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692words2026-01-26 11:21

After leaving the police station, with Evelyn’s bail hanging between us like a bad smell, I asked for a divorce.
"Liam, this childish act of yours has gone far enough," Evelyn said, her eyes glued to the road.
I watched her—, unshaken, always in control—and let out a dry laugh. "My mind’s made up." I turned my head, my gaze firm.

"Evelyn," I said, "let's just set each other free."
The Maserati pulled over to the curb.
The air inside the car went cold enough to freeze hell over.
"A reason." Evelyn gripped the steering wheel, her voice like ice.
"Give me one damn reason. What tantrum are you throwing now?"
Looking at Evelyn, it all just felt… pointless. I rolled down the window, nodded toward the Porsche that had been tailing us since the station, and stated, "I bet you—within ten seconds, someone’s gonna show up looking for you."

I started counting down like I knew the script by heart.
"Ten."
"Nine."
"Eight."

Before I reached seven.
A figure emerged from the Porsche behind us—a guy with red-rimmed eyes, stumbling toward my window.
"Liam, I swear I didn't mean for any of this to happen! Evelyn needed that dress for the gala, so I offered to pick it up. I had no idea you were home sleeping… I never thought you’d mistake me for a burglar and call the cops!"
Owen Cooper grabbed my hand, dragging it towards his face.
"This is all my fault. Please, don't fight with Evelyn because of me. I'm begging you. If you're really upset," he pleaded, "hit me. Just let it out on me."
My hand was trapped in his grip, hovering way too close to his cheek. Evelyn’s voice through like ice,
"Liam! Where are your manners? Did you leave them back at the precinct?"
I found it bitterly amusing.
See?
I didn't have to do a thing. Just existing was enough to make everything my fault.
I yanked my hand back and turned to face Evelyn.
"Do you get it now?" My voice was hollow, all the fight drained out.
"Evelyn," I said, unclicking my seatbelt, "that is the reason."
I pushed the door open, meeting the shocked—then smug—gaze of Evelyn's executive assistant.
I shot him a cold grin.
"Congratulations. After all these years worming your way into every corner of our life, you're finally about to get what you want."
I stepped out, adding, "I don't want Evelyn anymore."
I started walking away.
Evelyn scrambled out after me, grabbing my wrist.
"Liam! What the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what your little stunt cost me today? I lost a billion-dollar deal! Because you said you were scared, I drove like a maniac to the police station—only to find you had my assistant arrested!"
"I've had it up to here!" she hissed.
"You’re always targeting Owen, and he still defends you! Tells me not to be mad, begs us to make up! Don't push your luck!"
Her grip dug into old scars on my wrist, sending sharp pain shooting up my arm. I flinched.
"Let go!" I ripped my arm back, rubbing the red marks.
Then—before I could think—I slapped Evelyn across the face.
"Evelyn!" I shouted, my voice broke. "I’m done with you too!"
Evelyn and I had been together for ten years.
We'd argued, we’d fought, we’d given each other the silent treatment, but I'd never shamed her like this—never in public, and definitely not in front of an outsider. But I was done playing nice.
I stared right into her eye.
"Let me make it crystal clear. When I was hospitalized with a high fever, you were off with yourassistant rescuing stray cats and dogs. When my car got rear-ended, you were stargazing with your assistant. Every single time I needed you, you picked him! And today!" My voice rose. "You gave him our home security code! He walked into our bedroom while I was drugged up on sleeping pills! And after I called the cops, you didn't ask if I was okay. No, you made I sign a settlement agreement!"
"Evelyn!" I yelled, the dam finally breaking. "We are done!"