Chapter 495

Natalie was extremely calm, perhaps because she had spent much of the previous night crying and screaming. Jeremy's presence didn't faze her. He froze for a moment before removing the food from the bag.

Natalie kept her word; she didn't eat any of his food.

Jeremy put down his fork after Natalie finished her pasta. Everything he had eaten tasted awful.

Without glancing at Jeremy, Natalie washed her dishes and went straight to the couch. Jeremy watched her intently.

If Natalie had sobbed and screamed, he would have tried to soothe her. But she remained remarkably composed.

She nestled onto the couch, then produced two copies of a divorce agreement and handed them to him.

"Take a look," she said evenly. "I'm leaving this marriage with nothing but the clothes on my back. I want nothing from you except a divorce as soon as possible. Sign here, please."

There was no hint of love in her eyes, only perhaps loathing for his betrayal and scorn for her own naiveté.

Jeremy didn't take the documents. His gaze was icy, as if they were burning hot coals instead of legal papers.

"I can explain what happened with Annabelle," he insisted. "There's nothing between us. I met her regarding a work matter. When she resigned, she accidentally took an important contract. Today, she tried to use it to demand compensation and insisted on speaking with me personally."

Natalie found his excuse ridiculous. He must have spent the entire morning concocting it. Did he really think she was so gullible?

"Jeremy," she said, "I may not be the sharpest, and I've always tried to believe in the inherent goodness of people. But that doesn't give you the right to lie to me."

"Nath, what you see isn't always the truth," Jeremy replied.

Natalie took a deep breath to compose herself. "Jeremy, you watched me grow up. You were my first love, and our parents are best friends. I hope we can avoid a messy separation; it would hurt their friendship.

"You know if you cheated on me, Jeremy. And whether Annabelle was your secretary or your mistress is something only you know.

"We're getting a divorce. I've been waiting here to give you this agreement and talk. I've packed my bags and will be moving out shortly."

Jeremy's fury erupted at her calm announcement. "I will not divorce you. That's impossible," he declared.

He had considered many possibilities on his way home, but he hadn't anticipated Natalie's unwavering resolve.