Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren)

Carlisle had been overwhelmed by the chaos at home for the past couple of days. To escape the constant tension, he had spent his nights out at social gatherings and business dinners. Tonight was no different. By the time he stumbled back home, it was already past midnight.

He made his way upstairs, slightly unsteady from the alcohol, and pushed open the bedroom door. To his surprise, Katrina was there. For a moment, he froze.

Then, a faint smirk of disdain appeared on his face.

Loosening his tie, Carlisle stepped into the room and looked condescendingly at her as he asked, "What's this? Have you finally realized you were in the wrong and decided to move back to our bedroom?"noveldrama

Since the day Katrina had announced her desire for a divorce at the engagement party, she had moved into the guest room. Carlisle hadn't paid it much mind. He assumed she would eventually swallow her pride and apologize. And here she was, just as he expected.

Feeling a smug sense of triumph, he walked over to her and turned his back, extending his arms in a clear gesture for her to help him out of his suit jacket.

"I'll let it go this time for old times' sake," he said, his tone casual but dismissive. "But don't think you can pull something like this again."

"And as for Shirley," he continued, his voice taking on a more self-righteous tone, "I only want to make up for what I owe her from our younger days. She and Ivy have been through enough. Can't you try being more understanding? Stop making things difficult for them." He glanced over his shoulder, as if expecting her to be chastened. "If you can stop causing trouble, your position as Mrs. Zachman will remain secure."

Katrina didn't respond. She just stood there, silently watching the man she had shared a life with for so many years. She thought she had long since stopped caring-that nothing he said could affect her anymore.

But his words-his accusations and blatant favoritism toward another woman-still stung. The bitterness of it all felt like a knife twisting in her chest.

She would never have married him if she had known back then that his so-called love had been nothing but a lie.

Swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat, Katrina's gaze turned cold, and her lingering affection for him disappeared completely.

"Carlisle," she said softly, her voice calm and steady. "Let's get a divorce."

Carlisle, who had been waiting for her to help him with his jacket, froze mid-motion. He turned to look at her sharply as if he hadn't heard her correctly. "What did you just say?"

Katrina met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "I said let's get a divorce. If you feel so indebted to Shirley, I won't stand in your way. I'll set you free."

Once they were divorced, he could marry whoever he wanted-it would have nothing to do with Katrina anymore.

Her tone was resolute, her expression calm, but her words carried a finality that sent a wave of unease through Carlisle.

For a brief moment, he felt a pang of panic, a sensation of losing control over something important. It unsettled him deeply. But that fleeting feeling was quickly replaced by a surge of anger.

His face darkened, and his voice

turned sharp and biting. "I thought

you'd come to your senses and were

ready to reconcile, but no-you're still trying to use divorce to pressure me into kicking Shirley and lyy out! When did you become so petty, Katrina?"

Carlisle took a step closer, his tone laced with frustration. "How many times do I have to tell you? Shirley and I are nothing like what you think. Whatever we had was over a long time ago. I only feel sorry for her and Ivy that's all. Why can't you just let it go? Why do you insist on making a scene?"

Carlisle's voice rose as he delivered his final blow, "Let me make myself clear. I'm not going to be bullied into throwing Shirley out. So, stop this nonsense. And if you keep pushing, you can kiss your title as Mrs Zachman goodbye!"