Freya's POV
The world stopped spinning. I stared at Jasper's face, searching for any sign that he was joking.
He wasn't.
"You want me to stay married to you," I said slowly, "while you marry Lila. And then after she dies, we'll just pick up where we left off?"
"I know how it sounds—"
"Do you?" My voice rose. "Do you really know how it sounds?"
The civil affairs office fell silent around us. Other couples pretended not to listen while hanging on every word.
"It's practical," Jasper continued, his voice pleading. "Lila's time is limited. And then we could—"
"Could what? Have a nice life built on my sister's grave?"
"She's not really your sister—"
The slap came before I could stop myself. The sound echoed through the sterile office like a gunshot.
Jasper's head snapped to the side. A red handprint bloomed across his cheek.
"You're disgusting," I whispered.
I grabbed the divorce papers from the desk, signed them with violent strokes, and shoved them at the clerk.
"File these. Today."
"Ma'am, I explained about the waiting period—"
"I don't care. File them."
I turned to Jasper, who was still holding his cheek.
"Don't contact me again. Don't come to my office. Don't send flowers or apologies or explanations. We're done."
I walked out without looking back.
The drive to my grandmother's house felt like sleepwalking. Tree-lined streets blurred past my windows. Normal people living normal lives while mine imploded.
Grandma was in her garden when I arrived, tending to her roses with the same careful attention she'd given everything in my life.
"Freya, dear." She looked up and immediately set down her pruning shears. "What's wrong?"
I collapsed into her arms like a child.
She held me while I cried, her weathered hands stroking my hair. When the tears finally stopped, she guided me to the porch swing.
"Tell me," she said simply.
So I did. Everything. The hospital confrontation, the divorce papers, Jasper's revolting suggestion.
Grandma listened without judgment, the way she always had.
When I finished, she was quiet for a long moment.
"That boy," she finally said, "was never worthy of you."
"I loved him for years."
"I know, dear. But love doesn't excuse cruelty. And what he's doing to you is cruel."
My aunt Sarah appeared in the doorway, holding a tray of tea.
"I couldn't help overhearing," she said, settling beside us. "Good riddance, I say. Better to discover his true nature now than after you were trapped."
"But all those years—"
"Years learning what you deserve," Grandma interrupted firmly. "And it's not this."
They held me as the sun set, their unconditional love washing over me like a healing balm.
By morning, I felt stronger. Not whole, but functional.
I had a company to run.
My office felt different now. Not just because Jasper's belongings were gone, but because it was truly mine. No shared decisions. No compromises. Just my vision, my rules.
Belinda knocked on my door mid-morning.
"The new fabric samples arrived from Milan," she said, spreading swatches across my desk. "And the photographer confirmed for next week's shoot."
I buried myself in work. Color palettes. Design sketches. Business plans that didn't include a cheating fiancé.
It felt good. It felt right.
Until Belinda knocked again later that morning.
"Jasper Tristan is here," she said quietly. "He says he needs to collect his things."
My jaw tightened. "What things? I had everything boxed and sent to his apartment yesterday."
"He insists there are items in the design studio."
I sighed. "Fine. Escort him to the studio. Don't leave him alone. And make it quick."
Through my office window, I watched Jasper walk through the main floor. He looked haggard, his usual confidence replaced by something that might have been regret.
Good.
A short while later, Belinda returned.
"He's gone. But there's someone else here to see you."
"Who?"
Belinda's expression turned uncomfortable. "Lila Colby."
My blood went cold. "Tell her I'm not available."
"I tried. She says she's not leaving until she speaks with you."
I stood up, smoothing my skirt. If Lila wanted a confrontation, she'd get one.
She was waiting in the reception area, looking fragile and pale in an expensive white dress. The picture of innocence.
The sight of her made my stomach turn.
"What do you want?" I asked without preamble.
Lila's eyes filled with tears. "Freya, please. Can we talk privately?"
Against my better judgment, I led her to my office.
"You have a few minutes," I said, not offering her a seat.
Lila clasped her hands together, the picture of vulnerability.
"I know you're hurt," she began. "And I understand why you hate me—"
"Less time now."
"Jasper and I are getting married. At the Grandview Hotel."
"Congratulations. Was that all?"
"No." Lila took a shaky breath. "I need to ask you something. A favor."
I laughed harshly. "You're kidding."
"I know it's a lot to ask, but..." She looked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes. "I need you to be my witness."
The world tilted.
"Excuse me?"
"At the wedding. I need you to sign the marriage certificate as my witness."
I stared at her, waiting for the punchline. When none came, I realized she was serious.
"You want me," I said slowly, "to witness your marriage to my ex-fiancé."
"It would mean so much to me. And to Jasper. It would show everyone that there are no hard feelings, that we're still family—"
"Get out."
"Freya, please—"
"Get out of my office. Now."
Lila's fragile mask slipped slightly. "You're being selfish."
"Selfish?" My voice rose. "You steal my wedding, my dress, my fiancé, and I'm selfish for not wanting to witness it?"
"I'm dying!" Lila's voice cracked. "This is my only chance at happiness!"
"Then be happy somewhere else. Away from me."
I moved toward the door, but Lila grabbed my arm.
"Please, Freya. I'm begging you. Just this one thing—"
"Let go of me."
Her grip tightened. "You have to understand—"
I jerked my arm away, harder than I intended.
Lila stumbled backward, her balance clearly compromised by her illness. She fell toward the chair behind her, crying out dramatically.
The office door flew open. Jasper burst in, his face panicked.
"What happened? I heard shouting—"
He saw Lila on the floor, tears streaming down her face, and his expression hardened.
"Did you push her?"
"She grabbed me—"
"She's sick, Freya! She can barely stand!"
Lila struggled to her feet, Jasper immediately rushing to support her.
"I'm okay," she whispered, but her breathing was labored.
"No, you're not." Jasper's voice was furious. "Look at you."
As if on cue, Lila began to cough. Harsh, violent coughs that shook her tiny frame.
Blood appeared on her lips.
Jasper went white. "Oh God. Lila!"
She collapsed against him, blood staining her white dress.
"Call an ambulance!" Jasper shouted at me.
I stood frozen as he swept Lila into his arms.
"How could you?" His eyes blazed with fury. "She came here to make peace, and you attacked her!"
"I didn't—"
"She's dying, Freya! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
More blood appeared at the corner of Lila's mouth. Her performance was flawless.
"Are you really so venomous that you'd hurt a dying woman?" Jasper's voice was full of disgust. "What are you afraid of – that she'll live long enough for people to see what kind of person you really are?"