Chapter 6 Confrontations and Revelations

Aviah's POV

August flinched at my voice, then turned around, acting as if he'd just noticed me. His eyes flickered with momentary surprise and confusion.

I didn't care whether his reaction was genuine or feigned. At this point, I only wanted to sign the papers and leave.

"Is your meeting over? Can we sign the papers now? I arrived at eight-thirty this morning, and it's now noon. I've been waiting for three and a half hours."

To my surprise, August frowned and asked, "Who told you I was in a meeting?"

I froze, then watched as realization dawned on his face. I glanced at Scarlett, immediately understanding the situation.

August turned to his secretary, who lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.

Scarlett spoke up timidly, "August, it's my fault. I forgot to tell them that the morning meeting was canceled."

August responded by giving her hand an affectionate pat.

Then he turned to me with obvious distaste and said dismissively, "Come in."

That short sentence swept the entire incident under the rug. I had wasted an entire morning, and this was all I got in return.

But I no longer cared about such things. All that mattered was finalizing the divorce.

As I passed Scarlett, she flashed me a challenging smile.

Yet beneath that smile, her eyes were ice cold.

Entering the office, I instinctively looked toward the couch—the spot that once belonged exclusively to me.

The stuffed animals were gone.

The door to his private rest area wasn't fully closed. From where I stood, I could see everything inside.

The rocking bed I once loved had disappeared. The clothes casually strewn across the bed were all Scarlett's.

I turned my attention back to August. "Where's the agreement?"

August tossed the document toward me. I remained standing, refusing to sit down because the very thought of it made me nauseous.

According to the agreement, I would get virtually nothing.

Fine by me. I already had nothing left to lose, and I hadn't expected to gain anything from him.

All I wanted was this divorce—to sever the last tie between us.

However, there was one thing I needed to reclaim.

"I can accept these terms, but on one condition: return the things I once gave you. I don't want anything else."

The items I'd given him weren't valuable in monetary terms. But to show my devotion, I'd learned crafting skills specifically to make them by hand.

When I was six, I nearly drowned from a leg cramp while swimming. August saved me.

That year, I handcrafted an amulet, meticulously polishing it before giving it to him, hoping it would protect him for life.

At seven, a dog chased me. August had already climbed a tree to safety, but he jumped down to fight the dog for my sake, ending up with three stitches.

That year, I made matching pendants—half for each of us—symbolizing our lifelong bond.

Every year thereafter, I gave him something I considered precious to commemorate our relationship.

Until I turned twenty, when I accepted his proposal, ready to give him my body. I had envisioned our happy future together.

But who could have imagined?

All that beauty, all those promises—they were nothing but lies. All lies.

Scarlett let out a scornful laugh. "Those things? They were thrown away ages ago."

August seemed about to say something, but I cut him off.

"Good. That's for the best," I said.

I took out my own pen and signed the document decisively.

"If you're not busy right now, we can go to the courthouse immediately to finalize the divorce."

Instead of answering my question, August asked, "Aviah, don't you have anything else to say to me?"

His expression was puzzled, his eyes filled with confusion, and his tone probing and disbelieving.

I looked at him, perplexed. "What? Isn't this exactly what you've been wanting?"

I noticed something unreadable in the way he looked at me, which I found confusing.

August spoke again. "Not today. I have several meetings scheduled. I can't waste time on you. I'll contact you when I'm available."

I could only ask, "When will that be?"

August considered for a moment. "Hard to say. I'm very busy lately. I'll contact you when I have time. I'm glad you've agreed to the divorce. It won't be too long."

I realized he was right. After all, he had been the one insisting on a divorce all this time. Why would he change his mind now?

I picked up the divorce agreement and prepared to leave.

As I was about to exit the building, Scarlett stopped me at the entrance.

"Aviah, thank you for giving August to me," she said.

Looking at her clothing, I was suddenly struck by a realization.

The outfit she wore was one I had once loved. Why was she wearing it?

Was she deliberately trying to provoke me? Or was there another reason?

Her face shone with pride and satisfaction, and I grew more confused.

Six years ago, Scarlett had August wrapped around her finger. How had their dynamic seemingly reversed in the years since?

It felt as though August now had the upper hand in their relationship, not Scarlett.

But I didn't care to dwell on these matters. None of this concerned me anymore. Even if I figured out the truth, what difference would it make?

I looked at her and suddenly flashed a captivating smile.

My unexpected change in demeanor made Scarlett take two steps back. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered.

I raised an eyebrow and took a deep, appreciative breath. "The scent of fear. Scarlett, what are you afraid of? Are you worried I might seek revenge?"