Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 113

Chapter 113 

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Briana’s eyelashes trembled slightly. She said, “I can’t bear to let go. This is my baby too, with half my blood in its veins. 

“My brother is the only family I have left in this world. I want to have my own child, raise them, so I can have someone else to call my own. After divorcing Shepard, I figured I’d spend the rest of my life alone. 

“I’ll never trust love or marriage again. But a child, to keep me company for the rest of my life? Perhaps that wouldn’t be so bad after all.” Whenever Briana mentioned the baby, her whole demeanor softened. 

Henry stayed silent. 

Olivia said, “You really scared me for a second. I thought you still had feelings for Shepard, couldn’t move on, and wanted to use the baby as a way to stay connected to him forever. 

“Thank goodness, I was worried for nothing.” Olivia let out a long sigh and patted her chest. She would back Briana up no matter what she decided to do. 

Olivia thought, As long as Briana wasn’t hung up on romance or still hoping for something with Shepard, I’d do anything! 

Briana wanted to open a gallery, so Olivia invited Leonard, a top painter, just for her. Briana wanted a divorce, and Olivia would back her up with everything she’s got. 

Briana wanted to uncover the truth about Vivian setting the fire and prove Shepard wrong. Olivia would pull out all the stops, use every resource she had, just to find the evidence. 

Briana replied, “No way. Shepard emotionally neglected me for five whole years. If I went crawling back to him now, what would that make me?” There’s nothing left in her heart for him. She’s already moved on. 

Olivia said, “You’d better keep that clarity, Briana. Shepard is a total scumbag, the absolute worst. Just keep moving forward and never look back. Trust me, he’ll be bawling his eyes out one day.” 

Briana smiled. “All I can think about is getting this divorce finalized. But now Shepard refuses to sign the papers. He thinks if we split up, it’ll just be me, Henry, and the baby living happily ever after.” 

“So, he’d rather have a cheated wife and keep dragging things out with Vivian. He even told Mrs. Carter right there at her bedside that he’s not getting divorced.” 

“That’s a real headache,” Olivia chewed on her fingernails, deep in thought. She racked her brain for ages, but still couldn’t come up with anything. 

Olivia then said, “It’s not like we can hold a knife to Shepard’s throat and force him to sign the papers, right? The courthouse wouldn’t even let us do that. Maybe we could take him to court? But his legal team is seriously stacked.” 

Briana replied, “I’ve been racking my brain as well, trying to figure out how to get this divorce done as soon as possible,” 

She knew what Shepard was like all too well. Once he set his mind to something, he’d make it happen. Nobody could stop him, and nobody could change his mind. 

“Briana, do you really think the only reason Shepard won’t go through with the divorce is just that he doesn’t want to see us together?” Henry finally spoke up. 

“Then what else could it be?” Briana asked. 

“I can’t shake the feeling that Shepard’s starting to regret it,” Henry said. 

Briana was stunned for a moment. “Regret?” 

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Briana thought, ‘Regret. This word just doesn’t fit Shepard at all mean, what would he even have to regret? He has no idea the baby is actually his. And he’s totally in the dark about Viviani being the one behind the fire 

Henry said, “Yeah, deep down, he just can’t let you go. He wants keep you close, even if he doesn’t love you anymore. It’s all about control for him, about satisfying his macho pride. 

“Nobody likes seeing someone who was once totally devoted to them just disappear from their world forever, especially since you two were actually in love. 

“Shepard’s always acting like he’s above everyone else, like the world revolves around him. He would do everything to maintain his ego. There’s no way he’d ever admit he’s scared, weak, or that he actually needs you. 

“Briana, it’s not just five years of marriage between you two. You guys have 17 years of history as childhood sweethearts.” 

Only a man truly understands another man. Henry looked right through Shepard, even before Shepard himself realized what was going on deep inside. And Henry was the only one who caught on. 

Briana shook her head. “He and Vivian look like they’re really into each other.” 

Henry said, “But Briana, no guy would put up with being called a cuckold and stay married just to keep his wife around. You know none of it’s real. You never cheated, but to Shepard, it’s like you stabbed him in the back.” 

Briana lifted her eyes and met Henry’s stare. Briana wondered, Why does Henry think Shepard really cares about me? That’s so strange. 

She hadn’t even realized Shepard’s feelings about her. In her eyes. Shepard was cold and heartless, always messing with her or making her miserable just for his own amusement. 

Olivia coughed loudly and cleared her throat. “Forget about what Shepard thinks. It’s not important. Let him think whatever he wants, regret or not. It’s none of Briana’s business. The only thing that matters is getting this divorce over with, ASAP.” 

Olivia thought, ‘Don’t let the conversation drift. Let’s put our heads together and come up with a solid plan. Once she’s divorced, she’ll finally be free, totally liberated. 

Even if Shepard ends up begging on his knees in front of Briana I’ll say don’t waste a single ounce of pity on him. He brought this to himself. His late affection is cheaper than weeds. 

Briana said, “I agree that we need to get this done fast. If Shepard doesn’t go to the courthouse with me, those divorce papers probably just won’t end up in my hands.” 

After a brief pause, Henry finally spoke up. “I’ve got an idea.” 

Briana and Olivia instantly turned to him, their eyes shining with anticipation. 

“Remember when those intimate photos of Shepard and Vivian were all over the internet? If their scandal could set off a media frenzy, then Briana, why not make your divorce with Shepard go public too?” Henry said. 

As soon as Henry finished, Olivia smacked her hands together, her face lighting up with excitement. “That’s genius! Seriously, Henry, this is a golden move. How are you always this smart? 

“And the timing couldn’t be better. The internet’s already buzzing, calling Briana some abandoned socialite who couldn’t hold onto her man, so now she’s hustling to become a boss lady. 

“If we let the divorce rumors fly, not only will it put real pressure on Shepard to sign, but it’ll also lock in Briana’s image as a fierce, independent queen who doesn’t need anyone. Briana, are you on board with this?” 

Briana replied without hesitation, “Of course, I am 

“Alright. I’ll get the word out and drop the exact date of your divorce. Trust me, a few days later, the whole internet will be 

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glued to Carter Estate and the courthouse. Everyone will just wait to see your action. 

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“Whatever Shepard tries, Briana, you have to be there! Just camp out at the courthouse, and blow up Shepard’s phone. You need to taunt him, dare him to show up and sign the papers. Once you get those divorce papers, nothing else matters.” 

This is Briana’s last chance. If neither of them shows up at the courthouse to sign the papers, then the divorce just won’t happen. Briana would have to file for divorce and go through all the procedures all over again. 

Anything could happen if Briana waited longer. She can’t risk it, and she’s done waiting. She’s got no choice but to go all in. 

“Okay. Let’s go for it,” Briana said. 

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