Chapter 6: The Divorce Agreement

John's fever finally began to subside after several tense hours.

The doctors assured Shannon that his condition had stabilized for the time being, but the surgery could no longer be postponed.

"The operation must happen within the next few days," Dr. Harris explained.

"Any further delay could be dangerous."

Shannon thanked him before returning to John's bedside.

The little boy had fallen asleep once again, still holding her hand.

Sean remained standing quietly near the door.

For the first time in years, he didn't know what to say.

"You should go," Shannon said softly without looking at him.

"John needs rest."

"I'll stay."

"There's no reason."

"He's my son."

Shannon slowly raised her eyes.

"Now he is?"

Sean lowered his head.

"I know I don't deserve to say that."

"But let me make things right."

"You can't erase six years with money."

"I'm not trying to."

"Then what are you trying to do?"

Sean had no answer.

For the first time in his life, money, influence, and authority meant absolutely nothing.

All he could see was a frightened mother protecting a sick child by herself.

The following morning, Sean personally arranged for the country's leading pediatric specialists to review John's case.

Within hours, the hospital administration informed Shannon that all medical expenses had been fully covered.

She immediately understood who was responsible.

That afternoon, she arrived at Sean's office carrying a thick envelope.

"Take it back," she said, placing several documents on his desk.

Sean looked up.

"What is this?"

"The receipts for every payment you've ever given me."

"Every dollar was spent on John's treatment."

"I kept every record."

Sean slowly opened the folder.

Inside were years of hospital invoices, pharmacy bills, medical reports, and receipts.

There wasn't a single luxury purchase.

Not one unnecessary expense.

Every payment had gone toward keeping their son alive.

"You... kept all of this?"

"Because I knew someday you'd question me."

"I wanted proof."

"Not for myself... but for John."

Sean quietly closed the folder.

"I believe you."

"It's too late for that."

"No."

"It's never too late."

Shannon smiled sadly.

"You really believe that?"

"Yes."

"Then answer one question."

"If John had never existed... would you still be asking me to stay?"

Sean opened his mouth.

No words came.

His silence answered everything.

"Exactly," Shannon whispered.

"You're here because of guilt."

"Not because you finally love me."

Her words struck him harder than he expected.

Because deep inside...

She wasn't entirely wrong.

Later that evening, Shelby arrived at Sean's penthouse.

She had heard rumors spreading through the company.

"Sean," she demanded.

"Is it true you've been spending every day with Shannon?"

"She's dealing with something important."

"Important?"

"Or are you falling back in love with your wife?"

Sean remained silent.

"Answer me!"

"Shelby," he said calmly, "our relationship is over."

She stared at him in disbelief.

"Because of her?"

"Because I finally realized I made a terrible mistake."

"You're joking."

"No."

"After everything we've been through?"

"It wasn't real," Sean replied quietly.

"I convinced myself it was easier than facing my own marriage."

"You used me!"

"Perhaps I did."

"I'm sorry."

"Keep your apology!"

Shelby grabbed her handbag and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Sean remained alone in the silent apartment.

He suddenly noticed how empty the luxurious penthouse felt.

It had always been beautifully decorated.

But it had never truly felt like home.

The next day, Shannon met with Julian at the hospital.

"The foundation approved John's application," Julian announced happily.

"Half of the remaining medical expenses will be covered."

"Really?"

"That's wonderful."

"Now you won't have to shoulder everything alone."

Shannon smiled gratefully.

"Thank you."

"You gave me hope when I needed it most."

As they spoke, Sean quietly watched from the opposite end of the hallway.

He noticed how naturally Shannon smiled around Julian.

It wasn't forced.

It wasn't polite.

It was genuine.

He couldn't remember the last time she had smiled like that around him.

For the first time, jealousy wasn't what he felt.

It was regret.

Deep, painful regret.

That afternoon, Sean visited his longtime attorney.

"Prepare the divorce papers," he instructed.

The lawyer looked surprised.

"You were the one who always wanted a divorce."

"Have you finally decided?"

"Yes."

"But not because I want to leave her."

"Then why?"

"Because..."

Sean stared quietly out the office window.

"I finally understand that love can't survive inside a cage."

"If Shannon stays with me now... it'll only be because she feels obligated."

"I don't want that anymore."

The lawyer nodded slowly.

"I'll prepare everything."

Several days later, Sean arrived at the hospital carrying a single envelope.

Shannon looked at it without touching it.

"What is it?"

"The divorce agreement."

She looked up in surprise.

"I've already signed it," Sean explained.

"You don't owe me anything anymore."

"The mansion, the savings, and several properties are yours if you want them."

"John's future has also been secured."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because it's the least I can do."

Shannon accepted the envelope slowly.

For years, she had dreamed of hearing Sean speak kindly to her.

Now that it had finally happened...

Her heart remained strangely calm.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"I'll sign it after John's surgery."

Sean nodded.

"Take all the time you need."

As he turned to leave, Shannon suddenly spoke.

"Sean."

He stopped.

"No matter what happens next..."

"Please don't disappoint John the way you disappointed me."

Sean closed his eyes briefly.

"I won't."

"Not again."

Neither of them noticed that someone had been standing outside the hospital room the entire time.

Shelby.

Her face twisted with anger as she secretly recorded every word.

"If I can't have Sean..." she whispered bitterly.

"Neither of you will have a peaceful life."