Chapter 384: Game over

Raphael’s POV

“Next time I see you, I will not hesitate to send you to jail. I am only letting you go because you were once a good mother.” The words fell heavily between us.

Her shoulders stiffened before they dropped in resignation. Her voice trembled. “I didn’t intend for things to end up like this.” She sniffed then rubbed her eyes. “I love you Raphael as a mother should and wanted the best for you but…” her voice cracked and she glanced at me.

She gave me a smile that didn’t reach her teary eyes. “Why do children have to suffer for their parents’ actions?” She said more to herself than to me.

She blinked steadying herself. “No matter what Raphael survives and even if you can’t. In your next life have parents who genuinely love you. Parents who love each other.” She stepped out.

“Have a good life Raphael and goodbye..” My eyes burned even when they shouldn’t. I should hate her but my heart still felt heavy.

The door closed with a dull thud

I watched her lonely back disappear into the alley without moving. My hand stayed on the steering wheel even after she was gone. I bent over and leaned over the wheel bowing my head.

For a long time, I did not drive. I just stayed there, staring at my feet, breathing through something I could not fully contain.

Then I finally drove off. I did not head home. I already knew where I was going before the engine started again. My mind was made up even before today. Yvonne’s words were the final push I needed.

When did I turn to this man I couldn’t recognise?

Lucien’s villa.

The road felt empty, but my head was not. Everything inside me was already decided, even if I had not spoken it yet.

By the time I reached the entrance, I stopped the car. I did not get out immediately. I just sat there, staring at the gates, my hands still on the wheel, my chest tight with something I could no longer turn away from.

I stayed in the car waiting as the seconds went by. My hands were still resting on the wheel staring at the gates.

I leaned back into the seat and let my eyes close for a while as my hand dropped to the side. The silence around me pressed in for what felt like forever until it broke.

A beam of light suddenly cut through the darkness. It hit my eyes hard enough that I lifted a hand to shield my face. When I opened my eyes again, I saw movement through the glare.

A car entered the gates. I immediately recognised it as Lucien’s car. They passed through like I was not even there their windows were up. My jaw tightened, but I stayed seated until their car disappeared deeper inside.

Only then did I exhale. I could have followed immediately, but I did not. I waited a little longer, letting myself compose my thoughts.

Then I drove in. The gates opened for me without hesitation like they expected me to come in. That alone made something bitter twist in my chest. I gave a small laugh under my breath.

The driveway was quiet when I parked. I did not turn off the engine right away. My eyes drifted to the gym bag beside me.

I reached for it, unzipped it, and pulled out the thick manilla file I had kept hidden inside..My fingers tightened around it.

Then I finally switched off the engine.

The cold outside hit me the moment I stepped out. I stood there for a second, staring at the house ahead, then I started walking.

Each step felt heavier than it should have. My breath came out in soft clouds as I climbed the steps. I paused at the door and raised my hand.

I hesitated then I pressed the bell. The sharp song echoed in the dark.

After that, I tucked my hand into my pocket and looked up at the CCTV camera. A faint smile formed on my lips, though I could not tell if it meant anything anymore.

The door clicked open. A middle-aged woman stood there, likely the housekeeper.

“How can I help you, sir?” she asked politely.

I nodded slightly. “I am here to see Lucien and Lynn, please,” I replied immediately.

Her eyes narrowed for a second, then she stepped aside. “Your coat.” she requested.

I took it off, along with my gloves, and handed them to her. She hung them away and turned back to me.

“Please come this way,” she beckoned already walking ahead. I followed her inside. She led me into the drawing room and then pointed out a seat. “Sir, do you want anything to drink?” she asked

I shook my head first, then paused. “A glass of water might do,” I replied taking my seat

“Alright then,” she muttered.

She left and came back shortly after with the water. “They will be with you shortly,” she said.

I nodded but did not touch it. I just sat there staring at the glass barely a minute passed before footsteps approached.

I reached for the glass, finally lifting it to my lips with a small smile that I could not explain even to myself. Then a voice cut through the room.

“What do you want?” the voice hissed with irritation evident in the tone. I glanced up and met her emerald eyes.

Lynn stood there, her eyes fixed on me like I had no right to be breathing the same air. She was glaring daggers at me but my smile only widened.

“No hi,” I said lightly. “That is a really rude way to address your husband.” I couldn’t help but tease

Her lips twitched like she wanted to respond with something worse, but she stopped when Lucien walked in behind her.

His hand rested on her shoulder. He leaned in and said something into her ear. I did not hear the words, but I saw the effect. Her tension eased like it was being pulled out of her.

Something in my chest tightened at that. Lucien’s gaze shifted to the envelope on the table, then to me. A faint smirk appeared.

“I can assume you are here to talk,” he said.

I took a sip of water, then placed the glass down. My throat felt tight. “I am tired,” I said honestly.

Lucien let out a quiet laugh. “So you are giving up. I thought you were more stubborn than that.”

I shook my head and opened the file. I pulled out two documents and placed them on the table. My chest tightened staring at them. This was all that defined who I was. “I am letting go,” I said. “We have played this game long enough,” I whispered. For a short moment, I saw something shift in Lynn’s gaze.

Lucien’s expression shifted slightly. He grabbed Lynn’s hand and pulled her over to take a seat. They sat across from me and gestured to the housekeeper. She stepped forward and picked up the documents, handing them to him.

“I am sorry for your loss. ” I said sincerely talking about the baby. She only snorted not bothering to waste a word on me. I sighed then glanced at Lucien.

He was reading the documents. His eyes scanned them. Lynn stayed still beside him, her expression unreadable. I tried not to stare at her but no matter how my eyes wandered they always found her. I watched the cute way her brows pulled together when she was thinking hard.

“You are certain of this?” Lucien asked after a moment.

I nodded. “I already signed. As long as Lynn signs the divorce agreement, she can file whenever she wants. Since it is mutual, it can be processed without delay, and we can settle everything else the asset split and the will that demands we stay married through the court later.” I explained smoothly despite my hand trembling with each word.

Lucien looked at Lynn as if giving permission to go ahead. She did not hesitate. She took the pen from him and decisively signed.

That single motion hit harder than I expected. My fingers tightened slightly but I didn’t let it show on my face..Lucien lifted the second document.

“You want to sell all your shares to me,” he said, almost in disbelief.

“Yes,” I replied. “There is no point holding on to them.”

I leaned forward slightly. “I am selling at market value. After restructuring next week, the official transfer will be completed. With my shares, you become the majority shareholder. Even without an heir in the will, you still remain the only contended automatically giving Gregor’s shares and absolute authority over Volkov Apex.”

I paused, like that he had everything I ever wanted “In other words, I am here to wave the white flag. You win, Lucien.”

Silence followed. I stood up from my seat and moved to the centre of the room right in front of her ..Then I went down on my knees.

My head bowed slightly. “I am sorry, Lynn,” I said. My voice came out steadier than I felt. “I am sorry for everything I caused you.”

I stayed there, not looking up, as the room went completely still around me.

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