Chapter 364: His condition

Braelyn’s POV

My frown deepened. What offer did Lucien give him? Why was he suddenly going ahead? I found everything extremely fishy, yet my curiosity was tugged. Why was he suddenly changing his mind?

I immediately sat up, and my fingers started to rapidly type across the screen.

Lynn: What condition are you talking about? Besides, why did you change your mind? Lucien’s offer couldn’t be that good.

I interrogated him. The typing icon appeared, then disappeared. Then it appeared once more before Raphael finally sent a reply.

Raphael: (Laughing emoji ×3) This is pretty hilarious. Women are hard to please. I refuse a divorce, you angrily run away. When I finally agree to your request, you still are not pleased. What would I do to make you happy exactly?

I was left speechless for a moment. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, not certain about the reply I should send. After a while, I finally settled on something.

Lynn: Don’t dodge the question. Why did you suddenly change your mind?

I sent the text, and he didn’t answer or type for a while until finally a simple reply popped up.

Raphael: Amelia lost her baby.

My eyes went wide as saucers. That wasn’t right. I was certain the Volkovs treated her like glass. There was absolutely no way she lost the baby.

Lynn: You are kidding me, right?

Raphael: It isn’t a joke. She lost the baby. Amelia was kidnapped and ambushed yesterday, which coincidentally was when Lucien sent the divorce agreement. I rejected his offer at first and shredded it, just to be called this morning to the hospital. The baby was miscarried.

My hand trembled as I read the message. He also sent some images along with the message.

An image of Amelia’s beaten-up appearance. I almost gagged. It was impossible to recognise her with how swollen her face was. Then the second image was the top Amelia apparently wore. It was torn by the attackers with: SIGN THE DIVORCE PAPERS. TAKE THE DEAL, written on it.

My stomach churned. From the look of things, this was something Lucien was very capable of doing. I knew his methods, but the fact he could hurt a pregnant woman didn’t sit well with me. He was truly ruthless.

I held back my revulsion at the images and sent a reply.

Lynn: So you are giving up like that? I never imagined you were a quitter.

Raphael: Why do I feel like you are against the idea of divorcing me now?

Lynn: (eye-rolling emoji) I know you too well. You are not the type to give up easily, but are you certain Lucien did it?

That fact still didn’t sit well with me. Raphael then sent video evidence. It was a video of Amelia being kidnapped. I didn’t recognise any of them, but I recognised a single tattoo, one I had seen on Yelena’s cronies.

Raphael: I don’t think a lot of people would have the guts to impersonate them. Lucien has ties to the Orlov family, and honestly, I am exhausted, Lynn. There is no point fighting. I wanted power and control to protect you from the Orlovs, but you clearly don’t need my protection anymore. It is only a matter of time before Lucien gets the company. Volkov Apex is already bowing to pressure.

Raphael: Lucien offered to let me keep part of my shares and money, even though I would have to leave the board. It is better than nothing. Consider this my last gift to you and your baby. Let’s not end as complete strangers. That is worse than losing you.

His reasoning seemed foolproof, but I couldn’t help but feel something was off. Raphael was giving up because his defeat was near. Lucien was pretty formidable, although I didn’t approve of all his methods.

Lynn: What is your condition then?

I finally asked the main question that made my stomach churn. Raphael quickly answered like he was waiting for it.

Raphael: You come personally to the marriage registry on the 31st with the divorce papers for us to file it. Once the divorce is filed, we just wait out the waiting period. There is no need to stay together. I failed you as a husband; I am letting you free. We leave with our premarital assets and split what can be divided 50/50. As for the will, if we both challenge it in court, a resolution can be reached.

I paused for a moment. His request was harsh, but it was a public place. There was no way he would pull something stupid.

I was desperate to get our marriage dissolved, so I agreed.

Lynn: Fine. We can proceed on the 31st, although I might change my mind after speaking to Lucien.

Raphael: That’s fine. Have a good night, Lynn.

He gave his final reply, then left. I was dazed for a moment, staring blankly at the screen. I couldn’t believe Raphael agreed to the divorce, the same way the thought of Lucien causing Amelia’s miscarriage made my stomach churn. I tried to focus on the film, but my mind was scattered.

A pair of arms pulled me closer at the waist against toned abs. Lucien kissed me softly on my nape, and I froze for a moment as I was pulled out of my thoughts.

“What are you thinking about, Viper?” he whispered against the shell of my ear in a hoarse voice. I trembled slightly in his arms and created a bit of distance between us. Lucien wasn’t pleased about that. His hold tightened.

“What happened?” he pried, his tone a bit sharp. “Are you upset because I left halfway for long?”

He paused, then sighed as if settling on that assumption. “It was important company matters, or I wouldn’t have left you,” he explained.

I shook my head. “That isn’t the case.”

“Then what?” His frown deepened. Maybe I was a bit cold, but I felt sick to my stomach after seeing that bloody image and a glimpse of his ruthlessness.

“I am not in the mood anymore. Let’s watch the film,” I answered. “Also, Raphael messaged me. He agreed on the divorce.”

He groaned, rubbing his temples. “It’s fine if you are not in the mood,” he said, then carried my legs. “Does your ankle hurt? Let me rub it for you.” He brushed over the divorce topic like he expected it. He started massaging my legs. His movements were gentle, and honestly, it was hard imagining he was capable of those things.

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