Chapter 199
Carola paced around her apartment, nerves tangling in her chest. Ever since the wedding, she couldn’t shake the fear that Albert would leave her. It sounded ridiculous. They were married now. People didn’t just walk away after signing those papers, right? Still, Albert kept putting off moving in together. Even with the marriage certificate tucked away, she had no idea what was really going on in his head.
That night, she heard the front door and saw Albert step inside. The sight of him was so familiar, yet her heart skipped anyway.
“Carola p>
She plastered on a smile, trying to hide how anxious she felt. “Albert! Is the new place almost ready? Can we finally move in p>
Albert’s eyes went dark, his mouth opening like he wanted to say something but couldn’t get the words out.
Not wanting to meet that unreadable look, Carola slipped her arm through his and tried to sound playful. “Look, I know I embarrassed you at the wedding, but it wasn’t my fault. Those people had nothing to do with me. I’d never hurt anyone, you know that. Please, just trust me. We’re married now. Things will be good, right p>
“And you promised we’d go on a honeymoon after the wedding p>
Albert’s voice cut through her words, quiet but firm. “Carola p>
She stopped, her heart thudding.
“We should get a divorce p>
The world seemed to freeze. Carola stood there, stunned, her eyes burning. She couldn’t even find her voice.
Albert repeated himself, gentler this time, like saying it softer would somehow help. “Carola, let’s get a divorce p>
He took a breath, looking away. “We rushed into this. You were so young, and I never really thought about love. After you grew up, I realized what I felt for you was just… care. Not the kind of love you deserve p>
He hesitated. “We should end this now, before things get worse. You can find someone better p>
Carola felt tears slipping down her cheeks. She bit her lip, trying not to sob. “Why? Albert, how can you say you don’t love me p>
“Don’t you remember? You spent every birthday with me. Every Valentine’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s you were always there. You worried about me being alone overseas. You even flew through snowstorms just to see me p>
“We used to talk about everything. Didn’t that mean anything to you? Albert, did you forget all of it p>
She didn’t realize that none of it mattered to him anymore. Nothing she said could change his mind.
Albert pressed his lips together, his voice cold. “I’m sorry p>
Her sobs grew louder. She pointed at him, her words coming out in broken pieces. “Albert, did you fall for Dorothea p>
“Is that it? You love her, don’t you p>
Albert just stared at her, silent.
Carola snapped. “So it’s true. You’re leaving me for her! All these excuses, it’s all because of her, right p>
She shook her head, repeating it over and over. “I’m not getting a divorce. I don’t care what you say, I’m not signing anything p>
“Albert, if I refuse, you can’t leave me. I’ll drag this out as long as it takes. How could you do this to me? How could you betray me p>
Her voice broke. “How could you p>
Whatever guilt Albert might have felt was gone now. His eyes turned icy. “I betrayed you? What about all the times you lied? Wasn’t that deception p>
He exhaled, his tone flat. “Carola, for the sake of everything we’ve shared, can we not make this uglier than it has to be p>
He looked at her, tired. “Without me, your dad’s company would still be struggling against Latham. Did you forget why we even got married in the first place p>
Carola stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Are you threatening me right now? You’re actually threatening me… ått because of her p>