Husband In The Shadows - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Of course, something like this had to be checked out.
When Nydia stared at me, shocked that I didn't believe her, Joseph agreed to my request.
They arranged for Nydia to get checked at a hospital, but not hers.
However, Nydia started making excuses, saying she didn't feel well or she was too busy. It looked fishy.
Then I became sure—she was faking the pregnancy.
Later, I stopped by the hospital and found Nydia sitting alone in her office, looking lost.
I took a deep breath, clenched my fists, and walked in.
She looked up, surprised to see me. "If we had a baby, would you still go through with the divorce?"
I stared at her. "You don't even like me. Why are you so desperate to stay married?
"Nydia, I really loved you during those four years. And even now, I can't say I hate you.
"You were my first love, the only person I ever truly cared about. But it's over."
I looked her dead in the eyes. "I don't want us to end up like Jefferson and his ex. Don't drag this out and make me lose the last bit of respect I have for you."
After our conversation, when the court staff took her in for another check, she confessed.
"I'm not pregnant," she said. "I just wanted to stop the divorce. But now, I'll agree to it."
She said she agreed—but still didn't sign.
Wanting to get it over with, I called her the next day.
The moment she heard my voice, she said, "Emerson, can we talk more?"
"No more talking," I cut her off. "Just sign the papers. Then we'll head to the court and make it official."
She sounded disappointed. "Why are you in such a rush?"
"Because I'm on a short break from work. I don't have time to waste," I said bluntly.
Her hope faded right then.
Gritting her teeth, she gave in. "Fine. We'll meet at the court tomorrow."
The next morning, around 10 a.m., I got to the court early. When I saw Nydia show up empty-handed, I already knew—she was stalling again.
I wasn't even mad. I just stared at her coldly. "You came for a divorce and didn't bring anything. What's this? Another delay?"
She stared at me, like she was searching my face for something—any sign I still cared.
I frowned slightly, a hint of impatience flickering in my eyes. When I met her gaze, I felt nothing. There was no love left in me.
Nydia bit her lip, then asked softly, almost like she was begging, "I never asked before. Have you felt sad these past few months?"
She had always been proud. To her, the fact that I filed for divorce was already humiliating enough. So she didn't say much in court—she couldn't afford to.
I looked at her like she'd lost her mind. "Why would I be sad? I'm single again. Shouldn't I be celebrating?"
She shook her head. "Emerson, do we really have to do this? Can't we talk?"
I gave her a cold look. "Sure. After we get the divorce certificate, I'll talk all you want."
That crushed the last bit of hope in her eyes. Her body swayed slightly.
She reached for my hand, but I took a step back, avoiding her touch.
Her voice was rough. "I didn't bring the necessary documents. Can you go back and get them for me?"
I almost had to laugh. That was the dumbest excuse I'd ever heard.