Chapter 64

The moment Vespera spoke, it felt like a blade had been drawn. There was no warmth, no hesitation. Luke felt the coldness in her voice. Her words cut deep, but he didn’t retaliate. Instead, he dropped to his knees beside her bed.

“Naby, I know I was wrong, I truly do. Please, just give me one chance to make things right. I swear I’ll never make the same mistake.” His voice trembled, as though he were on the brink of shattering.

But Vespera remained utterly unmoved, her expression distant. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. You simply followed your desires. You’ve been enjoying your little romance for the past six months, haven’t you? Then keep enjoying it. I won’t stand in your way.”

Luke froze, her words gripping him like ice. Desperate, he reached for her hand, pressing a pleading kiss against her skin.

“I’m sorry. I deserve whatever punishment you give me. But it’s not what you think—I never wanted to be with her, I swear, the only person I’ve ever truly loved is you—”

“Enough,” Vespera yanked her hand away, a storm of furious words churning inside her, but in the end, she didn’t bother to voice them. “Luke, none of this matters anymore. We’re finished. I’ll get this divorce—no matter what!”

“You don’t get to decide that alone! I already tore up the divorce papers!” Luke’s eyes were bloodshot, his emotions barely held in check.

Vespera eyed him for a moment before speaking. “Fine. If we can’t settle this, then I’ll see you in court.”

“Are you really willing to throw away everything we’ve shared all these years? Please, just forgive me—just this once, I’m begging you!” Luke’s voice trembled with desperation as he leaned in, trying to embrace her. “I can’t live without you.”

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Get your hands off me! Don’t touch me!” Vespera snapped, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at him.

From the couch, Dominic stirred. The blanket slipped off him as he sat up, his fingers pressing against his temples.

“Gerard, I need water,” he said flatly.

Across the room, Gerard, who had been pretending to be asleep, bolted upright and scrambled toward the fridge. Within seconds, he pulled out a bottle of water and handed it to Dominic. The two men had suffered through an entire morning of melodrama.

By the hospital bed, silence fell. Vespera’s heart stopped. Dear God, please tell her that voice wasn’t Dominic’s. Please, no.

Luke’s expression darkened, but with others present, he knew better than to press the issue. He stood up, his voice turning gentle. “Baby, you must be hungry. I had someone bring your favorite chicken noodle soup—I’ll go get it.”

From pleading on his knees to acting as if nothing had happened in the blink of an eye. His ability to switch masks was truly something to behold.

Vespera didn’t even spare him a glance. Without another word, Luke turned and left to retrieve the soup.

As soon as he left, Vespera’s gaze subconsciously shifted toward the couch, where Dominic sat, slightly turned to the side. A deep flush spread across her face, mortified by the thought. Her boss had become an unwilling observer of her entire divorce ordeal, never missing a single episode. Meanwhile, Dominic took the bottle of water from Gerard and drank slowly, never sparing a glance at the hospital bed. Without a word, he stood up and walked out; Gerard followed closely behind him.

Vespera’s gaze lingered on Dominic’s tall figure as he walked away, her mind instinctively trying to decipher his thoughts.

“Eat your soup,” a cold voice cut through her thoughts, blocking her view. Luke stood by her bedside, holding a white porcelain bowl, his expression stern.

She blinked, her face betraying no emotion. “Just leave it there. I’ll eat it later.”

“It’ll get cold; I’ll feed you.”

“I don’t need you to feed me.”

“Then what—would you rather have Dominic do it?”

Vespera shot him a look of pure disbelief. “Only someone with a dirty mind sees filth in everything.”

Luke’s expression softened slightly at her denial. “Then quit your job. If you leave, I’ll believe there’s nothing between you two.”

Vespera let out an exasperated sigh. “Then don’t believe me.” After all, she couldn’t care less whether he trusted her or not.

Luke’s expression twisted with frustration. “So, you’re really that determined to stay with him and keep working as his secretary, huh?”