Chapter 14 - The Final Page
Alina returned to the attorney’s office.
Dorian was already there.
The final divorce page waited between them.
Her attorney asked whether she was ready.
Alina looked at Dorian.
He looked tired.
Not powerful.
Not dangerous.
Just tired.
“If I sign this,” she said, “what will you do?”
“Respect it.”
“And the baby?”
“I’ll be whatever father you allow me to be, and I’ll earn the rest.”
No demand.
No threat.
No manipulation.
Alina picked up the pen.
Dorian’s face remained still.
She lowered the pen.
Then slid the papers away.
“This doesn’t mean I forgive you.”
His eyes widened.
“I know.”
“It doesn’t mean I’m coming home.”
“I know.”
“It means I’m not making a permanent decision while we’re both still bleeding from temporary circumstances.”
He stared at her.
“Alina—”
“We start over.”
His voice became rough.
“How?”
“Dinner.”
He blinked.
“Dinner?”
“One dinner.”
For the first time in months, Dorian smiled.
A real smile.
“Where?”
“Somewhere you don’t own.”
His smile widened.
“That significantly reduces our options.”
May you like
She laughed.
And that laugh was the first sound of their marriage coming back to life.
