I didn't hide my disgust.
Claire stumbled back, caught off guard, and hit the floor. Tears clung to her lashes. Her eyes went wide.
Once, seeing her cry would've torn me apart. I'd have done anything to stop it. But now? Watching those tears fall, I felt nothing but irritation. My chest was hollow—void of the sympathy she clearly expected.
The room's atmosphere curdled. Guests exchanged uneasy glances, then turned condemning stares on me. Scott scoffed loudly. Bella's face went from grim to thunderous.
Ethan Matthews, Claire's assistant, rushed forward. He helped her up with practiced care, then jabbed an accusing finger at me.
"Liam, call yourself a man?" Ethan shouted. "Ms. Henson gave you a child! She labored for three days and nights, hemorrhaged, nearly died on the table. It's been three months—have you already forgotten?"
He wasn't finished. "She didn't even take her full maternity leave. Back at the office the moment her recovery month ended. Running a company by day, caring for your child by night. Working herself to the bone for this family—and this is how you repay her? Divorce over some trivial argument?" He looked around, rallying the crowd. "Is he out of his mind?"
His indignation was almost impressive. I smirked, watching Claire lean against him—too heavily.
"Oh, she's dedicated," I said, my voice cutting through the murmurs. "Couldn't wait to get back to the office. But I wonder... who exactly makes it so much more appealing than her own newborn?"
Panic flickered in Claire's eyes.
"Liam, what are you implying?" she cried. "I do everything for this family! Is that it? You're like every other shallow man—disgusted by my body now that I've given birth? You think I'm fat and ugly?"
She ended on a sob. The victim act, perfected.
"What trash!" someone shouted. "Scumbag!"
I didn't flinch. "Think what you want. I'm getting a divorce."
Claire froze. She hadn't expected me to be this unyielding.
"Don't be shameless!" Scott bellowed, stepping forward. "What has my daughter done to deserve this? You're humiliating her in front of everyone! Have you forgotten how you knelt and begged for her hand? You swore to protect her for a lifetime!"
Claire sobbed louder, then looked up with teary, accusing eyes. "Liam... tell me the truth. Is there someone else?"
The room exploded.
"That's low."
"His wife just had a baby and he's already cheating? Absolute scum."
The stares turned venomous. Bella rolled up her sleeves, ready for a brawl.
"Don't be afraid, darling! Mom's here. Let's see who dares bully you!"
I surveyed their agitated faces. "Say whatever you want. I want a divorce."
Realizing I wouldn't budge, Bella slapped her thigh and wailed at the ceiling.
"It's over! He's been bewitched by some vixen!" she shrieked. "My poor daughter—married to an ungrateful, heartless animal!"
