Mavis was astonished to hear those words from Nathaniel. While her heart softened slightly, she maintained calm and level-headed.
"Are you asking not to divorce or for my forgiveness?" she questioned.
Nathaniel hesitated, not answering immediately.
Mavis continued, "If you're asking not to divorce, I refuse. Our marriage started as a mistake, born from my one-sided love. My persistence was defeated by reality, and we agreed to a one-year contract marriage that would end in divorce. It should have been over long ago."
She paused, glancing at the spike mat. "If you're asking for forgiveness… there's nothing to discuss about the past."
Her words clearly indicated lingering resentment.
Nathaniel sighed, explaining earnestly, "There's much you don't understand about the past. There have been misunderstandings."
"Is everything a misunderstanding in your eyes? I remember clearly every word you said and every action you took. There's no room for misunderstanding," she turned away, her tone resolute. "When it's not right, it's not right. A forced marriage won't end well."
Nathaniel could sense her pessimism. He could not help but feel a little upset at the thought that it might possibly be from her years of depression.
Hence, he softened his tone. "Marriage isn't just about us two. What about Callum? He's torn between Grandma and I, who raised him, and you, his mother who gave birth to him. Must he choose between us?"
Mavis clenched her hands tightly. Of course, she did not want Callum to feel that way. If not for her son, she would not have been trapped in this marriage for so long.
However, hearing Nathaniel use Callum as leverage irritated her.
"Mae, I know you're disheartened and want a divorce, and I won't force an immediate decision. Give me two more weeks, a chance to woo you again. If I can't change your mind, I'll agree to the divorce and custody arrangements on your terms."
It was the first time he had called her "Mae" so intimately and gently, and Mavis was momentarily stunned.
Evan quickly interjected, "Don't trust him, Mae. He's delayed the divorce so many times, and he's probably trying to trick you again. Do you want to keep being played for a fool?"
Even without Evan's warning, Mavis was thinking the same. She could not fall for it again.
She seized the moment, asking, "You hear that? Why should I trust you after all your lies?"
Nathaniel glanced at Troy.
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