Chapter 259

As the drug's effects gradually faded, Liam began recovering fragments of buried memories.

Occasionally, Liam wondered how different life might have been if he hadn't collapsed that fateful day. Perhaps he and Olivia would still be together, raising their child in peaceful happiness. Being a devoted father and loving husband had always been his deepest aspiration.

Yet Liam understood with painful clarity that Olivia would have faced countless dangers had he remained conscious. His temporary oblivion about fathering her child had been their greatest protection, misleading his enemies completely.

Back then, with threats lurking in every shadow, he could barely protect himself - let alone shield Olivia.

Though every fiber of his being longed to keep Olivia close, Liam knew exposing her to danger was unforgivable. As head of the Blackwood family, he bore the responsibility of resolving generational conflicts, even when it meant becoming an unwitting target.

Thinking of Olivia's safety, Liam drew a steadying breath, wrestling his turbulent emotions under control.

At that moment, Olivia stepped forward and took Liam's hand.

His heart hammered violently against his ribs, his carefully constructed composure threatening to shatter. Yet he maintained an impassive mask, though turmoil raged within.

Olivia seemed unaffected by his apparent detachment. Gently, she guided his hand to rest on her rounded belly.

A sharp pang of sorrow pierced Olivia's heart, resurrecting painful memories. Yet simultaneously, an odd sense of closure washed over her - as if this might be their final meeting.

Olivia grappled with conflicting emotions, realizing her personal grievances couldn't overshadow the greater truth. This wasn't just about her baby - Liam was the father.

As Olivia pressed Liam's palm against her abdomen, overwhelming emotion crashed over him. The faint but steady pulse of their unborn child resonated through his fingertips.

The profound moment nearly undid Liam. Abruptly, he withdrew his hand and turned away, hiding his vulnerability.

"From today onward, this child is solely your responsibility," Liam declared, his harsh tone belying his earlier emotion. "Boy or girl, keep them far from the Blackwood name."

Though cruel-sounding, Liam's command stemmed from protective instincts, shielding their child from potential family conflicts.

Olivia responded with an understanding smile and quiet nod.

Liam then produced several crumpled papers from his pocket - divorce documents.

Normally fastidious, Liam had unconsciously crushed these papers repeatedly during his journey, betraying his inner conflict.

Avoiding Olivia's gaze, he spoke rapidly, fighting to control his voice. "Read carefully before signing."

He added tersely, "Before Henry passed, he left something for you. Margaret took it, but it'll be returned after the divorce. May you and the child find happiness. Just... don't come back."

Olivia's eyes dropped to the agreement, noting Liam's signature already gracing the page.

Emotions swirled violently as she studied the document.

After years of entanglement, their impending separation evoked conflicting relief and sorrow.

Part of Olivia had secretly believed they might never actually divorce.

Yet here it was - the official end transforming them into perfect strangers.

A slight lip twitch betrayed Olivia's lingering pain, though less intense than before.

She accepted the documents, her pen scratching decisively across the paper.

When Olivia returned the signed agreement, Liam seemed momentarily disoriented.

"You signed too quickly," he managed, voice thick. "Aren't you going to review the terms?"

Olivia shook her head fluidly, conveying absolute trust. She doubted Liam would manipulate conditions to trap her.

While Liam had made mistakes and occasionally overstepped, he'd always been transparent with her.

Reflecting on their turbulent relationship, Olivia realized what she'd once perceived as Liam's overbearing actions stemmed from her own belief in their unbreakable bond. Without emotional ties, his behavior wouldn't have seemed excessive. This understanding came too late.

As Liam prepared to leave, Olivia mustered a bright smile and waved, masking her heart's finality with cheerful pretense.

Liam caught her smile briefly before averting his eyes, clutching the signed papers tightly as he hurried away.

Exiting, Liam immediately noticed several vigilant bodyguards surrounding the area - unmistakably Donovan's men.

At that moment, Sebastian was attempting entry but being restrained by the guards.