Chapter Sixteen: Let's get a divorce!

"Let's get a divorce," Emma said as she walked over to the three-seater sofa in the brightly lit luxury study.

"What do you mean, divorce?" Jason asked, his brows curving into an arc.

Emma had reached her breaking point and decided to ask Jason for a divorce. This wasn't the kind of marriage she had signed up for.

She had made up her mind to return to her father's company, work hard with him so the company could function properly again, and they wouldn't need the Astors' investment anymore.

Jason, on the other hand, couldn't agree to that. He had to stay married to Emma to secure his inheritance from his father.

"Yes, please, let's get a divorce," Emma repeated firmly, keeping her gaze averted from him.

Jason scoffed, looking up at her, wondering why she seemed so resolute, as if she had already made up her mind.

“Look, Emma, I'm sorry. I know this is about Lisa, and I'm sorry, okay? It was disrespectful to have brought her home. I admit my mistake, so please, could you let it go?" Jason asked.

Did Jason actually just say sorry to her? No, she wasn't going to fold.

“This isn't about Lisa. I just don't think I can deal with this whole marriage sh*t. Let's just get a divorce and…”

“We won't get a divorce!” Jason cut in hitting the table which made Emma's heart skip a beat.

“And what do you mean we won't get a divorce?! You don't love me, you don't want this marriage, then why won't you let me go?!” Emma blurted out, her brows furrowed and frustration laced in her voice.

“Because I'm not done with you yet!” Jason replied, matching the same energy.

Emma raised her gaze to meet his. “Excuse me?”

“Well, since you want to know,” Jason began, his voice devoid of emotion. “I agreed to this goddamn marriage because my dad threatened to strip me of my position and inheritance. I'm glad you're aware that I don't want this marriage. Yes, I'd divorce you in a heartbeat if I could, but I can't… at least, not yet. Besides, we've invested a lot of money in your father's company, and it's too late."

Emma clenched her fists beside her, her heart racing. She was so angry she could literally slap Jason at that moment. He was so nonchalant about the discussion and it irritated her.

What gave him the nerve? The fact that he knew she couldn't leave of her own will? Except, at least her family would pay back the investment the Astors had already made, which was a lot of money.

“So…” Emma swallowed. “Are you saying I'm stuck here until you're ready to get a divorce?”

Taking a deep breath, Jason stood up from where he had been sitting and went towards the bookshelf where he had kept their marriage certificate. He brought it out and took it back to where he was sitting, dusting it.

“Not exactly... until I get my inheritance from my dad,” Jason replied.

“Why do you have that?” Emma asked, referring to the marriage certificate he had brought out.

“To remind you of your place,” Jace replied coldly, holding his gaze on her. “You seem to have forgotten. You're only my wife on this paper,” he said, raising it up to her.

“In reality, I don't consider you my wife. You're just a means to an end,” he added.

The words sent a chill down Emma's spine, hitting her chest like a pestle hitting a mortar. She looked straight into his eyes, searching for emotions, but they were blank.

“Didn't I warn you beforehand? I told you the very day we were to register this facade of a marriage to decline marrying me, but you didn't listen. So why are you complaining now?” Jason asked, jerking Emma out of the deep thought she had fallen into.

“So…” Emma tried to speak but no words were coming out. She took a deep breath, trying to stop the tears that had gathered in her eyes from falling.

“Is this all just a game to you, Jason? Playing with people's lives, emotions, and dignity?” Emma's voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt. She kept blinking repeatedly, trying to hide her tears.

“You knew that I was nothing to you and this marriage was a facade yet, you.. yet you took my virginity?! You demon?!” Emma said amidst tears.

Jason quickly looked away avoiding her gaze, an air of guilt flushed over him. He actually had the slightest idea that she was a virgin, he wouldn't have done it.

He raised his hands to scratch his head, “Well.. because we were married. It's only normal for newlyweds to consummate their marriage on the night of their wedding.”

“Oh shut up!.. newlyweds??” Emma didn't know when the words escaped her lips. “Didn't you just say you don't consider me a wife?? So why the h*ck did you do it?!”

Emma was furious and her voice was trembling at the sheer level of Jason's callousness. She scowled at him while balling her fists and her nails sinking into her hands.

"You're disgusting, Jason." Emma spat out, disgusted, "I can't believe I ever thought you were a decent human being."

Jason didn't say anything, his eyes locked on the ground and unable to meet Emma's. It was obvious that his actions had caused her great pain.

There was a tense pause during which Emma tried to gather herself by taking a deep breath. She was aware that she needed to go before she lost all control.

"Fine, Jason. Come to an agreement. We will no longer meddle in eachother's personal affairs". Emma said, her voice strong and determined, "I'll find a way to resolve this, and you can continue with your charade of a life."

When Jason did glance up, he met her gaze with an expression that was equal parts defiance and resignation.

"Alright. if that's your preference." He stated.

Emma gave a sceptical shake of her head. "I can't believe I ever saw anything in you." Her footsteps reverberated in the ensuing hush as she whirled around and stormed out of the room.