The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 299

He turned his head away, and after a long silence, said, "If you decide that's what you want, I'll have Ash draw up the papers tomorrow. Whatever your terms are, I'll meet them."

His voice was flat, emotionless.

Ramona stared at him, a mixture of anger and heartbreak churning inside her. She let out a cold laugh. "Fine."

Ethan flinched, as if he hadn't expected her to agree so readily. The light in his eyes dimmed.

"A divorce is fine," she continued, her voice sharp, "but I want a settlement. I won't be greedy. Just a third of your personal assets."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "Done."

His quick agreement was another blow.

"I also want a villa. You promised me a marital home, and I haven't even lived in it yet."

"Fine," he said. "Pick whichever one you want."

Ramona nodded, her heart aching. "And one last thing."

"Name it."

"I want a wedding. A big one, for everyone to see."

The demand caught Ethan off guard. He looked up and saw her rising from her seat and walking toward him. She stopped right in front of him, her eyes blazing with a quiet fury. "You haven't fulfilled any of your promises to me. Even if we get a divorce, it will be after the wedding."

"Ramona…" Ethan didn't understand.

She grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him down toward her. He was much taller, and the movement brought his face so close to hers that he could feel her breath on his skin. His own breathing grew heavy, his brow furrowing. "Don't do this."

"Who's doing what? Am I the one making a scene, or are you?"

"Because…" The words caught in his throat. He suddenly felt like he had walked into a trap.

A flicker of hope danced in Ramona's eyes. She knew his heart. Her words had just been a desperate attempt to provoke a reaction.

Seeing his hesitation, Ramona sighed and gently took his hand, guiding it from her chin. The tension between them dissolved. She slid her other arm around his waist and rested her head against his chest, feeling the frantic pounding of his heart.

"You're with me for happiness," she whispered. "I know you've always wanted to love someone properly. And right now, we love each other."

"Ramona… I can't be that selfish." His resolve was crumbling. Her every word chipped away at his defenses. From the moment he had opened the door and seen her, he knew his struggle was futile.

"Ethan, am I important to you?" she asked, ignoring his protests.

He relaxed slightly, no longer fighting his fear. "…Very important."

"You are to me, too. You're the most important person in my life."