Alicia snapped out of her daze as she met Joshua's icy gaze. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent, as if he were looking at a stranger. Only the love bite on his lips seemed out of place. Was the kiss she shared with someone else truly that intense?

A wave of disgust washed over her. She tightened her grip on her phone, sighing softly as she switched it off. "It's nothing," she murmured, walking inside without waiting for a reply.

Joshua frowned, grabbing her wrist. "Alice, what's with that attitude?" he asked. He seemed unusually unhappy, considering his infrequent homecomings. Normally, Alice would have greeted him joyfully, but today she appeared exhausted, almost empty.

She didn't resist, but her calm disconcerted him. "Haven't I always been like this?" she asked. "Obedient, sensitive, ensuring the house is in order, that you're comfortable, giving my best at work?"

A bitter smile touched his lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? It frees up time for your other… 'special someone.'"

His eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. He didn't deny it, simply releasing her hand. "Actually, that's why I'm here," he said abruptly. "We need to talk."

Alice rubbed her wrist vigorously. "So, are you planning to go public with her?"

Joshua's calm façade cracked. "What do you know? Did you hire a private investigator?"

Alice laughed, a humorless sound. "Is that necessary? You spared no expense making her happy last night. A blind man could see how infatuated you are."

He stared, taken aback by her icy tone. It was still her voice, but something was different. He felt inexplicably hurt, as if pricked by a thorn. Perhaps it was the emptiness in her eyes, once so full of love. There was no anger, no pain, just nothing—a stark contrast to the woman who once saw him as her world. This unexpected reaction annoyed him.

"She's pregnant," he said harshly. "It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a gift."

Alice's fists clenched. Pregnant? So, while she waited for him, he was building a new family?

Seeing her shudder, a flash of satisfaction crossed his face.

"It's not that I don't want to sleep with you," she said condescendingly. "You're about as exciting as watching paint dry. No man would want that."

His cruel words stung, but she maintained her composure. She didn't initiate intimacy, but did that make her undesirable? Was it a sin not to be seductive enough?

Breathing evenly, she forced herself to remain calm.

"Okay," he replied quietly. "Then let's get a divorce. You can give him whatever title you want."

The word "divorce" made his eyelid twitch. He scoffed, suspicion narrowing his eyes. "Is this another one of your games?"

Her voice grew colder. "Alice, for two years you've played childish games, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I am." He paused, letting his disdain hang in the air. "You say you love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?"

Alice laughed bitterly. Love him? Did he understand what that meant? When his business collapsed, she'd emptied her savings to bail him out. Out of gratitude, or obligation, he'd married her. For two years, she'd been the dutiful wife, supporting him. And what had she received? She'd been discarded, while another woman carried his child. His love, his loyalty, meant nothing. To continue caring for him would be masochistic.

"Draw up the divorce agreement," she said firmly. "I'll agree to whatever terms you want." She turned and left, leaving him alone.

He watched her go, then a cold smile touched his lips. She could play the martyr, but he doubted she could keep it up.

He went straight to Lilliana Green's apartment.

"Well, that was quick," Lilliana said, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like I wasn't as tough as you said."

Joshua pulled her into his arms. "She's sneaky," he murmured, suspicion in his voice. "I don't know if she's really okay with the divorce, or if she's just messing with me."

Lilliana sat on his lap, her gaze seductive and mischievous. "Relax, Joshua," she purred, brushing his ear. "Even if I change my mind, it's too late."

Joshua frowned. "What do you mean?"