Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 458: Chapter 458

Alfie furrowed his brow, his expression full of suspicion as his eyes fixed on me. "You two are sisters?" His gaze was sharp, filled with doubt, as if he couldn't believe our supposed sisterly connection.
Although Alfie hadn't fully pieced together all the details, as a police officer with keen instincts, the chaotic and dangerous scene at the hotel was still fresh in his mind. He knew that if we hadn't managed to escape in time, tomorrow's headlines would be dominated by this incident in Nifelheim City.
I sighed helplessly, my voice heavy with exhaustion and bitterness. "Half-sisters. She's been afraid I'd steal her inheritance, so she's been hell-bent on getting me out of the picture. You don't know her?"
"Should I know her?" Alfie looked at me in confusion, then his face grew serious. "There are many ways to get you out of the picture, but why would she resort to such despicable tactics? A woman's reputation is crucial, especially for a married woman. She's not just trying to push you away, Laurel. She wants your life."
I forced a smile, understanding now that Kailyn had long harbored murderous intent toward me. But time and time again, she had just missed the mark.
Who could blame her? After all, I had stolen the man she wanted to marry and also taken the coveted position of the Parks family's first daughter.
Alfie, who had been handling the case with Alex's injury, was no stranger to the situation between Alex and me. Though he didn't concern himself much with media gossip, as a cop, he couldn't avoid overhearing discussions around the precinct. So, it was clear he had an inkling of the tension between Alex and me.
After marrying Alex, I had become a constant source of trouble. No wonder the Herrera family didn't like me; even when I first joined the family, there were whispers about how I was mismatched with them. While I came from the Parks family, in the world of high society, elegance and refinement were cultivated from childhood.
But in the eyes of those wealthy sons and daughters, no matter how beautiful I was, they would never consider marrying someone like me. They cared more about family ties and status than genuine love.
This was because in their minds, only a marriage of equal social status could maximize the benefits of the family. As for whether the other party was someone they truly liked, it didn't matter at all. In their world, a wife was just one of many women.
"If she couldn't finish you off this time, next time you might not be so lucky," Alfie said seriously, his voice filled with concern. "Maybe you should report this to the police. Only then can you protect yourself."
I slowly lifted my head, giving him a bittersweet smile. "If I go to the police, and Kailyn says she was just joking, that I overreacted, what can I do then? Besides, the Parks family might think I'm making a fuss. After all, I escaped unharmed, and no real harm was done."
Alfie stared at me, disbelief in his eyes, as he inhaled deeply, trying to calm his rising anger. Then he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and leaned back in the seat. The faint glow of the lighter flickered in the dim light as he took a slow drag, exhaling the smoke, then sighed heavily.
He didn't speak again for the rest of the ride, his face etched with a silent frustration.
When the car finally came to a stop outside Honeydew, I was ready to get out, but Alfie followed me, his expression still heavy. "If something happens, contact me immediately. I'll help you in any way I can."
I nodded and walked toward the door of the house, not bothering to explain why I had been at the abandoned factory. Perhaps Alfie had already guessed the truth—that Kailyn was likely behind Marvin's assault.
But Kailyn had the powerful backing of the Shepherd family. Even if Marvin came forward and exposed her, she would deny everything. She was too shrewd to leave any evidence.
As I entered the house, I found it unnervingly quiet. It was likely because Alex had suddenly moved back, and to give him enough rest, Sophina had taken Zachary to the next room.
I sighed, feeling a pang of hunger, yet I had no appetite. I had planned to take a long bath and sleep away the exhaustion of the day.
But then I saw Alex sitting silently in his wheelchair, handing me a piece of paper.
"Sign this agreement," he said calmly, his voice even and composed, giving nothing away.
I stared at the paper he handed me, frowning slightly. My mind raced with confusion. "What agreement?" I started to ask, but then quickly added, "I know you're angry, but I couldn't just watch Marvin die in front of me. Don't worry, I'll find a way to heal your legs."
Alex chuckled softly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "You think it's about an agreement? What makes you think it's a divorce agreement?"
My heart sank. "Isn't it a divorce agreement?" I asked, my voice tight with nervousness. I hadn't opened the file, wrapped tightly in its envelope. If it were just an ordinary agreement, why would it be wrapped up so securely, as if someone were trying to hide it?
Alex remained silent for a moment, a bitter smile crossing his face. "Haven't you always wanted a divorce? If it were a divorce agreement, you should be happy. After all, then you wouldn't have to deal with me anymore."
I froze, the words hitting me like a ton of bricks. A strange, bitter sensation filled my chest.
In the past, I had mentioned divorce because I was disillusioned with this marriage. A marriage that felt forced could never be truly fulfilling. How could two people who were only barely tied together walk down the aisle together?
More importantly, I was afraid. I feared that by staying with Alex, I might bring harm to him. I was scared of falling for someone who could never love me in return.
Alex lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. He glanced at me and said firmly, "If you want a divorce, maybe in the next life. I've already told you—there's no such thing as divorce in my world. It's only about losing a spouse."