Hutton noticed her pale face and sighed, handing her the food container.

"Valeria, I know apologies won't erase what I did. I don't expect immediate forgiveness, but losing the baby broke me too. If I could rewind, I wouldn't have invaded your privacy or left you behind..."

"Enough," Valeria interrupted, her eyes red and voice strained.

"It's pointless now. Maybe this is a sign, Hutton. Without a child, we can have a clean break."

Hutton's face fell at her words. “What do you mean?"

Valeria met his gaze. "Hutton, let's get a divorce."

The word “divorce” hung heavy in the air.

Divorce. Again.

Hutton's mind raced, replaying those suggestive messages from another man.

Why now? Did she have someone else?

"Valeria, have you ever loved me? Because if there wasn't love, then saying divorce comes easy."

Valeria remained silent, her fingers digging into the sheets.

Bitterness gnawed at Hutton. "Say something!"

He yearned for her to confess her love, anything to salvage this.

But...

"No," she finally whispered, her voice devoid of emotion. "It was a whim. I never loved you."

Hutton's eyes were bloodshot. “Seriously? Look at me. Tell me that's not true!"

Valeria took a fortifying breath and met his gaze. "It is the truth. We were a mistake. I met you, the wrong person at the wrong time. We need a divorce, Hutton.”

Hutton's stare held a fierce intensity, his bloodshot eyes brimming with a dark resolve.

Pride coursed through him like a roaring flame.