Chapter 16: I Want A Divorce
Caspian’s question had hung in the air like a loaded gun, pointed straight at Celestia.
For the first time in years, his mother—so commanding, so sure of herself—was at a loss for words.
Her bravado wilted, and she shifted uncomfortably under his unwavering stare.
Celestia’s Guilty Defense
Her voice wavered as she spoke.
“I didn’t say anything too harsh. If it seemed that way, it’s only because Selene crossed a line first. Isn’t it fair that I speak up?”
One of Caspian’s uncles scoffed.
“She’s right, Caspian. Are you even aware of the rumors swirling around about Selene? She’s been squandering money on male escorts. It’s utterly shameful. You should consider a divorce before her actions tarnish your reputation.”
Another relative chimed in.
“Frankly, you should just divorce—”
Caspian’s Explosive Response
“Shut up, all of you!”
Caspian’s voice boomed like a thunderclap, silencing the room instantly.
His sharp gaze swept over the gathered faces, his tone laced with cold sarcasm.
“It appears you’ve all thoroughly enjoyed your little dramas over the years, losing sight of reality. Have you forgotten who laid the foundation for our family’s success?”
A low murmur broke out among the elders.
“Without the Lyra family, the Vales would never have reached these heights.”
Caspian’s fierce glare snapped their whispers into silence.
His next words came slow and deliberate, each syllable like an unshakable verdict.
“Whatever issues exist between Selene and me, they remain ours to resolve. The decision to stay married or not is also ours alone.”
Then, his gaze locked onto Dorian, unflinching.
“Dad, the debt is yours to the Lyras. If you’re so inclined to settle it, by all means, go ahead. As for me, I see Lyra merely as a sister; I did nothing wrong, and I owe her nothing.”
Dorian’s Fury
Dorian’s expression darkened, his voice rising with anger.
“Brat! Do you even hear yourself? What about Lyra’s baby? You don’t actually suggest she get rid of it, do you?”
A new voice cut through the tension like a blade.
“Why not?”
Selene’s Grand Entrance
All heads turned.
Selene had arrived.
Her heels clicked against the marble floor, her posture straight and unyielding.
The maid looked uneasy, her hands twisting in her apron.
“I announced Mrs. Vale’s arrival, but it seems no one heard…” she mumbled, her voice a mix of nerves and apology.
Selene’s lips curled into a sardonic smile.
Her voice was mocking, but eerily calm.
“Oh, so you remember I’m Caspian’s wife? Then why does it feel so wrong for me to return to my own home?”
She advanced into the room, stopping decisively in front of Caspian.
With a swift movement, she brandished a piece of paper.
A medical report.
Her voice was measured, but sharp as glass.
“Caspian, I made it clear before—I wanted Lyra to get rid of the baby.”
“I asked if you’d stand in my way, and you had nothing to say.”
She thrust the paper into his hands, her eyes cold.
“Now, it’s too late to change anything because…
It’s already done.”
Chaos Ensues
Pandemonium.
The moment those words left Selene’s lips, the room erupted in chaos.
Celestia shot up from her seat, pointing a shaking finger at Selene.
“Selene! Have you lost your mind? How could you even think such a thing?! Lyra was carrying Caspian’s child—it’s part of this family!”
Selene merely shrugged, unbothered.
Her expression gave nothing away.
“So what?” she said coolly. “Should we have just let her have the baby and wait for the media to turn it into a circus?”
Her gaze flicked to Dorian, watching his face tighten as the implications dawned on him.
“You know, Celestia, Caspian and I are still legally married.”
“Acknowledging that child would invite an investigation, dragging the whole Vale family through the mud.”
She let her words sink in, before delivering the final blow.
“Surely, you’re not stupid enough to miss the fact that people are lining up, just waiting to watch Dorian get torn to shreds.”
The Hidden Truths of the Vales
The rest of the family, although secretly agreeing with Selene’s logic, felt a twinge of discomfort at her ruthlessness.
Some speculated that Caspian divorcing her might actually be advantageous.
With Lazarus gone, Selene had no real backing left, and Zephyr had already distanced himself from her.
The battle for inheritance was just beginning.
“But forcing Lyra into an abortion? That’s monstrous!” Dorian spat, his rage barely contained.
Selene’s gaze locked onto his.
Her voice steely, unwavering.
“Dorian, I refuse to accept another woman bearing my husband’s child.”
“That’s final.”
A Man’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Through it all, Caspian remained silent.
Unmoved. Unaffected.
His lack of reaction to Lyra’s pregnancy being terminated sent a ripple of unease through the room.
Even Selene.
She turned to look at him, searching his face.
And what she saw made her chest tighten.
Indifference.
Not anger. Not shock.
Just… nothing.
And that, more than anything, startled her.
She had expected rage, fury, accusations.
Instead, she saw a man who had already let go of something she never realized he had been holding onto.
A glimmer of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she shoved it down before it could take root.
She had already decided—Caspian Vale was no longer a man worth her time.
The Final Verdict
Her expression hardened.
She turned to Caspian, meeting his gaze head-on.
Her voice was steady, unyielding.
“Once Caspian and I are divorced, Lyra is free to have all the Vale heirs she desires.”
Then, facing Caspian directly, she declared—
“Caspian, I came today for one reason—
To talk about our divorce.”
