Chapter 265

Harrison looked directly into Nathaniel's eyes. "Did you ever... feel anything for me?"

The question caught him off guard.

Yes, he had.

There had been moments when he'd imagined them together romantically.

He'd felt possessive of her - an undeniable pull that made him want to keep her close.

His feelings for Harrison were real, but they paled in comparison to his devotion to Isabella.

Now, with divorce inevitable, he was determined to make a clean break. No hesitation, no looking back.

His words hung heavy between them:

"Harrison, I'm in love with Isabella."

He said it clearly, without wavering.

The light in Harrison's eyes faded instantly. She regretted asking - the humiliation burned through her like fire.

Still, she wouldn't beg.

"Then let's end this."

Nathaniel nodded. "Bring your marriage certificate."

Her lips formed a tight smile as she reached into her bag. "I already have it."

She'd known exactly why he called. Before leaving, she'd taken the document from her dresser drawer.

Nathaniel gave her an appraising look before starting the car toward city hall. Thirty minutes later, they sat across from a clerk.

"Are you certain about this?" The clerk looked between them. "Finding someone to share your life with is rare. Maybe take more time to think?"

"No need," Nathaniel said flatly.

The clerk sighed. "Very well. Please sign here."

Harrison watched as Nathaniel picked up the pen. His signature was bold, decisive.

No hesitation. No regret.

He set the pen down.

Tears welled in Harrison's pale eyes. Her hands shook as she signed her name.

The clerk examined her paperwork. "Sweetheart, you don't have any family listed?"

The documents showed only her name. No parents. No relatives. Harrison had always been alone.

She nodded. "That's right."

With a final stamp, the clerk handed them each a certificate. "It's official. You're divorced."

Harrison took the paper silently. "Thank you."

Outside, Nathaniel asked, "Need a ride back to campus?"

She shook her head. "No. Go to the hospital. Isabella needs you."

Without another word, she turned away.

Harrison walked blindly through the streets. She didn't know how long she wandered. Hot tears blurred her vision, streaming down her face unchecked.

She'd started crying the moment her back was to him.

Always alone. Never belonging anywhere - until him.

In that cave years ago, he'd promised to take her with him. Said he wanted her by his side. She'd believed him.

While he'd doted on Isabella all these years, Harrison had grown up solitary. Walked her own path. Only to circle back to him.

She'd dreamed of taking his name. Building a home together.

For three years while he lay unconscious, she'd clung to that innocent hope. Determined to be his wife. Believing if she loved enough, it would work.

But the home she'd imagined was gone. No matter how hard she tried, they were never meant to be.

Exhaustion overwhelmed her. A sharp pain pierced her chest as her knees gave way.

She collapsed onto the sidewalk, wrapping her slender arms around her legs. Burying her tear-streaked face against her knees.

Her fragile shoulders shook with silent sobs. In that moment, Harrison let her heart break completely.