The third package was heavier than Alexander expected.
He lifted the lid with trembling fingers, aware that three hundred pairs of eyes watched his every movement. His father stood beside him, still holding the returned signet ring.
Inside the elegant black box lay two documents that would change everything.
The first was a divorce agreement–twenty pages of legal text that reduced six years of marriage to cold, clinical terms. My signature was already there, witnessed and notarized. All it needed was his.
But it was the second document that made Alexander’s face drain of all color.
A medical report from St. Mary’s Hospital, dated three days ago. The letterhead was unmistakable, the doctor’s signature authentic.
His hands shook as he read the diagnosis. Then read it again.
“Severe internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen…”
“Emergency surgery required to prevent…”
“Patient suffered miscarriage at approximately six weeks…”
“Injuries consistent with violent impact…”
The paper slipped from his fingers, floating to the marble floor like a dying leaf.
Victoria, who had been watching from across the room, approached slowly. Her face was the picture of innocent concern as she read over his shoulder.
“Alexander? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
But Edward Blackwood had already picked up the medical report. His weathered hands gripped the paper as he read each devastating line.
The color left his face entirely.
Alexander tried to speak, but no words came.
How could you do this to her? Edward’s voice broke.
“Father, let me explain-”
“Explain?” Edward’s voice rose, filling the vast space.
The guests began murmuring among themselves. Camera phones appeared, capturing every moment of the Blackwood family’s public downfall.
Victoria stepped closer to Alexander, her hand finding his arm. “Darling, I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding. Lauren probably-”
“Don’t.” Edward’s eyes blazed as he turned to Victoria. Don’t you dare speak her name.
The old man’s chest began to rise and fall rapidly. His face was flushed, his breathing becoming labored.
He pressed his hand to his chest, struggling for air.
“Father, please, you need to calm down-”
“Calm down?” Edward’s eyes were wild now. I’m disappointed.
CHAPTER 6
33
26.10
3:53 am
The words hit Alexander like physical blows. Around them, the remaining guests gasped and whispered.
Edward swayed on his feet, his face turning pale. “I should have protected her better. I shoul have seen what you were becoming.”
“Grandfather!” Alexander reached out, but Edward pushed him away.
“Don’t touch me.
The medical report fell from Edward’s trembling hands as he clutched his chest. His breathing became shallow, rapid.
“Call an ambulance!” someone shouted from the crowd.
But Edward’s eyes remained fixed on Alexander, filled with disappointment and disgust that cu deeper than any physical pain.
“If I had known… if I had known what kind of man you would become, I never would have arranged this marriage. I never would have let you destroy that beautiful girl.”
His voice was barely audible now. “She was the daughter I never had. And you…”
Edward’s knees buckled. Alexander caught him as he fell, but the old man’s eyes were already rolling back.
“Father! Stay with me!”
“Call an ambulance!” someone shouted as Edward collapsed, clutching his chest.
The paramedics arrived within minutes, but it was too late. Edward Blackwood collapsed in front of three hundred witnesses, the medical report scattered at his feet like evidence of his grandson’s crimes.
As they loaded Edward into the ambulance, the ballroom slowly emptied. Guests filed out in uncomfortable silence, already composing the social media posts that would destroy the Blackwood name by morning.
Victoria tried to approach Alexander, but he held up a hand to stop her.
“Don’t. Just… don’t.”
When the last guest had gone, Alexander stood alone in the center of the empty ballroom.
The divorce papers lay scattered around his feet where Edward had dropped them. The medical report was stained with his father’s tears.
For the first time in years, Alexander was completely, utterly alone.
He knelt down and gathered the papers with shaking hands. The divorce agreement was detailed, thorough. I had planned this carefully, strategically.
But it wasn’t just about ending our marriage. It was about ending him entirely.
For the first time in his adult life, no one was waiting for his orders, his attention, or his approval.
With no expression at all, he tore the divorce agreement into pieces.
3:53 am DDD
CHAPTER 7
