Between Ruin And Resolve: My Ex-Husband's Regret

Chapter 1 Kyla Was Back "Hmm..." Sadie Hudson murmured in a gentle whisper, her eyes fluttering open into a drowsy blur, only to be met with the intense gaze of another pair of eyes. Her husband, Noah Wall, had quietly returned, his presence subtly marked by the faint aroma of alcohol. He sealed their reunion with a kiss that was unyieldingly dominant, compelling her into a reluctant acquiescence. A wave of unease surged through Sadie's chest, and reflexively, she attempted to withdraw. "Stay still." Noah's voice rumbled, deep and seductive, tinged with a compelling charm that was hard to resist. For a moment, Sadie's body tensed, caught in a struggle between resistance and submission. Today was significant--their second anniversary--and she was determined not to spoil the celebratory spirit. With a sigh, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to melt into his embrace. The robust scent of his cologne masked the alcohol, swirling around her and piercing her heart with its potent allure. Noah's eyes darkened with desire as he observed her yielding, his actions becoming bolder and less restrained. Just as Sadie was about to regain her composure, she gasped softly, her plea laced with a tender fragility. "Please, not too harsh... because I..." She couldn't complete her revelation of being pregnant. The sharp ring of a phone sliced through the thick tension, abruptly severing the intimate moment between them. Noah's eyes, still ablaze with longing, flickered as he caught sight of the caller ID. He got up and began to dress, his movements betraying none of the fervor that had engulfed him just moments before. "Are you heading out?" Sadie inquired, her voice tinged with a mix of confusion and concern as she tightened the grip on her nightgown. "Yeah," Noah answered, his tone breezy and dismissive, as if evading further inquiry. "But..." "Go back to sleep," he interjected smoothly, his voice soft yet detached. He leaned forward, his lips briefly caressing her forehead in a fleeting, tender gesture. Without a single backward glance, he strode out of the room. Sadie's eyes lingered on the empty doorway, her heart sinking slowly. She convinced herself it had to be an emergency at work. Understanding was essential; any sign of displeasure could drive him further away. After all, she had loved Noah for over a decade, and becoming his wife was a dream realized. She could hardly expect more. With a sigh, Sadie quickly freshened up and returned to bed, her hand resting gently on her belly, a hopeful smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Sweetheart, Daddy didn't mean to leave us by ourselves. Please, don't hold it against him, alright?" No sooner had she uttered these words than her phone buzzed with an unexpected news alert, startling her. "Wall Group CEO Spotted at the Airport Late at Night, Allegedly Picking up Mysterious Girlfriend." The photo that accompanied the headline captured Noah at the airport's private terminal entrance, clad in a black suit. He stood with impeccable posture, exuding an undeniable aura of authority. His eyes conveyed a softness, a tender warmth that Sadie had never observed before. Shock flashed across Sadie's face as her heart thudded painfully in her chest, the sharp sensation nearly stealing her breath. It took a considerable effort for her to regain her composure. Clutching onto a sliver of hope, she clicked on the article, her fingers quivering. As she had feared, a familiar face filled the screen--Kyla Wade. The woman Noah had seemingly been unable to forget was evidently back in his life. A chill spread through Sadie, a profound sorrow embedding itself deep within her heart. She clenched her teeth, forcefully suppressing her cries. The memory of how her marriage had begun was too painful to revisit. Two years earlier, just as Kyla and Noah had been planning their future together, Kyla had vanished without a trace. At that critical juncture, with Noah poised to secure the position of chairman of the board and in dire need of a compliant wife, Sadie, known for her unwavering devotion to him and from a family now in decline, had become the ideal candidate. For the past two years, Sadie had been a docile wife, enveloped in a sense of unworthiness, as if the joy she experienced was never truly meant for her. That illusion shattered yesterday when she discovered she was pregnant. They had always been meticulous in preventing pregnancy, except for that one night last month. Noah had staggered home, reeking of alcohol after a business dinner, and in his drunken haze, they had lost themselves to passion. That fleeting lapse had now culminated in her pregnancy. Now, Sadie was tormented by uncertainty on how to break the news to Noah. She dreaded that Noah would demand an abortion. Deep down, she knew she wasn't the woman he loved. When Sadie was still engulfed in a whirlpool of anxious thoughts, her reverie was broken by Noah's voice echoing from the study. Was he already home? She rose, pulling a light coat around her shoulders, and made her way to the study. Just as she neared the door, the playful tones of Alex Howe, Noah's friend, reached her ears. "Did you really spend the entire night with Kyla?" Sadie felt her heart plummet. So it was true. Noah had spent the night with Kyla. "Mm-hmm," Noah responded, his voice empty of any discernible emotion. "What's your take on Sadie, then? After two years as husband and wife, you can't possibly say she means nothing to you, can you?" Alex's voice softened with concern. "She's truly remarkable, you know. If you fail to see her worth, someone else surely will, and you'll be left with nothing but regret." "I only feel a faint stir of guilt," Noah retorted, his voice cold and distant, as if discussing something trivial. "If you're so taken with her, perhaps I should do the matchmaking. But really, shouldn't you be getting back to work? Off you go." Guilt? Was that the only thing Noah felt towards her? As this stark realization dawned on Sadie, a solitary tear traced a silent path down her cheek. Her hand fell away from the doorknob, trembling. It was painfully clear--he had never truly loved her. In the recesses of Noah's heart, she was just an insignificant trifle he could easily hand off to another. A shiver of desolation coursed through her. With a swift turn, Sadie darted into the sanctuary of the garden, her heart pounding wildly. There, she huddled down, burying her face in her knees, her tears distorting the world around her. Memories flooded back--the day she first met Noah, ten years ago. He had been the epitome of charm and vitality, born of privilege, effortlessly stealing the hearts of every girl at school. And Sadie, newly vulnerable from her family's downfall, had been easy prey for ridicule. It was Noah who had stepped in like a guardian, his words like shields, commanding others to back down. In those moments, he had been her savior, her angel. Chapter 2 You'd Have To End The Pregnancy It was at that time that Sadie fell hopelessly in love with Noah. In the days following his departure to study abroad, she immersed herself completely in her studies, eventually earning a place at his university. She harbored the belief that excellence could bridge the gap between them. Finally, one day, he approached her and proposed marriage. She believed her affections had thawed his indifference. However, she was mistaken. Noah's heart had always belonged to Kyla. To him, she was nothing more than a stand-in. Taking a deep breath, Sadie fought to control the whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Pregnant and under doctor's orders to maintain her composure, she knew she had to be strong for her unborn child. Brushing away her tears, she rose and made her way back to the bedroom. Unprepared for Noah's lack of empathy, she was met with his blunt announcement as soon as he entered the room. "Kyla is back," he declared. "I think it's time we got a divorce." The word "divorce" struck Sadie with the force of a physical blow, robbing her of breath. Until he uttered it, she had clung to a sliver of hope, however frail. It took Sadie a painfully long time to muster the courage to speak. "You're leaving me now that she's returned?" Her voice quivered, betraying her attempt to mask her vulnerability. Noah's brow furrowed as he regarded her with evident displeasure. "I was clear from the start when we married--don't long for what can never be truly yours. Anything you desire, I'll ensure you're compensated." Those harsh words had been his vow on their wedding night, a night meant only to quell the relentless whispers of the corporate board. His heart had never been hers to claim. Driven by a fool's hope, Sadie had thrown herself at him, believing she could stir some emotion in him. Sadie raised her eyes to Noah's, a silent plea for truth in her gaze. "All those nights we shared… were you imagining I was Kyla?" Noah was caught off guard by her blunt question. He hesitated, his mouth opening slightly, but no words came. Sadie interpreted his silence as the stark admission she had feared, and it shattered her already fragile heart. Deep down, she had always understood that Noah's heart was not in their union. Yet, the fleeting moments of happiness during their intimate nights had momentarily blinded her to this brutal reality. She had mistaken their physical closeness for emotional acceptance. But she had been tragically mistaken. Throughout their entire tumultuous entanglement, Noah's heart had remained elusive to her. With a profound sigh, Sadie closed her eyes and resigned herself to her fate. "Fine, I consent to the divorce," she declared resignedly. Turning on her heel, she collected a few personal belongings, deciding to spend the night in the guest room. Noah's gaze lingered on her, his forehead creasing in frustration, a subtle annoyance brewing within him. As Sadie brushed past him, Noah reached out instinctively, clasping her hand, poised to say something. Yet, just as he opened his mouth, Kyla's call interrupted him. Reluctantly, Noah let go of Sadie's hand to answer, and Sadie made her way to the guest room. "Hello, Kyla... It's nothing, really..." Sadie couldn't hear the rest of Noah's words. All she could discern was the unexpected softness in Noah's voice, a stark contrast to the coldness he reserved for her. She shut the door of the guest room, threw herself onto the bed, and clamped a hand over her mouth to muffle her cries. Even as she grappled with the harsh reality of their impending divorce, the stinging disparity between Noah's indifference to her and his warmth towards Kyla pierced her heart deeply. What was she to do now? And what of their unborn child? Sadie was completely at a loss. All she knew was that she felt exhausted, hurt, and desperate to flee from everything. The sound of cascading water filled the bathroom as Sadie absentmindedly shed her clothes and stepped into the shower. Although the warm water cascaded over her, it did nothing to thaw the cold grip of sadness clutching her heart. She sank down, curling into herself and burying her face against her knees. The relentless roar of the shower muffled her sobs as she finally let go, tears streaming down uncontrollably. Why? Why did he have to be so cruel? Exhausted from crying, she stood up and got dressed, but suddenly, her foot slipped on the slick surface. "Ah!" A jolt of sharp pain surged through her as she couldn't hold back a pained cry. Instinctively, her hands flew to her lower abdomen, cradling the spot where she felt the impact. In the master bedroom, the sound of Sadie's distress reached Noah. He immediately sprinted towards the source of the noise. The bathroom door was ajar, and he caught sight of Sadie crumpled on the floor. Her complexion was ghostly pale, a sheen of cold sweat on her skin, her attire in disarray, and her hands fervently guarding her abdomen--as if she had taken a hit. A sudden pang of concern tightened Noah's chest. He hurried to Sadie, quickly scooping her up from the cold, wet floor. "What happened to you? Are you injured anywhere?" Noah's voice trembled with a barely detectable undercurrent of panic. Sadie's mind reeled, her vision blurring slightly as she tried to focus on the man before her. It took her a moment to muster a response through the haze of her confusion. "I'm fine..." Her words were barely a whisper. She attempted to wriggle free from Noah's embrace, but he tightened his grip. "Stay still," Noah commanded, his voice firm, tinged with urgency. Sadie ceased her struggling, subdued by his tone. He continued with a softer edge, "Let me make sure you're not hurt." Gently, he laid her onto the bed. Leaning over, Noah meticulously examined her for any injuries, his expression a mix of concern and focus. This unexpected gentleness rekindled a wavering spark of hope within Sadie. She seized his hand abruptly, her voice cracking as she posed a question loaded with fear and desperation. "Noah, what if I were to tell you I'm pregnant? Would you still push for a divorce?" The possibility of keeping their marriage intact for the sake of a child lingered in the air. Sadie searched Noah's eyes for any sign of reconsideration. Noah paused, his face unreadable for a brief moment before he replied coldly, "We've always been careful. It's unlikely you're pregnant. But even if it were true, the situation wouldn't change--you'd have to end the pregnancy." Chapter 3 She Was Just His Employee Sadie's complexion drained of color, leaving her ghostly pale. Noah had just delivered his harsh decree for her to end the pregnancy. His indifference was a dagger to her heart. "Why? Noah, even if you don't want this child, must you be so merciless?" Sadie's voice trembled, disbelief etching her features. Noah returned her gaze with icy detachment, his voice a deep, unwavering growl. "Our marriage is merely a contractual arrangement. A child would only make things messy." Crushed, Sadie averted her eyes, the sting of rejection too potent to bear. Internally, her sorrow carved through her, deep and relentless. After collecting herself, she said, her tone defiant, her resolve firm, "Well, don't you worry, Noah. I would never burden you with a child!" Her decision was made: she would keep the baby, but not for him--for herself. One day, she would tell her child that their father was a part of her past, nothing more. Noah's brow creased slightly. "I'm glad you see it that way. You're not feeling great. Take some time to rest. No need to worry about work for now." Without another word, he exited Sadie's room, his silhouette disappearing into the hallway. Despite his words, Sadie appeared at the company the very next day. The weight of raising a child alone left no room for weakness. No matter how drained she felt, she had to push through--there was no luxury of rest. She worked at Wall Group. She had joined its secretarial department right out of college to be close to Noah. Their marriage was a well-kept secret, hidden from the eyes of the oblivious majority, except for Noah's assistant, Samuel Ford, and a select few executives. As soon as Sadie stepped into the bustling secretarial department, she noticed a crowd huddled in front of the meeting room, buzzing with hushed, eager whispers. "So that's the woman everyone's been whispering about--Mr. Wall's rumored girlfriend." "Rumored? She's practically official, okay? Don't forget she was the reason Mr. Wall spiraled into that slump two years back." "Apparently, they've known each other since they were just kids in elementary school." "Mr. Wall actually held back during the meeting just now--no scolding at all. Guess his sweetheart was watching." "And now, Miss Wade's stepping in as Mr. Wall's private senior legal counsel. Talk about a power couple." … Each whispered word struck Sadie like a sharp, icy dagger, slicing through the facade of her calm demeanor. The memories of Noah's enduring affection for Kyla, even remembered vividly by the employees, haunted her. She felt utterly insignificant. Sadie bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, her nails digging into the flesh of her palms, a physical counter to the emotional pain. She forced herself to block out the murmurs, to ignore the stabs of jealousy, and to focus on her tasks as if nothing had disrupted the ordinary. But the words clung to her, a relentless echo in her mind, taunting her with their cruel, magical persistence. Suddenly, nausea overwhelmed her. Sadie stood abruptly, her chair scraping back, and hurried to the restroom. To mask her discomfort, she cranked the faucet to full blast, the sound of rushing water a feeble shield against any curious ears. It wasn't until after she had vomited nothing but bitter bile that Sadie felt the turmoil inside her subside slightly. She splashed her face with cold water, each droplet a small shock to her system, helping her piece her composure back together. With a deep breath, she steadied herself and left the restroom. The door to the meeting room was slightly open as she walked by, just enough for her to see Noah and Kyla sitting side by side. Kyla tilted her body forward in a pose that spoke of elegance and deliberate grace. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, and her eyes glinted with a mix of allure and subtle seduction. They were so close their shoulders almost touched, casting them in the intimate silhouette of a couple deeply in tune with each other. Watching from afar, Sadie felt like a forgotten shadow lingering on the edges of their world. In her own marriage, she had always been the one on the outside, peering in, never truly part of the picture. Tears welled up quietly, tracing a silent path down her cheeks. As she turned to leave, her elbow caught a potted plant, sending it crashing to the floor with a clatter that sliced through the quiet. The sudden noise jerked Noah's attention away from Kyla. His eyes found Sadie's, locking onto her with a mixture of surprise and something colder, harder. Embarrassed by her own clumsiness and overwhelmed by her feelings, Sadie felt frustrated. Noah stepped outside, his presence now overwhelming, and Kyla, quick as a flash, appeared beside him. "What are you doing here?" Noah's voice was sharp, edged with clear displeasure at the sight of Sadie. It didn't take long for Kyla to figure out Sadie's identity. Yet, she pretended not to know, flashing a sugary smile as she asked, "Noah, who is she?" And there it was--the question that hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. Who was she? Sadie's heart ached to know just where she stood in Noah's life. The disdain in her expression was evident, and Noah's features tightened, a flicker of displeasure crossing his face. He responded curtly, "She's just an employee." Just an employee? The phrase echoed mockingly in Sadie's ears, amplifying her sense of insignificance. She felt reduced to nothing--a mere shadow within the cold, unyielding walls of their workplace. No sooner had Noah finished speaking than he turned around and strode away. Kyla paused to shoot Sadie a smug, provocative glance, her eyes gleaming with triumph, before she hurried after Noah. Left alone, Sadie felt adrift, as if standing in the midst of a strange, unfathomable world. Lost in a haze for the rest of the workday, Sadie was jolted back to reality by an unexpected call from her grandmother, Laura Stewart. "Sadie, I'm not getting any younger, and who knows how much time I have left. More than anything, I dream of the day you're settled, with a loving spouse and children by your side. So, when are you finally bringing your boyfriend to meet me?" As Laura spoke with warmth and ease, Sadie found herself swallowing hard, emotion creeping up on her. Even Laura, the one who had always been there for her, was completely unaware that she was married. Noah had set the terms before their wedding--beyond the board of directors, it was best to keep their marriage under wraps. He surely anticipated Kyla's return, didn't he? Every step of the way, he had been silently working to make things easier for Kyla. The moment she hung up was a blur, but one thing stuck--her promise to Laura that she'd bring her boyfriend home this Saturday. But just who was she supposed to show up with? Chapter 4 Acting Pitiful? Sadie's mind was in chaos as she hastily collected her things and exited the office. As she stood on the curb, her eyes searching the street, a sleek Maybach slid to a stop before her. The window descended slowly, unveiling the striking features of a man whose appearance never failed to draw admiring gasps from onlookers. It was none other than Noah. "Get in," he called out, his voice smooth and authoritative. Despite her urge to decline, the memory of Laura's unsettling phone call earlier made Sadie step into the car with resignation. This time, she deliberately chose the back seat instead of the front. "I told you I'd compensate you, but don't think acting pitiful will make me feel sorry for you," Noah remarked, a hint of reproach in his tone. Acting pitiful? The irony of his words struck Sadie, and a laugh, sharp and devoid of any real amusement, escaped her. "When are we getting divorced?" she asked, her voice tinged with a brittle, hollow quality. Noah, puzzled by her laughter, replied, "Relax, there's no need to rush--it's not the right time." "And where are we going now?" Sadie pressed, her frustration mounting. "We're heading back to the family estate--Grandpa wants to see you," Noah explained, his voice softening. Noah's grandfather, Nigel Wall, stood as a pillar of warmth in Sadie's chaotic life, second only to Laura. Since her family's financial collapse in middle school and the mysterious disappearance of her parents, kindness had been a rare luxury in Sadie's life. Noah's presence had once brightened her entire existence. Now, everything seemed to be reverting to a gray, mundane reality. Sadie remained silent, her quietness an implicit nod of agreement. After a long pause, her voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "One month." "What?" Noah's confusion was palpable. "I want the divorce finalized within a month," she declared, her tone resolute yet tinged with a hidden urgency. If the proceedings dragged on, Noah might uncover her secret--she was pregnant. Given his attachment to Kyla, he would undoubtedly demand she end the pregnancy, and she was determined not to forsake her unborn child. Noah's brow creased in annoyance. "The decision's been made, Sadie. Stop playing these mind games with me," he said, his voice laced with frustration. He knew all too well how deeply she cared for him, which always left him wrestling with a sense of guilt. However, he was adamant that her feelings couldn't be used as leverage in their strained negotiations. With a stern tone, he added, "Until the divorce is official, we need to keep up appearances. Let's not give anything away." Sadie felt a sharp sting in her eyes at his harsh words. "Noah, you really have a heart of stone when it comes to me," she murmured, her voice breaking. She slightly lowered the car window, turned her head to gaze out, and let the brisk wind dry her tears. Their car wound its way toward the Wall Manor, located in a lush, prestigious hill in Buihron, a mere half-hour drive from the bustling city center. The car leisurely pulled into the yard, marking their arrival with a gentle halt. Noah swung the car door open for Sadie, gracefully shielding her head with his broad palm, a gesture brimming with consideration. Despite her knowledge of his theatrical display, Sadie found herself momentarily captivated by his charm. As they strode forward, Noah's warm grip enclosed her hand. Sadie hesitated, her fingers twitching as she attempted a subtle escape from his clasp. Unprepared for her sudden resistance, Noah stumbled slightly, turning to face her with a bewildered expression. In that unexpected moment, as Sadie looked up to meet his gaze, their lips brushed softly against each other. A shiver of surprise raced through Sadie, her eyes reflecting an astonished sparkle. "Noah..." she whispered, her voice trailing off as she stepped back. Her retreat was cut short by the sudden appearance of Nigel emerging from the grand house. Caught off guard, Sadie allowed Noah to reclaim her hand as Nigel tapped his cane with feigned annoyance. "Well, well, look who finally showed up! I was starting to think you'd forgotten me." His voice carried a playful rebuke. Under usual circumstances, Sadie would have stepped forward to appease him. However, today she stood frozen, uncertain of the role she was supposed to play before Nigel. His keen eyes, seasoned by years in the business world, didn't miss the tension between the young couple. "Noah's being ridiculous, putting you through unnecessary stress," Nigel stated, his gaze softening with empathy towards Sadie while shooting a disapproving glare at Noah. Noah, lips pressed in a thin line, remained silent, soaking in the weight of Nigel's words. "I'm fine, Nigel," Sadie murmured, her lips curving into a strained smile that failed to reach her eyes, which shimmered with unspoken loneliness. She was aware of Nigel's genuine concern for her, yet she knew his affection couldn't alter her situation. "Still claiming you're fine?" Nigel's voice was gentle, laced with worry as he took Sadie's hand in his. "You look pale. Come, let's have a chess match. It's been far too long since our last one." With a hesitant nod, Sadie allowed herself to be led into the grandeur of the house. From a distance, Noah observed them, his brow creased with a mixture of confusion and concern. Although he had mentally prepared himself for the divorce from Sadie, the sight of her finding solace in Nigel's company stirred an unexpected pang of regret in his heart. As Sadie stepped into the living room, her gaze fell upon Kyla. Poised and elegant, Kyla sat on the sofa, a coffee cup in hand, laughing merrily with Noah's mother, Isabel Wall. Kyla's eyes widened in feigned surprise when she noticed Sadie. "Hello, you're one of Noah's employees, right?" Isabel chimed in with a venomous tone, barely disguising her disdain, "Is that how Noah introduced her? Looking at the mess she is, it's clear why he doesn't want to admit to their relationship." She then turned to Kyla, patting her hand with approval. "Fortunately, you're back, Kyla." Kyla cast an apologetic glance at Isabel. "I'm sorry, Isabel. Leaving for my studies abroad was a mistake. If I hadn't, you and Noah wouldn't have had to worry all this time." Isabel huffed dismissively. "Well, it's a relief you're back now. Some people who've overstayed their welcome will finally have to step aside." Chapter 5 Causing Trouble "Enough already!" Nigel snapped, his glare slicing through the tension as he stared Isabel down, silencing her instantly. Sadie and Isabel had never gotten along. Isabel, always looking down her nose at Sadie, considered her as nothing more than a bankrupt heiress trying to claw her way into the Wall family's vast fortune. In the past, Sadie had to navigate these treacherous waters with grace, swallowing her pride even when she felt deeply aggrieved. But now, with divorce proceedings looming on the horizon, she no longer felt compelled to humble herself before Isabel. Brushing off the chilly atmosphere, Sadie strode confidently across the room to where Nigel sat, taking a seat beside him. At that moment, Noah pushed the door open and stepped inside. The moment he walked in, Kyla sprang up and approached him, looping her arm around his. "Noah, you're finally back," she cooed, her voice dripping with the honeyed tones of a wife who had awaited her husband's return for long. Noah's reaction was swift and cool. He slipped his arm away, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone icy. Before Kyla could muster a reply, Isabel interjected smoothly, "She's here because I invited her. It's been too long since her last visit, so I thought we'd catch up." Two years earlier, Isabel had fallen victim to a disastrous investment scam, losing a substantial sum. It was Kyla who had stepped in to untangle the mess, a deed that had quietly solidified her status in Isabel's eyes as the preferred daughter-in-law. Kyla cast a sorrowful glance at Sadie, her voice trembling slightly. "Maybe I shouldn't have come. It might be best if I leave now. I don't want to cause any trouble for you, Noah." She turned dramatically towards the door. Noah, visibly annoyed yet restrained, stopped her and said, "No, don't overthink things. Stay." Sadie observed their interactions from the sidelines, her heart sinking with a bitter sense of irony. Officially, she was Noah's wife, yet she sat there, feeling more like an unwelcome intruder in his life. Restlessness crept up on her, making it impossible to remain passive any longer. "Shall we go to the study now, Nigel?" Sadie suggested, her voice steadier than she felt. Nigel, leaning heavily on his cane, responded with a sneer, "I may be old, but I've still got some fight left in me! As for my granddaughter-in-law, Sadie is the only one I acknowledge. The others don't even come close!" He paused for emphasis, his tone hardening. "And let me be clear--if I hear of anyone here hurting Sadie, they can kiss my shares goodbye." At this declaration, Kyla clenched her fists, her nails almost digging into her palms, a clear flash of jealousy sparking in her eyes. Isabel, visibly upset, bit her lip, holding back her words. Noah bristled at the confrontation, loathing the sensation of being cornered, especially by Nigel. "Then go ahead and donate your shares," he retorted sharply, tugging at Kyla's arm to leave. "What did you just say, you ungrateful brat..." Nigel's voice trembled with fury, his body shaking as he struggled to maintain his composure. Quickly, Sadie offered support as she guided him into the sanctuary of the study. Once inside, she spoke, her tone low and filled with weary acceptance. "Don't bother forcing him--his heart was never mine to begin with." Watching her composed demeanor, Nigel exhaled a heavy sigh, a mix of admiration and sorrow. "It's truly Noah's loss, not yours." He knew deep down that no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't steer the lives of the younger generation. It pained him to see Sadie mistreated. With a resigned air, he pulled a document from his drawer and laid it before her. "Sadie, please, sign this." The moment Sadie spotted the word "shares" on the contract, a sudden, piercing tension gripped her head. With a firm hand, she slid the document across the table, her voice steady but laced with resignation. "This isn't mine to take. I married Noah knowing full well he had someone else in his heart. Now that she's here, it's only right that we put an end to our marriage." With a solemn expression, Nigel ventured cautiously, "Sadie, do you ever regret marrying Noah?" His question, unexpected and direct, made Sadie pause. She was momentarily taken aback, then offered a bitter smile as she shook her head. "No, I don't regret it," she admitted, her voice tinged with a sorrowful resolve. Despite the searing pain, her love for Noah was something she could never regret. Yet, this love had grown too burdensome, teetering on the brink of crushing her. Sadie refused to sign the document. Nigel, seeing he couldn't sway her, handed her a card instead. As she stood to leave, he told her that if it became unbearable, she had no reason to keep suffering. He cared for Sadie with the affection one might show a beloved granddaughter, even if it meant standing against his own grandson. After she stepped away from the grandeur of the Wall Manor, Sadie didn't return to the home she still shared with Noah. Instead, she found solace in a modest, serviced apartment managed by a hotel. It had a bedroom and a living room, fully furnished, offering her solitude at an affordable price. Sadie grew to cherish this small, cozy sanctuary. Most importantly, it was free from Noah's presence and the excruciating memories that lingered around him. After a refreshing rinse, Sadie scrolled through her contacts, a pang of helplessness washing over her. No matter how she looked at it, she had no one to pretend to be her boyfriend. What excuse could she possibly give Laura for showing up alone? A wave of frustration crested within her, prompting her to run her fingers agitatedly through her hair. Accepting the inevitable, she surrendered to whatever happened next. If pressed, she'd lay out the truth for Laura--plain and simple. With her mind somewhat settled, Sadie busied herself with tidying the space. Thankfully, the little one nestled within her was cooperative today, not stirring up any discomfort. Just as she was lost in her cleaning frenzy, her phone buzzed to life. Noah was calling. Sadie's heart skipped. She was torn between answering and ignoring the call, but ultimately, she picked up. Noah's voice, icy and sharp, cut through the silence. "Where the hell are you, Sadie? Why aren't you home? You're not causing trouble again, are you?" "Me? Causing trouble?" Sadie's laugh was tinged with bitterness. "Considering we're getting a divorce, I don't see how my whereabouts are your concern." "I--" "Listen," Sadie interjected, her tone firm yet cool, "I've accepted this divorce. I won't be clinging to you. And I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from bothering me further, Mr. Wall." With a decisive click, Sadie ended the call, leaving Noah to stew in silence on the other end. His face twisted in anger as the line went dead. How dare this woman hang up on him! &6&