Chapter 478

My arms tightened around Theodore's limp body. Without my support, the towering 188-cm man would have collapsed at Nathan's feet.

"I'm alright, Ms. Carter," Theodore gasped weakly, though his trembling limbs betrayed his words. He couldn't even lift his head properly.

"You can't stand. Don't lie to me about being fine."

Tears blurred my vision as I glared at Nathan, who stood perfectly composed without a hair out of place. "How dare you attack my secretary like this in front of me? What kind of monster are you, Nathan?"

His face twisted in pain at my words.

"He threw the first punch," Nathan defended hoarsely. "And I didn't actually hurt him. The paralysis will wear off by tonight. He'll recover full movement."

"Save your excuses," I spat, wiping my mouth violently with my sleeve as if his very presence contaminated me. "You're just proving what a disgusting creature you are."

Nathan flinched when he saw my tears. The way I scrubbed at my lips cut deeper than any physical blow.

"Admit it, Nathan. Are you regretting the divorce now?"

I watched his throat work as he swallowed hard.

Our eyes locked in the heavy silence, my accusing stare pinning him in place. The unspoken condemnation in my gaze made him shudder.

Seconds stretched between us with no denial from his lips. He couldn't even muster a weak protest.

Nathan clung to his last shred of dignity through sheer willpower.

"Your silence speaks volumes."

Despite my trembling voice, I forced a bitter smile. "But let me make one thing clear - even if you've changed your mind, keep those thoughts to yourself. Bury them where they'll never see daylight."

"Your so-called feelings for me are the ultimate insult to my existence."

The words transported Nathan back to that fateful day when he'd served me divorce papers.

"I'm done with this farce, Evelyn. Every moment in this sham marriage suffocates me."

"Now that Victoria's returning, it's time you relinquish your position as Mrs. Blackwood."

Every cruel word he'd ever spoken to me now echoed back to haunt him.

Nathan stumbled through the underground parking garage like a ghost.

He didn't remember how he got there. His head pounded mercilessly while his limbs moved mechanically, as if he'd battled phantoms.

All strength had drained from his body the moment he saw me.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

Oliver rushed forward when he noticed Nathan's ashen face, supporting him anxiously. "Is your migraine returning? Get in the car - I'll fetch your medication."

Pills could numb the pain in his head.

But nothing could heal the agony in his heart.

"I don't understand, Oliver."

Nathan pressed trembling hands to his temples, breathing raggedly. "I ignored her throughout our marriage. Treated her horribly. Yet she stayed. Why? Why does she despise me now when I finally want to give her everything?"

After a long pause, Oliver sighed softly. "Mr. Blackwood... it's because the young madam loved you... loved you so deeply once."

A truth more painful than any lie.

She didn't love him anymore.