Bella, my mother-in-law, stepped in. "Liam, look at yourself. Whether it's tea or water, it's a trivial expense. Claire risked her life to give you a child. She works herself to the bone for this family, and you begrudge her a few dollars for treats? Have you no shame?"
Even my own mother tugged at my sleeve, whispering for me to stop making a scene. The guests whispered among themselves, casting judgment my way.
I didn't bother to explain.
Reaching into my briefcase, I produced a second copy of the agreement and slid it toward Claire.
"I am divorcing you. If you want to save what little dignity you have left, sign it."
Tears welled in Claire's eyes—a practiced display of vulnerability.
"Liam, please. Do you really have to embarrass me like this?" She sobbed, her voice dropping to a humble plea. "I admit, I've neglected you and the baby because of work. I know I've burdened your mother. But I did it for us! I swear, from now on, you and our daughter come first. Please?"
She reached for my hand, fingers trembling. "Liam..."
"Don't touch me!"
I recoiled as if she were contagious, shoving her hand away and stepping back.
"You're filthy."
I didn't hide my disgust.
Claire stumbled back, caught off guard, and hit the floor. Tears clung to her lashes. Her eyes went wide.
Once, seeing her cry would've torn me apart. I'd have done anything to stop it. But now? Watching those tears fall, I felt nothing but irritation. My chest was hollow—void of the sympathy she clearly expected.
The room's atmosphere curdled. Guests exchanged uneasy glances, then turned condemning stares on me. Scott scoffed loudly. Bella's face went from grim to thunderous.
Ethan Matthews, Claire's assistant, rushed forward. He helped her up with practiced care, then jabbed an accusing finger at me.
"Liam, call yourself a man?" Ethan shouted. "Ms. Henson gave you a child! She labored for three days and nights, hemorrhaged, nearly died on the table. It's been three months—have you already forgotten?"
He wasn't finished. "She didn't even take her full maternity leave. Back at the office the moment her recovery month ended. Running a company by day, caring for your child by night. Working herself to the bone for this family—and this is how you repay her? Divorce over some trivial argument?" He looked around, rallying the crowd. "Is he out of his mind?"