But he's the father of the baby. No matter what, they're still married, and he had the right to know.
After hesitating for a bit, Ava looked up, her hand on her belly, nervous but with a glimmer of hope.
"I have something to tell you," they both said at the same time.
They stared at each other.
Ava broke the silence first. "It's okay, you go ahead."
He rarely started conversations.
"Let's get a divorce." His tone was as casual as talking about the weather. Alexander didn't even look up, calmly slicing an egg.
"I've already drafted the divorce papers. I'll send them over soon. The additional agreements and property division are all in the contract. If you have any objections, let me know so I can adjust it. Once you agree, just sign it."
She didn't know if it was the milk causing her pregnancy nausea or if the news was just too sudden, but for a moment, her mind went blank, and she felt herself leaning to the side. Fortunately, she caught herself in the last second.
"Did you say divorce?" Her throat felt tight, her voice hoarse, and she sounded like she couldn't believe it. She felt lost, like she was in a bad dream.
Last night, they were still intimate. After climaxing, he held her tightly. She still remembered that embrace, like they were the only lovers at the end of the world.
She gently stroked her belly, tears welling up in her eyes like unspoken secrets. "If we had..." Her voice trailed off, filled with unspoken hopes and deep helplessness.
Silence, like a heavy chain, bound them tightly.
Their marriage was a carefully planned contract from the start. She knew he loved someone else. Divorce was just a matter of time.
"Do you have any objections?" His voice was calm, without a hint of emotion, like there had never been any real connection between them.
"No." Her voice was low but firm, like she was holding back a storm inside.
Her fingers slid from her belly, gripping her dress tightly. Her fingertips turned pale from the pressure, silently showing her struggle and unease.
He was about to divorce her, clueless about the baby she was carrying. He wouldn't have any second thoughts because that other woman already had his whole heart.
"Oh, and one more thing." Alexander seemed to remember something, his tone carrying a hint of finality. "Tell Grandma there's no love between us, and you're not happy with me, so you chose to divorce."
Ava forced a smile and nodded, her smile tinged with bitterness. "Okay."
His proposal for divorce would definitely anger Scarlett, but Ava knew he wanted out.
Alexander looked at Ava's calm demeanor, her lips slightly curved. That smile carried a bit of ease, maybe even a trace of relief.
"I'm just being honest. You've never been truly happy. Now, you can be free."
"Yes." Her voice was weak, like a suppressed whisper, but she still tried to respond despite the unspeakable pain in her heart.
She thought, 'It's for the best. At least he won't have to bear any burden anymore.'
Alexander's eyebrows raised slightly, as if confirming her response. He said, "Alright," indicating his agreement.
"Then it's settled." His voice carried no emotion, like they had just discussed something trivial. But at that moment, her heart shattered into countless pieces.