Chapter 217 A Painful Retreat
Ava's voice was laced with scorn as she addressed Alexander. "Is that fair to Isabella? She lies in a hospital bed, awaiting your divorce, a promise you've made and broken time and again. Have you considered her feelings? How can you be with her if you refuse to divorce me?"
"Rest assured, I'll handle things with Isabella," Alexander replied nonchalantly, adjusting his cufflinks with a casual air. "Even if I don't divorce you, I can still marry Isabella. Our marriage will be a mere formality - you'll be left alone, and Isabella and I will continue as we please."
William's anger erupted like a volcano. "Alexander, you're despicable," he seethed. "What you're doing is unfair to both Ava and Isabella. You're hurting them both; you're nothing but a heartless cad!"
"I am a heartless cad!" Alexander retorted, his voice laced with a cruel sneer. "Well, things have escalated to this point; might as well shatter everything completely."
He rose to his full height, his voice icy. "Ava, if you're not willing to return with me, then stay here. Don't bother going to the city hall tomorrow. We'll just prolong this; it won't hinder me from seeking pleasure elsewhere."
Alexander's slender fingers opened the car door, and he slid in without immediately igniting the engine, as if he was anticipating something.
Ava's legs buckled beneath her, and she lowered her head in torment, feeling as if she were teetering on the edge of a precipice!
Alexander's malevolent nature had managed to stun her once again. She couldn't fathom how he could stoop so low.
The tragic part was that she once believed there was some goodness in him. Now, any hint of virtue she once perceived was utterly eclipsed by his current actions!
"Ava," William moved forward to steady her, alarmed by her unsteadiness. "Let me help you take a break. Don't concern yourself with Alexander's words; he's merely attempting to intimidate you!"
Ava clung to the iron gate, acutely aware that Alexander was using the divorce as a bargaining chip. If she didn't return with him, he wouldn't consent to the divorce tomorrow.
She was utterly exhausted, entirely disillusioned with the marriage.
She didn't know if her unborn child would be safe if this continued. The doctor had emphasized the importance of proper rest for a healthy pregnancy, but with all the recent upheaval, delaying the divorce could jeopardize her health and the baby's.
No, she had to secure the divorce tomorrow, regardless of the cost!
She was weary of Alexander believing he had the right to hurt her simply because he was her husband.
Alexander, seemingly out of patience, started the car engine and sped off without a second thought.
Ava's heart fluttered as she hastily pressed the button next to the iron gate.
The gate swung open, and she dashed out.
William was hot on her heels. "Ava."
"Alexander, wait, stop!"
The car hadn't traveled far when it halted at Ava's call, just a short distance away.
Ava paused, clutching her stomach and turning to William. "I’m leaving with him tomorrow to finalize the divorce. I need to go."
"Ava, are you certain you want to accompany him? I’m concerned for your safety."
"Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. It all ends tomorrow. Thank you for everything, we’ll be in touch."
Seeing the determination in Ava's eyes, William knew there was no dissuading her.
Leaving her behind, uncertain whether she and Alexander would proceed with the divorce the next day and unsure of how long they might prolong it, Ava might not be able to endure. He reluctantly stepped back, allowing her to depart.
