Chapter 3

The day Lillian returned to the capital, the spectacle was grand.

The Moore family's carriage clogged half of Royal Avenue.

From the bay window of Grant Manor, I watched from a distance as Lillian stepped down, dressed in a simple white gown, supported by her maid. A gust of wind made her sway as if she might faint at any moment.

What a delicate, tearful lily.

Alexander personally went to receive her—the first time I saw anything other than ice in his expression. Instead, there was a softness mixed with worry and tenderness. Funny.

Lillian was settled into Grant Manor, placed temporarily in the "Quill Chamber," the room nearest Alexander's study.

That evening, Alexander unexpectedly came to my quarters.

"Lillian is frail. The manor is full of busybodies. I expect you to be understanding," he stated, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

"You have my word, General Grant. I won't disturb Ms. Moore's recovery," I replied evenly.

He studied me, seeming on the verge of saying more, but only let out a cold snort before turning to leave.

No need to worry—I wouldn't bother her. In fact, I'd be packing up and getting out of his way.

The next morning, I placed the already-drafted divorce petition on the desk in his study.

I sent a servant to fetch Alexander, saying there was urgent business to discuss.

He arrived swiftly, impatience etched between his brows. "What is it?"

Without a word, I slid the document across the desk toward him. "For your review, General Grant."

The three bold characters—"Petition for Divorce"—pierced his gaze like a needle.

His breath caught in his throat.

He looked up sharply, disbelief flooding his eyes. "What... is the meaning of this?" His voice came out strained.

"It means your promise can now be fulfilled. Ms. Moore has returned. It's only right that I vacate the position I've been occupying," I said calmly.

"When did I ever say we'd end things right now?" His voice shot up, a hint of panic slipping in—even if he didn't notice it himself.

"You said, once the border was secure. Three months ago, the victory in the Northern Marches was celebrated. The king rewarded your service—all the capital knows. Now Ms. Moore is back. The timing is perfect for us to part ways cleanly."

Each word seemed to slice through the calm he'd forced upon himself.

He stared at the petition, chest heaving.

I expected him to sign it swiftly, decisively—just as he'd once cast down a dagger.

But Alexander reached out, his movement slow, almost dreamlike.

Then, before my eyes, he seized the document and tore it fiercely to shreds.

Bits of paper scattered everywhere, swirling through the air like a storm of despair.

"No! I won't allow it!" Alexander growled.

He lunged forward and seized my wrist, his grip so fierce it felt like he was trying to break it.

His eyes were bloodshot, veins standing out, and for the first time, that proud, cold face was twisted with desperation—almost begging.

"Evelyn... Where do you think you're going? You're not going anywhere," Alexander barked.

A sharp pain shot through my wrist as I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

"What's wrong with you, Alexander? You're the one who wanted a divorce, and now you've changed your mind. What am I to you?" I snapped, anger flaring.

"I haven't changed my mind! It's just... the timing isn't right," he argued, though his voice wavered.

"And when will it be?" I scoffed, yanking my hand free. "When your dear Lillian agrees, or when you finally grow tired of this twisted little game?"

My words were sharp and cutting, leaving his face pale and tense. "Evelyn! Must you be so cruel?"

"Cruel? That's rich. General Grant, you gave me a dagger on our wedding night and told me to play the lonely wife. As soon as your beloved Lillian returned, you expected me to be understanding. Now I'm doing you a favor and bowing out, but you still won't let me go. So tell me, who's truly being unreasonable here?"

He had no retort, only staring back at me with bloodshot eyes.

Just then, light footsteps approached from the hall. "Alex..." Lillian's soft, delicate voice floated in. "Are you two... arguing?"

She entered, her face paling at the sight of torn paper scattered across the floor. Tears welled in her eyes almost instantly.

"Evelyn, please don't blame Alex. This is all my fault... if only I hadn't returned..." Lillian said, her voice trembling.

Here it came—the classic scheming woman pretending to be pure and innocent.

I couldn't be bothered with her, so I just looked straight at Alexander. "Are you going to let me go or not?"

Alexander pressed his lips together, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might crack.

Seeing this, Lillian rushed over and clung to his sleeve, her voice trembling. "Alex, please don't make things hard for Evelyn. If she wants to leave, it must be because she's unhappy here... It's all my fault..."

Her words were like a match to gunpowder.

Alexander slammed his fist onto the table. "Enough! No one is leaving!"

Without another glance at either of us, he turned and strode out, his retreating figure tense and almost hurried.

Lillian stood frozen, tear tracks still glistening on her cheeks—a picture of delicate distress.

Then she turned to me, the vulnerability in her eyes replaced by something sharper, almost smug.

"Evelyn, why put yourself through this? You know where his heart lies. Clinging to the title of Mrs. Grant will only make him resent you more," she murmured.

"That's none of your business, Ms. Moore. After all, the one refusing to let me leave is the very Alex you claim doesn't care about me," I replied coolly, giving her a dismissive glance.

Lillian's face instantly darkened, her expression turning sour.

A few days later, an invitation arrived from the palace: a party in the Royal Gardens to honor the returning officers, with all noble ladies expected to attend.

Lillian made a point of visiting my quarters to offer a thinly veiled warning. "Evelyn, palace events have many rules. Do be careful not to embarrass the Grant family."

Seeing her confident smile, I simply smiled back.

Very well. I resolved then to watch and see who would ultimately be humiliated at that party.