Chapter 662: What Is This?
Ava heard the words and felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her breath hitched as confusion and hurt crashed over her like a tidal wave. How could he be so ruthless, so matter-of-fact? It had been so easy for him to propose, and now, just as easily, he was presenting her with these papers.
She forced a bitter smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. What else had she expected? After all, theirs was not a love match. Erasmi had proposed marriage as a practical solution for Caius to live with both his parents.
Ava’s mind whirled, memories of their brief marriage flashing before her eyes. The late-night talks, the shared laughter, the silent understanding in their co-parenting. Had she really thought it would be different? She glanced down at the papers again, her heart heavy with indecision. Was annulment truly the right path? Hadn’t she chosen to marry him to try to understand why he did what he did?
"Is this what you really want?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is this what’s best for Caius?"
"I thought it was what you wanted too," he replied, his tone flat. "I don’t want to force you into anything. If you’re not comfortable with me, then I don’t see a point in dragging this out."
Ava took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I’m not sure," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I’m not sure what’s right anymore."
Erasmi stood up and walked to the mini bar. Casually, he poured himself a drink. "You don’t have to force yourself, Ava. You’re unable to bring yourself to even look at me. Let’s just cut things off before matters get worse."
Ava looked up, her eyes staring at his back. "That’s not fair, Erasmi. It’s not like that. Can you not give me some time to think things through? What about Caius?"
Erasmi sighed. "Sure. Take your time, Ava. You have a week. As for Caius, we don’t need to make everything about him. There’s no need to tell him or anyone anything. We can simply continue living together without..."
His voice trailed off as he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. Ava’s touch was hesitant but firm. "I do trust you, Erasmi. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but it’s the truth. The truth threw me for a loop, but it’s not that I suddenly think of you as a monster."
Erasmi felt something ease inside him at her words. He turned around slowly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of a lie. But as he looked into her eyes, he could see the truth of the words.
In a daring move that shocked even her, let alone Erasmi, Ava leaned up and pressed her lips to his.