Untouchable After Goodbye: She Had A Secret Empire

"Let's put an end to this marriage," Cade Willis said without warning, his tone as calm as if he were settling a business deal. Three years of marriage ended in a single sentence.

He opened the drawer of his desk, pulled out a document, and slid it across the table.

"Dina's situation has become complicated," he explained while lighting a cigarette. Smoke drifted upward and softened the sharp edges of his expression. "Her husband died recently, and she's carrying his child. She has no family to lean on. With people staring and gossiping everywhere, she won't be able to endure it."

Thin strands of gray ash slowly fell from the tip of the cigarette.

"The least I can do is give her and the baby a proper name and place," he went on, meeting Claire Lloyd's eyes with distant indifference. "If you have any demands, say them now. Otherwise, sign the paper."

Dina Murphy had once been the love of Cade's life.

Now she was pregnant, carrying a fatherless child—which was exactly why Cade was leaving Claire to marry her.

The weight of Dina's situation pressed down on Claire, her mind clouded as everything around her faded into a dull haze.

She remained where she stood, unable to move. A thin layer of tears shimmered in her eyes before she could hold them back. With unsteady fingers, she reached for the document.

The bold heading at the top—DIVORCE AGREEMENT—struck her like a blow.

"Is there truly..." Her voice sounded strained and uneven. Thick bangs hung low over the frames of her glasses, making her appear fragile and defeated. "Is there truly no other option?"

A faint crease appeared between Cade's brows. "She's in a fragile state. If I abandon her now, she won't survive it. But you're not like that, Claire. You've always been strong."

Was strength the reason she had to be the one cast aside?

The thought cut through Claire like a knife and twisted deep in her chest.

Before she could steady herself, memories pulled her back to years ago. She saw the orphanage again and the boy standing there with sunlight resting on his shoulders. He had stepped in front of her with his arms spread wide, glaring at the children who liked to bully her.

"Don't you dare touch her," he had warned them.

Not long after, he had made another promise. "No matter what happens, I'll keep you safe."

That was when her heart had given in to him. From that moment on, she loved him completely, without hope of turning back.

Claire's fingers slowly curled into fists.

"Claire, don't turn this into a scene," Cade said while watching her lowered head, irritation slipping into his voice. "You and I both know our marriage was never about love. I chose you because you were the appropriate choice..."

His words trailed off for a moment as he released a slow breath of smoke.

"Claire, I assumed you at least knew how to handle things with