Ava heard the words and felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her breath hitched as confusion and hurt crashed over her like a tidal wave. How could he be so ruthless, so matter-of-fact? It had been so easy for him to propose, and now, just as easily, he was presenting her with these papers.
She forced a bitter smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. What else had she expected? After all, theirs was not a love match. Erasmi had proposed marriage as a practical solution for Caius to live with both his parents.
Ava's mind whirled, memories of their brief marriage flashing before her eyes. The late-night talks, the shared laughter, the silent understanding in their co-parenting. Had she really thought it would be different? She glanced down at the papers again, her heart heavy with indecision. Was annulment truly the right path? Hadn't she chosen to marry him to try to understand why he did what he did?
