgomery, Mr. Hartley, do you both confirm this divorce is voluntary?" The clerk recited the standard question mechanically.

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly, but her voice was firm. "I do."

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed as his gaze locked onto her face. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Evelyn... Can we reconsider?"

It sounded like he had mustered every ounce of courage just to ask.

"No." She pulled her hand away, her eyes colder than Arctic ice.

Alexander's arm hung frozen in the air, the light in his eyes dimming bit by bit. He turned stiffly to the clerk. "We... confirm the divorce."

The sharp thud of the stamp on the divorce papers was deafening. Alexander stared at the bright red seal, his eyes bloodshot. He kept telling himself: Isn’t this what you wanted?

Then why did his heart feel like it had been carved out with a dull knife?

What stung even more was Julian Carter standing beside Evelyn in his crisp suit.

"Will you return to the country after the divorce?" Julian asked casually.

"No." Evelyn ran her fingers over the fresh divorce certificate, relief washing over her. "I’ve already arranged an apartment in A Country. I’m moving next week."

At this moment, she had finally shed the chains she’d carried for years.

Alexander clenched the divorce papers, his knuckles turning white. Unlike the ease between Evelyn and Julian, he was shrouded in gloom.

"Alex, we can finally be together openly!" Sophia Whitaker eagerly looped her arm through his, shooting Evelyn a smug glance.

But Alexander roughly shook her off, his panicked gaze darting to Evelyn. "She and I aren’t—"

"No need to explain." Evelyn smiled faintly, turning to Julian. "Thanks for being here today."

Julian’s lips curved slightly. "Congratulations on your freedom."

He wasn’t wearing a tie, his shirt collar casually open, exuding an uncharacteristic ease. Evelyn suddenly realized—even the ice-cold CEO could smile.

Alexander watched their retreating figures, his heart being carved apart by a blunt blade. He had never seen Evelyn smile so brightly at anyone else.

Sophia’s incessant chatter buzzed in his ears, but he couldn’t process a single word.

Then—a screech of tires tore through the air. A silver van careened toward them, completely out of control!

"Look out!" Alexander instinctively lunged for Evelyn.

But she and Julian dodged in perfect sync, their movements sharp and precise. He stumbled forward, landing hard on the pavement as the van skidded past, missing him by inches. The door slid open with a violent clang—

Five burly men wielding steel pipes jumped out, their eyes glinting with malice.