156 The Unsigned Divorce and a Brother’s Plea
“Yes,” she answered finally. “As soon as he signs the papers.”
“I brought you something,” Ethan said suddenly, reaching into his messenger bag. He pulled out a small potted plant with delicate purple flowers. “It’s lavender. Supposed to help with sleep and relaxation.”
He nodded, pulling up a chair beside the bed. “You had everyone worried. I’ve never seen Eleanor so frantic.”
“Hey,” he said, hovering at the doorway. “Eleanor said you were awake. Is it okay if I come in?”
“Tomorrow’s fine,” Elara agreed, her mind already elsewhere.
Elara felt a rush of gratitude for her grandmother’s concern. “Yes, just… a lot on my
mind.”
Ethan’s expression brightened. “That would be great. I was going to ask my brother, but he said he had something to do and told me to ask you instead.”
The fire crackled welcomingly in the grand fireplace. Ethan helped her settle on the plush sofa, arranging a throw blanket over her legs.
“Oh?”
The thoughtful gesture touched her. “Thank you, Ethan. That’s very kind.”
“I see,” she said, keeping her voice carefully neutral. “When would you like to go over the problems?”
Her steps faltered slightly at this information, but she nodded. “Thank you for telling
me.”
“I’m a bit rusty,” she admitted. “But I’d be happy to help if I can.”
She wasn’t sure how t
had passed when footsteps roused her. Opening her eyes, she saw Damien walking toward the staircase, phone pressed to his ear, his voice too low to make out the words. He didn’t look her way as he disappeared upstairs.
“No.” The word came out more bitter than she intended.
156 The Unsigned Divorce and a Brother’s Plea
“I’m sorry to cause trouble.”
When she’d eaten what she could, Elara carefully pushed her bowl away. “I think it go to the living room for a while. It’s nice to be out of bed.”
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “I texted Damien to ask if I could visit.
He said it was fine.”
This time, she wouldn’t leave without an answer.
“Comfortable?” he asked.
An awkward silence settled between them. Elara had always liked Ethan. Unlike Damien, he didn’t wear coldness like armor. But their interactions had been limited, especially in recent years.
“Good idea,” Eleanor agreed. “There’s a lovely fire going. Damien, help her to the sofa.” “By the way,” Ethan mentioned casually, “Damien’s downstairs. Just so you know.”
He placed the plant on the nightstand, looking pleased. “Clara mentioned you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately.”
The journey downstairs was slow but manageable. Elara could feel her strength returning with each step, though she kept her grip on Ethan’s arm.
“Thank you, Martha,” Elara said sincerely.
As Ethan chatted about his university classes, Elara made a silent resolution. She had been patient long enough. As soon as she returned to full health, she would confront Damien about the unsigned divorce papers.
“Take your time,” Ethan said patiently.
Nearly three months had passed since she’d presented Damien with the divorce agreement. Three months of waiting for him to sign the papers that would finally free her from this hollow marriage. Yet the document remained unsigned, sitting in his office like an afterthought.
In the dining room, Martha had set a place for her at the large table. Th
ma of
chicken soup filled the air, making her realize she was actually hungry for the first time
in days.
156 The Unsigned Divorce and a Brother’s Plea
“Excellent. Ethan, help her down, will you? I’ll tell Martha to set the table,”
Once Eleanor left, Ethan offered Elara his arm for support. She swung her legs over the side of the bed slowly, testing her strength.
He hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but just nodded and stepped back. “I’ll check on you later.”
“Ecstatic,” Eleanor replied dryly.
“Thank you,” she said, selecting a slice of apple. “You’ve been very kind today.”
“How’s the soup, dear?” Eleanor asked, clearly trying to ease the tension.
A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts. She shifted against the pillows, pulling the blanket higher.
Ethan approached the bed, genuine concern in his eyes. “How are you feeling?”
The door opened to reveal Ethan Thorne, Damien’s younger brother. At twenty–two, he resembled Damien in height and build, but his features were softer, his manner less intimidating.
With obvious reluctance, he set the phone face–down on the table. “Happy now, Grandmother?”
The direct question caught her off guard. She hadn’t realized Ethan knew about the divorce.
Damien didn’t look up. “It’s important.”
“Don’t apologize,” Ethan said quickly. “It’s not your
fault you got sick.”
“Elara, dear, you’re awake,” she said warmly. “And Ethan, I didn’t know you were visiting.”
The mention of Damien’s permission made something in Elara’s chest tighten. Even here, in his childhood home, he maintained control over who could see her.
Elara finished her soup in silence, acutely aware of Damien beside her. Thour* *hey sat inches apart, the emotional distance between them stretched miles. Eleanor took her seat across from them, eyeing Damien with disapproval as he continued typing on his phone. “Damien, put that away. It’s rude to use your phone at
158 The Unsigned Divorce and a Brother’s Plea
the table.”
Damien didn’t protest, already reaching for his phone again. Elara accepted Ethan’s arm gratefully, letting him guide her to the living room.
Was he intentionally delaying? Or simply indifferent? Either way, the result was the same – she remained trapped in limbo.
Ethan sat in the armchair opposite her, looking suddenly uncomfortable. “Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you.”
Elara stood carefully, grateful for his steady presence as a wave of dizziness passed through her. When it subsided, they made their way slowly toward the door.
The weak afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains of Damien’s childhood bedroom at Thorne Manor. Elara stared at the ceiling, her strength slowly returning after three days of fever. Her mind, however, remained restless.
Elara managed a small smile. “Of course, Ethan.”
Martha served the steaming soup with fresh bread on the side. “Eat up, Mrs. Thorne. You need your strength back.”
“Very,” she assured him. “Thank
you, Ethan.”
Eleanor cleared her throat loudly. “Damien.”
“That’s… strange,” Ethan said, looking genuinely confused. “I thought it was what you both wanted.”
Elara focused on her soup, pretending not to notice how Damien subtly angled his screen away from her. Yet a quick glance was enough to catch Vivienne’s name at the top of his message thread.
Ethan’s expression grew serious. “Look, I know it’s not my place, but… are you and Damien really getting divorced?”
Before Elara could respond, another knock sounded at the door. Eleanor Thorne entered, elegant as always in her cream–colored suit.
“Better,” she replied. “The fever’s gone. Just tired now.” “Delicious,” Elara replied, forcing a smile.
156 The Unsigned Divorce and a Brother’s Plea
Of course. Even here, even now, Vivienne remained his priority.
As Elara took her seat, Damien entered from his study. He acknowledged her presence with a brief nod before taking the seat beside her, his attention immediately turning to his phone.
Damien’s phone buzzed again. He read the message, his lips curving slightly upward before he typed a response.
Before Damien could respond, Ethan stood quickly. “I’ve got it, Grandmother.”
Eleanor approached Elara’s bedside, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. “No fever. Wonderful progress. Do you feel up to coming downstairs? Martha has made her specialty chicken soup.”
“Come in,” she called, her voice still slightly raspy
Elara blinked in surprise. Damien had acknowledged her academic abilities? That was
rare.
Ethan frowned. “He hasn’t signed them yet?”
Ethan seemed oblivious to her change in mood. “Is tomorrow okay? I don’t want to tire you out today.”
More time passed. The fire had died down to glowing embers when Ethan appeared again, carrying a small plate of sliced fruits.
“Just came to check on the patient,” Ethan replied with a smile.
Left alone, Elara gazed into the dancing flames. The warmth was soothing, lulling her into a state of calm she hadn’t felt in days. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she allowed herself to drift into a light doze.
-The words hit Elara like a slap. Of course. Damien hadn’t been complimenting her abilities; he’d been offloading a responsibility. Making her useful when it suited him.
The thought of leaving the room was appealing after days confined to bed. “I think I could manage that.”
Three months. Three months of waiting for Damien to sign divorce papers he clearly had no intention of signing soon. Yet here she was, still playing the role of Mrs. Thorne, still being useful to the family when needed, still waiting for permission to leave.
156 The Unsigned Divorce and a Brother’s Plea
“Thought you might want a snack,” he said, placing the plate on the coffee table in front of her.
He fidgeted with the edge of his sweater. “I’ve been struggling with some physics problems for my university course. Damien mentioned you were quite good at physics.”
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157 An Overheard Conversation
