The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 214

“Jotham, you dare to speak of love? Are you trying to tell me a joke?” Ramona’s lips curled into a cold sneer, her voice devoid of any warmth.

“I don’t deserve to, but… I really do love you.” Jotham’s brow furrowed, his pale lips trembling. He looked more vulnerable than she had ever seen him.

His knees buckled, and with a pained, tear-filled expression, he knelt before her.

A flicker of surprise crossed Ramona’s face, quickly replaced by merciless scorn. “It seems your principles are as worthless as your pride. If you want to play the part of the devoted lover, go home and perform for your Brianna. I’m sure she’d appreciate the show.”

“Ramona, this isn’t an act! It’s not about the company! I’ve thought it all through. I can give up everything, I swear! I’m here for you. I truly want… to start over with you!”

Jotham’s words tumbled out in a desperate rush as he looked at her cold, impassive face, a sharp pain twisting in his chest.

Suddenly, Ramona turned and began to walk in his direction.

Jotham, thinking he had gotten through to her, pressed on. “I know I was a fool before. I didn't appreciate you… but believe me, these past few days, you’re all I can think about… Just give me one more chance, and I swear my heart will never waver again!”

Ramona stopped. Jotham scrambled to his feet, intending to pull her into his arms, but the bodyguard blocked his path.

“Jotham, if you want to start over with me, what about Brianna?” Her voice was cool and mocking.

But Jotham was past the point of rational thought. “I can divorce her!” he declared without hesitation.

“And what if she doesn’t agree? What about Milo? He’s your son, your own flesh and blood. Surely the Holt family can’t disown him.”

“My family never approved of her as my wife anyway… whether she agrees or not doesn’t change how I feel. I only want to be with you. As for Milo, she can have him. We can have our own child.” Jotham was spiraling, willing to say or do anything to convince Ramona to take him back.

“Did you hear that, Brianna? Your husband is determined to divorce you.”

Jotham’s words had barely left his lips when Ramona’s cold laugh echoed behind him. Her gaze shifted to a point just beyond him.

Jotham froze, then slowly turned. Brianna was standing just a few feet away, her face a mask of disbelief. She stared at him, the humiliation from Ramona’s words nothing compared to the profound, soul-crushing pain that washed over her.

Was this her punishment? She had pursued Jotham all those years ago as revenge against his grandfather, Alaric Holt, who had cursed her on his deathbed. The victory she thought she had won, the devotion she believed was hers, was all a fragile lie, shattered so easily.

Jotham hung his head, not retaliating, not speaking.

The crowd grew larger, people snapping photos, others pulling up news articles on their phones. Weren't these the two from that huge scandal?

Amidst the murmurs and stares, Brianna’s face flushed with shame. She grabbed Jotham’s hand, trying to pull him away, but he stood rooted to the spot.

“I know you’re just trying to save the company. I’m angry, but I’m not going to hold this against you right now,” she said, her voice softening, assuming he was afraid of her reaction.

A bitter, desolate look crossed Jotham’s face. He looked up at her, his eyes misty, and let out a humorless laugh.

He didn't answer. Everything he had just said was the truth. For the first time in a long time, the liar had spoken from the heart, and no one believed him.

...

That night, Ramona couldn't get through to Ethan. A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach.