Chapter 26

Evelyn's chest tightened at the sight of Leonard's exhaustion.

A heavy silence stretched between them before she finally nodded. "I'll wait. I promise."

She knew Leonard's birthday was only a month away, and the last thing she wanted was to add to his stress with her and Nathan's messy situation.

"That's wonderful! You've always been so thoughtful, Evelyn," Leonard said, his smile warm but carrying a hint of something unspoken.

Secretly, he was certain a month would be enough time to make Nathan and Evelyn reconsider their divorce.

After discussing Leonard's health for a while longer, Evelyn excused herself and retreated to her room.

The moment the door closed behind her, she grabbed her phone and dialed Nathan's number—one she still knew by heart.

His deep voice answered on the second ring. "Hello."

"Leonard agreed to the divorce," Evelyn said flatly, wasting no time.

Nathan went silent.

Leonard had actually consented?

Had Evelyn really convinced him?

Before he could respond, she continued, "But he wants us to wait until after his birthday this year."

Nathan let out a dry chuckle. "A delay tactic—this is what you wanted all along, isn't it?" His tone turned mocking. "Do you really think one month will change my mind?"

Evelyn shut her eyes briefly, frustration simmering beneath her skin. She inhaled sharply before reopening them, her gaze icy.

"Nathan, if you can get your father to agree to the divorce right now, I'll meet you at the courthouse today."

His voice darkened. "Believe me, I would. But this morning, my mother told me the doctor issued another warning—his asthma attacks are worsening. I can't risk upsetting him."

Evelyn's temper flared. "Then you should understand why I can't push him either. What choice do I have but to wait?"

A bitter laugh escaped her. "If you had shown up three years ago, we wouldn’t be here. And now you have the nerve to act like I’m the one clinging to you? Do you really think I can’t let you go?"

Nathan's jaw clenched, veins standing out on his forehead. He opened his mouth to fire back—

But Evelyn spoke first.