Chapter 443

The silence stretched between them like an endless chasm.

Nathan finally spoke, his voice hollow. "Let's get a divorce, Zoe."

Evelyn froze. The words hit her like a physical blow, her mind reeling. She stared at him, lips trembling. "What... did you just say?"

He turned his head, his gaze empty. "A divorce," he repeated, cold and detached.

The word echoed in her skull.

Divorce.

Her chest tightened, a sharp pain lancing through her. Never in a million years had she imagined Nathan would say this to her. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay composed. "Why? Give me a reason."

She searched his face desperately, but his expression was unreadable—pale, distant, his blue eyes as deep and unfeeling as the ocean. "No reason. I'm just... tired of you."

Her nails dug into her palms. It felt like her heart was being ripped out. "Tired of me?" she whispered.

Nathan didn’t respond.

Evelyn stepped closer, her lashes lowering to hide the hurt. A weak smile tugged at her lips. "You're joking, right? Did your grandfather say something to you?"

"Grandpa is my family," he said icily. "You don’t get to question what he tells me. I want this divorce. It has nothing to do with him. All you need to do is agree." His gaze was merciless. "Don’t worry—you’ll keep the kids. And I’ll transfer half of CKGold’s shares. That should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."

"Nathan!" Evelyn grabbed his collar, her fingers shaking violently. Tears burned in her eyes, her voice breaking. "What kind of woman do you think I am? You were the one who wanted to marry me! And now you just—just throw me away? You're lying, aren’t you? There’s something you’re not telling me—"

"Do you know how annoying it is when women ask too many questions?" His lips curled into a sneer. He pried her hand off, his touch devoid of warmth. "Do I look like I’m lying when I say I’m tired of you?"

Brushing off his shirt, he continued, voice like steel. "I’ll have Oliver prepare the divorce papers once we’re back in the country. You’ll get everything you’re owed."

The sharp crack of her palm against his cheek shattered the silence.

A red mark bloomed across his face, stark against his pale skin. His jaw clenched, but the pain in his chest was far worse than the sting on his skin.

Evelyn’s eyes were red-rimmed, tears threatening to spill, but she refused to let them fall. "Nathan, you’re not thinking straight. You have a fever. I won’t agree to this. Don’t even think about it."

With that, she turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

The moment she was gone, Nathan doubled over, coughing violently. Blood splattered onto the pristine white sheets. When he opened his palm, crimson streaked his skin, mingling with the crescent marks his nails had left.

He wasn’t the only one in pain.

If he had any other choice, he would never let her go. But he had no options left.

"Zoe... forgive me," he whispered, a single tear falling onto his hand.

Evelyn didn’t sleep that night.

She tossed and turned, her mind racing. Finally, she sat up, staring out at the glittering city lights. There was no way Nathan meant what he said. Something was wrong.

The next morning, she marched to his room—only to find a housekeeper inside, tidying up.

"Where’s the guest who was staying here?" Evelyn demanded.

The housekeeper glanced up. "He checked out early this morning."