Chương 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.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
hansora
hansora So suffocating :/ good riddance!
Chương 22: She Was Not A Child Throwing Tantrums
With the agreement reached between Liliana and Asher, the divorce process was sped up. They just needed to wait for the court hearing.
Because neither of them wished to change the agreement, the proceedings should end in less than a month.
Liliana still stayed at the beach house. Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma also didn't show any signs that they wanted to return to the Shen ancestral home.
Two days after Asher's appearance, two other guests also turned up in the late afternoon. They had to request permission before going there so, Liliana was not exactly surprised.
The guests were Thomas and Katherine, Liliana's father and stepmother. They rushed here to meet Liliana after being unable to reach her phone.
Despite being dissatisfied with Liliana's sudden divorce request to Asher, Thomas and Katherine still put on an amicable mask. They had long learned how deep Old Madam Shen's affection toward Liliana was.
If they made the Shen family's matriarch unhappy, they might be put into jeopardy.
After greeting Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma in the lounge, Thomas slowly brought up the subject. He glanced at Liliana who sat next to the Shen family's matriarch.
"It seems like my daughter is recovering well under your care, Old Madam Shen. No wonder she still stays here with you until now."
Liliana put on a poker face. The fakery in her father's voice didn't go unnoticed by her. He even addressed her as his daughter.
Thomas Xin was in his early 50s. Despite his age, his appearance was still good, unlike most wealthy men with pot bellies.
Thomas was known to be the most promising bachelor during his younger days. With his looks and good family background, many women of high society eyed him.
Many hearts were broken because of his marriage to Katherine. They were equally attractive and stood on the same standing in high society.
"Lili is really in a need of good care," Old Madam Shen smiled yet, it was not reflected in her eyes. Her gaze on Thomas was cold, "I was surprised seeing she was alone in the hospital. Since your helpers are too busy, it's better if I take care of Lili myself."
Thomas and Katherine's calm dispositions cracked under the old madam's words. Old Madam Shen clearly chastised them for the lack of care they showed Liliana during her miscarriage.
Katherine spoke up. She looked at Old Madam Shen before her gaze settled on Liliana, "I shall ask for forgiveness. I didn't pay attention properly when Liliana was hospitalized."
One corner of Liliana's lips turned up. She was silently enjoying the show.
Katherine didn't welcome her when Liliana was first brought to the Xin family's door. The young madam outrightly reminded Liliana to behave well and not cause trouble in the household.
Throughout the years Liliana lived under the Xin family's roof, Katherine never physically abused her. Insulting words never came out of her mouth but, Katherine didn't stop her eldest daughter Deanna from tormenting Liliana.
Perhaps to Katherine, Liliana's existence was an eyesore yet not important enough. She didn't need to exert her own efforts to keep Liliana in check.
Old Madam Shen didn't reply to Katherine. Tilting her head, she glanced at Liliana.
"Lili, it seems like your parents want to have some time with you. Should I accompany you here?"
Old Madam Shen didn't want to waste any of their time. Even though neither Thomas nor Katherine had directly mentioned the divorce, their intention was still clear. If not, they wouldn't be here.
Liliana politely declined. She gently squeezed Old Madam Shen's arm, "It's fine, Grandma. You and Aunt Ma shouldn't be bothered with this matter."
Old Madam Shen respected Liliana's wish. She and Madam Ma slowly left the lounge, giving them privacy.
Once the two ladies were gone, Liliana immediately brought up the crucial subject.
"Father and Aunt Katherine, are you here because of my divorce from Asher?"
Thomas and Katherine looked at each other before focusing on Liliana. Her appearance was a bit gaunt, perhaps due to the stress she suffered because of the miscarriage.
"Liliana, what are you thinking?" Thomas hissed, restraining himself from loudly scolding his eldest daughter, "You suddenly asked for a divorce?! You didn't even tell us first!"
"Yes, Liliana, what's wrong with you?" Katherine frowned. Her delicately trimmed eyebrows scrunched up, "You're doing good with Asher until now so why? Is it because he's not there when you're in the hospital? You should know how busy he is. You even drag Old Madam Shen into this."
Liliana's lips twitched. She unconsciously clenched her hands that were sitting on her lap. Her father and stepmother's words sounded as if she was a child throwing tantrums.
Even though Liliana was hurt by the accusations, she didn't have the energy to refute them. If possible, she wanted her father and stepmother to quickly leave.
"We no longer have anything in common. If you're worried about the company, don't be. Asher has promised that our divorce won't affect both sides."
Thomas threw a glare at Liliana. She was implying that all he was concerned about was the company.
"Retract your decision. This is stupid!" Thomas exclaimed sternly, "Are you that intend to let your position go? You yourself know how many young ladies want your position! You're lucky to be chosen."
Liliana tilted her head, studying her father's displeased look. She slowly enunciated, "I'm aware of that. People have been whispering behind my back how I don't suit as Young Madam Shen. Shouldn't I just let it go to another befitting woman?"
Thomas was annoyed seeing how unwavering Liliana was right now. She was usually quiet and timid around him even after marrying into the Shen family.
What made her change?
Changing his tactic, Thomas asked, "Have you ever thought of the consequences? Your mother is still lying comatose until now."
Liliana's gaze sharpened, sensing the threat underlying those words. Narrowing her eyes, she threw a question to Thomas.
"Father, are you intimidating me?"
Thomas shrugged, "Does it seem like a threat? I don't know. You have the answer."
Liliana had already thought of this possibility. She was not that stupid to weigh everything before coming this far.
With a triumphant smile, Liliana shattered Thomas' hope.
"Father, it seems like you've forgotten who's behind my back. Whether I'm still Asher's wife or not, Grandma Shen will continue to support me."
The horrified look on both Thomas and Katherine's faces cheered Liliana up. She never thought that she would be able to see them like that because of that.
So what if she lost the title coveted by many?
Wasn't it greater to have such unwavering support behind her?
Now, it was time to live for herself.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO
hansora
hansora
I have checked several divorce proceedings but, not quite sure in the end :/ please take what happened in this book as a fictional work
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