Nate's expression was grim , his eyes sharp and cold enough to freeze her in place . He spoke each word like a final verdict . " I'm not lying to you . I've fallen in love with her . I'm going to find her . " With that , he shoved her aside and walked out . I turned off the surveillance feed . My whole body felt numb , frozen in place - then suddenly , I let out a soft , incredulous laugh . Feelings really are strange things . I never would've guessed that , without realizing it , the one who couldn't let go of me … was him . He was the one leaving for another country . He was the one coming to find me . He didn't treasure me while I was there . Only after I left did he realize what he'd lost . But what good does that do now ? I was already in Norway . +25 Bonus One morning , I dropped Alyssa off at school as usual , then returned home to tend the flowers and vegetables in my garden . Honestly , I should thank Nate for being generous with money . Because of that , I now have enough savings to retire early and live comfortably without working another day . As I watered the plants , a tall figure suddenly appeared in front of me . My body went rigid . I didn't even need to look up to know who it was . " Christina . " The familiar , intimate way he said my name made my whole body tremble . Nate had come . I turned around and looked at him . He looked worn out . A few strands of gray had crept into his hair , and his chin was covered in an unkempt beard . One of the gossipy lawyers at the firm told me that after I left , he'd gone half - mad searching for me . When he couldn't find me back home , he went abroad - country after country , nearly searching the whole world . He looked rough , yes . But still handsome . That face was what had fooled me once . No one knew that the reason I applied for that job in the first place was just so I could see him every day . It was love at first sight . But I had no looks , no degree , no family name - only a heart that beat for him . I chased after him with everything I had . It was painful , humiliating at times , but I endured it all just to be near him . By sheer will , I became his most trusted assistant , the one always by his side . And yet , he destroyed all of that in a single night - pushed me down to the bottom and left me there to freeze for eight long years . I've been through disappointment , through pain … and finally , I found peace . I gave a small smile and gestured to a nearby bench . " Have a seat . " His eyes lit up . He walked over and sat beside me . I poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him . He took it with both hands , eyes never leaving mine . His voice was low , edged with something raw. +25 Bonus " I thought you'd never speak to me again . " I raised an eyebrow , answering calmly . " Why wouldn't I ? You're still the father of my child . I have to leave you at least some dignity . " Then I looked him straight in the eye , my tone shifting - firm , like I was back in the court room negotiating terms . " You've seen the divorce papers . I don't want your money . I only want custody of our daughter . " His face darkened , voice chilled . " Christine , I won't divorce you . " I'd expected that . I already knew why he came . " That's fine . We'll go through legal channels . Don't forget - I used to be your legal assistant . I've handled plenty of divorce cases . " With a sudden clatter , he slammed the teacup down . The force of it shattered the porcelain , tea spilling across the table . We both stood up at the same time . " Christine , don't leave me . I know I was wrong . I realized it too late . Let me love you . Give me a chance to make things right . " مر But I stayed still , unmoved . " It's too late . I'm tired . " His brows furrowed as he stepped closer . " Eight years ago , you crawled into my bed , got pregnant , and married me . And now you want to walk away ? Is this some kind of push - and- pull game ? " I stared at him in disbelief . I'd thought he finally understood . But the way he saw me … was still just as selfish as ever .