Leona Grant was rendered speechless by her calm yet forceful words.
For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
It was as if scene after scene from the past was lining up to slap him across the face.
He was filled with pain and shame, so much so that he wished he could just disappear.
He squeezed his eyes shut. Standing his ground, he met her emotionless gaze. The corners of his mouth twitched, and after a long moment, all he could manage was a single, terse phrase: "I refuse."
His tone held an almost imperceptible plea. "Annabelle Linton, I don't want a divorce..."
"Hah..."
Annabelle suddenly let out a low laugh. Her eyes remained downcast, her expression as placid as ever. Her slightly hoarse voice undulated, laced with faint mockery.
"Leona Grant, do you know why I loved you with such undying devotion for all these years?"
Annabelle's clear, misty eyes fixed on Leona, piercing him like a sword.
