Shock overtook Theo as he stared at Olivia, disbelief clear in his eyes. "Olivia, you're talking about divorce... just because of this? And after that, how do you plan to live? With that accordion of yours? What you earn in a lifetime wouldn't even match what my company pays in taxes in a single day."
The way he brushed her off carried no warmth, as if her feelings didn't matter at all.
Silence fell over Olivia as she looked at him, her expression empty. The man in front of her felt unfamiliar.
Since their school days, she had cared for Theo. Back then, he carried an easy confidence, and there was a time when he stepped in and drove away the girls who bullied her.
From that day forward, she had given him her heart.
Now, nothing remained in that space but emptiness. Lifting her chin, she spoke with quiet resolve. "Theo, you don't get to decide that I should give up my career just to satisfy the person who saved you. If you keep forcing this on me, I'll walk away from this marriage."
That was enough to break what little patience Theo had left.
Without another word, he changed into a fitted black suit that made him look even more distant.
Before leaving, he cast her one last look, then walked out and said, "Think it through, Olivia. Are you really ready to give up being Mrs. Harvey?"
Left behind, Olivia sat on the edge of the bed, unmoving as she swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat.
Mrs. Harvey? A faint, bitter smile appeared.
Was that all she meant to him? Just a name tied to his?
...
By the next morning, every detail in the divorce papers had been reviewed and finalized. After printing them out, Olivia went straight to Theo's office.
Rising above the city skyline, the Harvey Group's headquarters dominated the downtown area, a towering structure of glass and steel that reflected its power.
Without anyone stopping her, she made her way to the top floor. The door to the CEO's office was slightly open. Just as she reached for it, a voice came from inside.
There was no mistaking it. It belonged to Xander Watson, Theo's closest friend, carrying that same careless edge.
From where she stood, Olivia could imagine the scene inside. Theo would be sitting back on the sofa, cigarette in hand, that familiar look of indifference on his face.
Moments later, his voice followed, sharp and clear. "I'll give her one more chance. If she doesn't do what I say... I'll just find someone else."
The papers in Olivia's hand wrinkled as her grip tightened. The edges pressed into her skin, but she barely felt it compared to the pain rising in her chest.
Before she could stop it, tears slipped down and fell onto the pages.
She wiped them away, drew in a steady breath, and pushed the door open.
Their laughter stopped at once. Both men turned toward her. Theo's expression shifted, though only slightly.
His eyes moved to the documents she held, and something in him tensed.
She... wasn't really here to end things, was she?
A slight crease formed between his brows. "What do you need? Didn't I make it clear not to disturb me while I'm working?"
Keeping her expression steady, Olivia walked forward and extended the documents toward him. Her tone stayed even, yet firm. "I already told you last night. We're ending this marriage. I've signed everything."
A cold glint flashed through Theo's eyes as his gaze dropped to the papers on the desk.
It didn't take long for him to spot the reason written there—irreconcilable differences caused by the husband belittling the wife's career. A sharp, mocking laugh slipped out. Without hesitation, he grabbed the documents and ripped them apart, scattering the torn pieces into the air.
Fragments of paper drifted down. Some settled lightly against Olivia's shoulders.
Rising from the sofa, Theo crossed the distance in a few steps. His hand shot out and caught her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
Close enough to see herself reflected in his dark gaze, Olivia felt a chill run through her.
A sneer formed on his lips. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You're not leaving me unless I allow it." Letting go, he turned and headed for the door. Just before stepping out, he spoke again without turning back. "If that's all, go home. I have a meeting."
He left without waiting for a reply. The office door shut behind him, leaving Olivia standing there with Xander, the silence turning awkward.
Drained in both body and mind, Olivia eventually got into the car and headed back.
What exactly was Theo thinking? He clearly leaned toward Jennifer, so why refuse to let her go?
To him, was she nothing more than a title? Something he owned? Or just a piece in whatever arrangement he had with Jennifer?
As soon as she stepped through the front door of her home, a scent hit her—sweet, heavy, and unfamiliar.
A frown touched her face as she was about to call for the housekeeper. But before she could speak, a figure in a wheelchair came into view.
Recognition followed a blink. It was Jennifer.
