{BL} Dear Husband, I want Divorce [READ ON WEBNOVEL]

16 Deal Is Sealed

Ash’s pov ; 

The sound of the door opening jolted me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Elijah and his lawyer enter the room. 

I stayed seated, keeping my face impassive despite the nervousness bubbling in my stomach. I watched as Elijah sat across from me, his cold gaze piercing deep into my soul. 

"So," his voice tinged with an arrogance that set my teeth on edge. His lips quivered into a smile that made me feel chills. "Have you come to a decision, my dear little actor?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. This was not a decision but an ultimatum, I reminded myself. I couldn't back down now that I'm actually facing it, not when so much was at stake. 

If it were within my power, I would never marry him again, not in this life or another.

"Before I give my answer, I want you to grant me three requests." My voice was surprisingly steady, but I could feel my hands trembling, the slight shake betraying my inner turmoil.

Elijah raised an eyebrow, a look of amusement crossing his face. It seemed he wasn't interested in whatever I have to say and just seeking pleasure from my sorry self. 

"You are in no position to bargain,” He reminded me calmly. 

I kept my gaze level, ignoring the anxiety churning in my stomach. "My answer depends on these three conditions," I said firmly, trying to hide the quiver in my voice.

His eyes flashed with irritation but also curiosity. He leaned back in his chair, studying me carefully for a few seconds. "You have five minutes."

I took a deep breath, hoping against hope that my plan would work. "First, I want you to release all the evidence of the charges against me. I want this whole case dropped. I want you to make a public statement clearing my name and a public apology from Samantha saying that she did it to frame me because she was jealous of my popularity.” 

His mouth twitched slightly yet he stayed calm. He didn't say anything, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind, the slight narrowing of his eyes, the way his nostrils flared ever so slightly. His jaw tightened, and I could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.

"Second," I continued when he didn't question anything, my voice grew stronger with each word, "I want you to return the company to Noah. It was never yours to begin with, and you have no right to keep it from him."

His lips curled into a sneer at this demand. He glanced at his lawyer, who simply shrugged with a nonchalant air. 

"And third," I said, taking another deep breath. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweaty on this demand. I swallowed, feeling a lump in my throat that threatened to choke me. 

"I want you to tell me the truth."

His brow quickly  furrowed in confusion. He looked at me, his gaze searching, piercing through me as if trying to read my very soul. 

"What do you mean?" he asked, his voice dripping with suspicion. 

“Why did you frame me for fraud? Why are you trying to ruin my life? What revenge are you talking about?” 

His face darkened and the hair on my skin stood by the menacing look in his eyes. They were devoid of any warmth, bore into mine with a cold and unrelenting intensity. 

"Three months. Right after three months you'll find out."

I could feel the blood draining from my face, a cold chill running down my spine, and my stomach lurched with a sickening dread. Three months...I couldn't survive in this hellhole for three months.