Chapter 6 Must We Divorce?

Harper's heart sank. Finally, he got to the point.

She couldn't help but tremble, her nails digging into her palms, causing sharp pain.

"What?" She tried to play it cool, acting like she had no clue what he was talking about.

Alex frowned deeply, his eyes locked on the two divorce papers. "Why haven't you signed these yet?"

She knew she couldn't dodge it; what was coming was coming.

Harper forced a bitter smile inside but kept her voice steady. "I'll sign them now."

She sat back down, grabbed the papers, and quickly scribbled her name on one of them.

Harper Orsini, such a beautiful name, now felt like a slap in the face to her.

She knew that once she signed, she and Alex would be done for good. They'd go their separate ways, each finding their own peace.

The thought of cutting ties with Alex felt like her heart was shattering.

The pen in her hand felt like a lead weight. But on the outside, she stayed as calm as ever.

This was what he wanted, and no matter how much it hurt, she'd give him what he wished for.

Harper gripped the pen and, with difficulty, signed her name on the other paper.

"All signed, here you go." She handed the divorce papers to him.

Alex took them, still frowning deeply.

He stared at the papers for a long time, then said, "Is this the old agreement? The compensation is so low."

He looked at her with pity. "You've been my wife for five years; I can't shortchange you. I'll have the lawyer draft a new one with more compensation."

Harper found it laughable; if he really pitied her, he wouldn't be divorcing her.

She didn't marry into the Lavien family for money.

In these five years, he should've known that what she gave was worth more than any compensation.

She looked up, meeting his gaze. If looks could hold someone, she wished she could keep him.

Harper said, "Do we have to divorce? I don't need compensation."

For the last time, she swallowed her pride, trying to keep him.

Seeing her deeply affectionate and sorrowful eyes, Alex knew she loved him.

If she didn't love him deeply, she wouldn't have joined the Lavien Group right after graduation, working for six years with the lowest salary.

She was a girl from a wealthy family and an outstanding student with excellent abilities. But because she loved him dearly, she was willing to do all this.

Even after marrying into the Lavien family, she took care of him meticulously, personally attending to everything.

Everyone who knew about their marriage appreciated Harper, envying Alex for having such a good wife.

Alex knew all this, but he just didn't like it.

He didn't like this marriage, didn't like Harper who was forced on him by the family, and hated Harper's dirty tricks that ruined his promise to Emily.

Since their marriage, he had always been cold to Harper and never cared about anything related to her.

"You should understand that this marriage was a mistake from the beginning. We should correct it in time. Harper, you're not a child anymore; you should take responsibility for your previous mistake."

His voice was cold, his tone impatient, and his gaze was full of weariness.

Harper felt herself truly ridiculous. Why would she try to keep him! Why should she force a man who didn't love her and even looked at her with disgust? When did she become so undignified and without boundaries?

Alex shoved the divorce papers back under the table, his tone more resolute. "We must divorce, and the papers must be signed. There's no room for negotiation."

Harper felt her heart turn to ashes.

In these five years of marriage, they lived together, shared intimacy, and all she got in return was his cold, indifferent remarks. He had no reluctance or attachment; the only one who was reluctant and attached was her. Throughout the entire marriage, she was the only one caught up in wishful thinking, the only one self-absorbed, leading to the loss of her dignity.

She was the only one acting, without a male lead. Maybe it was time for her to take a bow.

Thinking of this, Harper's expression became calmer. "In that case, I'll wait for your news."

Alex said, "Okay, I'll notify you as soon as possible."

Harper said, "Fine."

Their conversation was devoid of any emotion.

Harper prepared to get up and leave again.

"How's the project with the Elikin Group going?" Suddenly, he brought up work.

"There are some minor issues, but I've already negotiated with Caden. It should proceed soon." Harper was confident.

She had always been diligent and responsible with company matters.

Whenever Alex asked, she could always give a definite answer.

Alex nodded and talked with her about some more work-related matters.

When it came to work ability, Harper had never disappointed him, always able to respond fluently. Even someone as strict as Alex couldn't find fault, his eyes showing appreciation and satisfaction. Maybe Harper couldn't be his wife, but she would always be his chief assistant.

Unknowingly, time flew by, and it was already past midnight.

The crystal chandelier in the living room sparkled, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

If it weren't for the two divorce agreements under the table, Harper would have truly enjoyed the warmth of the moment.

As long as she was with him, she was content.

Finally, he finished talking about work as he rubbed his tired eyes and looked a bit fatigued.

Harper could see clearly that he was tired.

"It's late, I'll head back now, and report to you tomorrow." She used a business-like tone, trying to lessen his burden.

Alex said, "There are many rooms in the villa; you can stay the night."

It sounded like she was just a guest here.

Alex said, "By the way, about the divorce compensation, if you have any requests, just let me know. I'll make sure not to shortchange you."

Harper replied calmly, "I don't have any special requests."

Alex frowned. After thinking for a moment, he said, "This villa will be yours, along with the other properties in other cities. That should satisfy you."

His tone seemed like he was discussing a business deal. Was their marriage just a business deal?

After giving her a few properties, he felt he owed her nothing.

Harper looked at the villa in front of her. This was their marital home, where they spent five years together, holding many memories.

Honestly, she didn't want to give up this villa. She thought for a moment, 'if he were to remarry, he wouldn't live here anyway.'

"I only want this villa, nothing else." Her voice was as cold as the night wind.

Alex was about to say something when his phone rang.

Instinctively, Harper glanced at the time, 12:30 AM.

The only person who would call Alex at this time was Emily. Alex picked up the phone and answered.

Because they were not far apart, Harper could clearly hear Emily's voice from the other end.

Emily said, "Alex, isn't your grandfather's birthday coming up? I want to attend with you." Her voice was soft. "Your grandfather is naturally my grandfather too; I want to show my respect."

Her reason was grand and impossible to refuse.

"I understand; I'll consider it. It's late; you should sleep. Don't stay up."

Then Alex hung up the phone.

In all their time married, he had never been so considerate to her. He never cared what time she slept or when she ate.

"If she's going, then I won't." Harper said coldly.