Chapter 411



I was preparing for it early. Yes, I did change my phone’s password a few days ago, and I told you about it at that time. But you were focused on the old photos on my computer. You accused me of holding on to Kallie, but you didn’t hear a word I said.”

He continued, his tone unwavering. “Those photos are part of my past—memories of me, my sister, and Kallie. There isn’t a single one of just Kallie and me.”

Kallie, standing nearby, nodded in confirmation. “It’s true. She had never enjoyed taking photos. If it hadn’t been for Linsey’s insistence, she wouldn’t have been in those pictures at all.”

Joanna’s expression flickered, her smile quickly dissolving into tears. “No! It can’t be! Are you telling me I’ve been fighting a ghost—an imaginary threat all this time? I don’t believe you’re over Kallie! Not entirely. Unless you swear it, write it down, and make an affidavit. Maybe then I can pretend none of this happened.”

Joanna’s voice wavered, tinged with desperation and a hint of madness. Ethan’s face hardened, his patience finally spent. “I’m done explaining,” Ethan said, his tone final. “Believe what you want. My decision is made.”

He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and tossed it in front of Joanna. Joanna’s eyes widened as she read the words “Divorce Agreement,” feeling as though the world had just crumbled beneath her feet.

“No!” she cried out, stumbling awkwardly. She grabbed Ethan’s hand. “We can’t divorce! Our marriage has been perfect. Your family adores me, and my family loves yours. We can’t end it like this!”

“When we got married, everyone in Burmoos celebrated. You can’t just be this heartless, Ethan! What will people say about me if we divorce?”

Joanna’s voice shook with desperation, but Ethan’s expression remained stone-cold. Seeing her grip slipping, Joanna played what she thought was her ace.

“If your family finds out, they’ll never let this happen. Your parents made it clear that only the man who marries me is eligible to inherit the Brooks family fortune. Without my support, you’ll be completely cut off, Ethan.”

Joanna expected her words to rattle Ethan, but instead, his gaze grew even frostier. Ethan shook off her hand, his voice rising with finality. “Let me make something clear, Joanna. I have no desire to inherit the Brooks family legacy. If you think you can manipulate me with that, you’re gravely mistaken. Even if I’m cast out of my family, I will divorce you. Let’s end this with some dignity. Don’t make it worse.”

He paused, his tone resolute. “And don’t worry about me being with Kallie. I’m leaving Avalon tomorrow, and where I go is no longer your concern.”

“No!” Joanna yelled, trying to cling to Ethan as he turned away. Desperation surged through her as she tried to hold Ethan back, but Kallie intervened, signaling for others to restrain Joanna.

Joanna screamed in anguish as Ethan disappeared from view. Her strength spent, she crumpled to the floor, utterly defeated. Kallie stepped forward, her voice cold and cutting. “How does it feel, Joanna?”

Joanna’s tear-streaked eyes burned with hatred. “Are you satisfied now, Kallie? I know it! There’s something between you and Ethan. He’s leaving me because of you!”

Kallie clicked her tongue, her words sharp and deliberate.

“Maybe your marriage had its flaws, but have you ever stopped to consider why it’s fallen apart? You blame everyone else, but you never look in the mirror. And honestly, is this the life you want—fighting tooth and nail for a man?”

.

.

.