The sound cut deeper than the stitches.
I stared at him, waiting for shame to appear. None did. He wore a navy suit, fresh cologne, and the cold expression of a man who had practiced cruelty in the mirror.
He dropped a folder onto my hospital blanket.
“Sign the divorce,” he said.
My fingers curled around the edge of the sheet. “Here?”
“Where else?” His eyes swept over me with disgust. “You’re too ugly now, Evelyn. You should be grateful I’m making this clean.”
Celeste stepped closer, her perfume choking the room. “Adrian wants a fresh start. A public one.”
One of my babies whim
“You planned this,” I whispered.
“No,” he said. “I upgraded.”
Celeste smiled and lifted the Birkin slightly. “He has excellent taste.”
The nurse at the door froze, horrified. Adrian noticed and turned charming. “Family matter.”
The nurse left reluctantly.
I looked down at the papers. Divorce petition. Custody agreement. Property waiver. A neat little execution, printed in twelve-point font.
“You want me to sign away the house?” I asked.
“Our house,” he corrected. “But not for long.”
My heart slowed.
That was the first mistake he made. He thought pain made me stupid.
I picked up the pen. Adrian’s smile widened.
Then I set it down.
“No.”