Those words pierced my chest like a dagger. So that was the real reason why. If that was the case, then explaining and pleading with him would no longer matter.
Numbly, I took the Divorce Settlement Agreement from him.
"Alright. I'll take a look."
What mattered now was that Lilian Summer—his first love—was back.
Over the years, our relationship—though never made public—had been no different from that of an ordinary married couple. We talked about everything and lived simply, day by day.
Every morning, I helped him choose a suit and straighten his tie before we left for the office together. In the evenings, he always updated me if he had business engagements. Before bed, he asked for my company, and sometimes we shared quiet, intimate moments in the private hot spring. A goodnight kiss was our unchanging ritual.
Whether it was our anniversary, Valentine's Day, or my birthday, he never missed a gift. Whenever I mentioned something I liked, he made it happen. He had a way of turning ordinary days into something special, filling our lives with romance and ceremony.
I truly believed our life would continue like this—peaceful and happy.
Until Lilian Summer came back.
Had she already returned to his life?
Had they been in contact all along?
During his business trip, had they met in secret?
Was he with her last night?
The thought sent a chill through me, as though Alexander were slowly tearing my heart apart.
"Don't worry, Alicia," he said calmly. "Even if we divorce, you'll still be part of the Blackwoods. You'll always be the sister I care about most."
Sister.
Two years of marriage, two years of intimacy—reduced to that single word. How was I supposed to accept it?
"We'll talk about it later," I said, forcing a smile as I lowered my head, hiding the emotions threatening to break free.
He studied me briefly, then asked, "What did you want to tell me earlier?"
I flipped through the documents in my hand and smiled faintly.
"I-It's nothing important. The new quarter's collection launch is finalized. I've already resolved the last issue."
Some things were better left unsaid.
"Is that it?" Alexander asked, frowning. I nodded stiffly. "Alright, then. Good job." Alexander's tone was flat.
As the Brand Director of Blackwood Dominion Enterprises, I knew he trusted my abilities. Any project I handled—luxury jewelry, apparel, or other high-end lines—became a market success.
"This is my responsibility," I said. "I'll head to work."
I turned to leave, not giving myself time to falter.
"Let's go together," Alexander said, already moving upstairs.
My steps paused. Bitterness surged in my chest.
How could he still say something like that? After asking for a divorce, he remained calm—unaffected. He acted as if nothing between us had changed.
"No need," I said, steadying my voice. "Since we're divorcing, it's better to keep our distance. We wouldn't want rumors."
I left immediately, almost running.
I couldn't let him see me break.
In the garage, I opened the car door but didn't start the engine. I opened my social media apps instead.
One post stood out.
Michael Livingston.
The photo showed a table filled with wine.
"A warm welcome to the beautiful Lilian. Cheers to her return. Soon we'll be drinking Alexander Blackwood's wedding wine!"
Location: Members-Only Club.
A tear fell onto the screen, blurring the words.
So after landing, Alexander had gone straight to meet her. His friends welcomed her back. They were already celebrating.
And I knew nothing.
For two years, our marriage had been invisible to everyone but the Blackwood family. He never introduced me. To the outside world, I was only an adopted daughter.
"Mrs. Blackwood?" James called when he saw my car still parked.
I wiped my face and started the engine.
I couldn't afford to be emotional.
Work was the only thing I could rely on.
I sent the brand project files to Alexander as soon as I arrived at the office.
His reply came quickly.
Approved. Keep an eye on it.
I answered with a brief "okay" and buried myself in work.
That evening, just as I was leaving the office, another message arrived.
"I have something to do tonight. Go home first." l knew what his "something" meant—time with Lilian.
Alexander: "I brought you a gift from my business trip. I forgot to give it to you. It's in the suitcase. You can get it yourself."
I replied with another simple, "Okay."
Knowing Alexander, I could tell my indifference was already irritating him.
As I left the office, hushed whispers followed me down the hallway.
"Was that the woman who just came to see CEO Blackwood? She's stunning."
"Too bad she was wearing a mask."
"Doesn't she look a lot like Lilian Summer?"
"No way. Isn't that supermodel based overseas?"
"I think she and CEO Blackwood make the perfect couple."
"Ahem—Director Alicia Sinclair."
Someone recognized me.
The whispers stopped instantly. Everyone straightened and greeted in unison, "Director Alicia Sinclair."
I lowered my gaze, my expression calm.
"It's after work," I said evenly. "Please continue with your tasks."
With that, I walked away. My steps were steady, but my heart raced wildly. My eyes burned faintly, bitterness filling my chest.
I couldn't afford to stop. I was afraid—afraid I'd see something that would completely break me.
Had Lilian already come to see him?
We weren't even divorced yet, yet he was already so indifferent. He couldn't even be bothered to offer a simple explanation—just a cold "I have something to do."
Behind me, the employees began whispering again, but this time, the topic had shifted.
"What? Director Alicia is CEO Blackwood's sister?"