Chapter 8 - The Final Signature
The divorce mediation took place in the most expensive law firm in the city.
Liam sat across the long glass table from me, looking pale and completely defeated.
He didn't bring a lawyer because he couldn't afford one.
I had five of the best corporate attorneys in the country sitting behind me.
"The terms are simple, Mr. Sterling," my lead attorney stated.
"You will sign the divorce papers, and you will waive any and all rights to alimony."
"In exchange, Ms. Vance will not pursue further legal action regarding your family's harassment."
Liam stared at the thick stack of papers in front of him.
He looked up at me, his eyes filled with genuine regret.
"If I had just defended you that night... would we still be together?" he asked softly.
I looked at him without a single ounce of emotion.
"If you were a man worth loving, you would have defended me without having to think about it."
"But you are a coward, Liam, and cowards do not get to rule empires."
He swallowed hard, picking up the heavy silver pen from the table.
His hand shook as he signed his name on the dotted lines, legally severing our ties forever.
He pushed the papers across the table.
"I'm sorry, Nora," he whispered.
"I know," I replied, standing up from my chair.
I didn't shake his hand, and I didn't say goodbye.
May you like
I walked out of the conference room, leaving him alone with his monumental mistakes.
The heavy door clicked shut behind me, sounding like a final, beautiful period at the end of a terrible sentence.
