Capítulo 21: There Was No Reason For Him To Persuade Her Otherwise

Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma were reluctant to leave Liliana alone with Asher but, they understood the spouses needed privacy. They just watched in silence when Liliana led Asher out of the lounge.

"Lili will be fine, right?" Old Madam Shen's tone was imbued with deep concern.

"She will be," Madam Ma reassured the older lady, "Since the Young Master is here, they should have a private talk."

Old Madam Shen hummed in understanding.

Deep inside her heart, a desire to see Liliana and Asher reconciled still lit up faintly but... it was just her wishful thinking.

Old Madam Shen didn't want Liliana to grow resentful as the disappointment kept piling up. Her happiness was also at stake.

Her grandson had to let go of the young maiden.

If Asher still wouldn't agree with the divorce after his talk with Liliana, Old Madam Shen had to fully utilize her power as the family matriarch. She hadn't done so because she wished to see one bit of decency coming from her grandson.

Liliana brought Asher to the library at the end of the hallway. The place was quiet and had a set of comfortable couches there. They sat opposite one another.

They hadn't seen each other in almost a week. Asher still looked immaculate in his tailored black three-piece suit but, Liliana could see the irritation he tried suppressing beneath his impassive gaze.

If this was before, Liliana would wreck her brain thinking of not doing anything that might add more to Asher's annoyance.

Their relationship was already bad. She didn't want to add more strain to it.

But, now... She won't be that foolish again.

Liliana masked the turbulence in her heart with an expressionless gaze. She asked monotonously, "Have you signed the document?"

Asher's swordlike brows almost merged together. He replied with anger lacing his tone, "Do you really have to go that far? Asking for a divorce right now?"

"Why? Do you think I should ask for it earlier?"

Liliana retorted with a question of her own. Mockery flickered briefly in her eyes.

Asher's frown deepened.

"What do you want, Liliana? We've been spouses for four years. What makes you want to divorce?"

From the first day Asher received the formal letter from Attorney Su, he kept asking himself what was wrong with their marriage. To him, everything was passable for a business marriage.

Most marriages in high society happened because of the power wielded was sought after by the two parties involved. It was a norm known by everyone.

After three days, Asher decided to go to his grandmother's villa at the private beach. He was unable to reach Liliana at all. Every call and text didn't go through her phone.

Hearing those questions, Liliana sneered. Her heart throbbed painfully. Those words painted her as someone who was ungrateful and throwing a tantrum.

Her sneer grew deeper at the sight of Asher still wearing the wedding ring.

Why didn't he throw it out yet? To show the world that he was the unwilling party in this divorce?

"What do I want? What makes me want to divorce you? Of course... you won't ever know or notice, right?"

Liliana threw the questions back to Asher.

From the past four years, Liliana could count on her fingers how many times they sat alone to have a private conversation. Pillow talks that were more intimate were out of the question already.

Taking in a deep breath, Liliana kept her gaze locked onto Asher's eyes. Her voice was a bit shaky when she finally spoke again.

"I admit that I didn't tell you what I felt before, but... enough is enough. I don't want to live like this anymore nor do I want to fix it."

The unpleasant memories laced with heartbreak swirled up from the bottom of her mind. Every one of them was conflicting with her hope and sorrow.

"What do you mean by fixing it? Liliana, remember. Our marriage is business from the start. Haven't I reminded you before?"

Asher clenched his jaw. The more he talked to his wife, the more he couldn't understand her.

What was wrong with the way they lived?

Even though he didn't love her, he also didn't look for other women outside. Wasn't he better than most wealthy men who had countless mistresses?

Liliana swallowed back the bitterness overflowing her heart. What Asher had just said brought more uncomfortable memories to her.

"Yes, I remember," answered Liliana faintly, "You mentioned it twice. On our first formal meeting and on our wedding night."

That was why she never confessed her heart to him.

Asher had made it clear that there wouldn't be love in their marriage. She was the foolish one who kept hoping for his heart.

"Liliana," Asher growled, the whites in his eyes slowly turning red, "This is the last time I'll ask. Are you aware of the consequences if we ever divorce?"

"I'm prepared," Liliana nodded, "Being Young Madam Shen doesn't even suit me. Many will be happy with this news. Even though the Xin family will be upset with me, I still have Grandma's support."

Her last sentence was too frank. She didn't conceal that she was depending on his grandmother's affection for her.

Asher pursed his lips into a straight line. Ever since the day he saw his wife in the hospital almost one week ago, he had felt something was different with her.

The Liliana that Asher remembered what a calm and quiet wife. She carried herself well during the times they had to appear as a couple in public.

Throughout their marriage, Liliana never demanded any unnecessary attention from him. Asher was satisfied with that.

If Liliana pressured him into giving her love or being however a husband should be, Asher wouldn't accept that. To him, she was a perfect marriage partner who didn't give him troubles, but...

By how things were going right now, it was better if he cut off such an unreliable partner.

This would save him trouble in the future. He was already displeased with her stunt this time.

There was no reason for him to persuade her otherwise. The initial shock he had before had disappeared.

"Since you're eager, there's no reason for me to object. I'll sign the paper."

Asher's words stunned Liliana. Her expression froze.

Did he really agree to a divorce?

Was she dreaming?

Ignoring how surprised Liliana was, Asher continued talking, "My lawyer will represent me. I won't dispute any of the demands listed by Attorney Su. It's my grandmother's doing after all. Also, our divorce won't affect the Shen and the Xin family's collaboration."

"...yes."

Liliana was still fazed. Her hands began trembling.

Asher rose to his feet. Looking at Liliana, he added the last matter, "The maids will pack your belongings. Tell Caleb where you want them to be shipped to. Come back to check on them later."

"I'll do that," answered Liliana quietly. Her eyes started to be blurred by unshed tears, "Also... you should stop wearing your wedding ring. It's so detestable seeing you with that."

Asher flinched. Gritting his teeth, he glanced at the ring on his left hand.

"It's not your business."

Without giving Liliana one last look, he left the library. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded.

Liliana blinked her eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks. In her sadness, relief and joy also followed.

Finally, everything was nearing the end.