“Where's my daughter, Juliet?!” Ethan stood there, silver eyes aimed at her like a weapon.

Chapter Thirty

Ethan couldn't remember the exact reason he stood there arguing with Gretchen once again that afternoon. Lately, there was always a reason to argue, a reason to be angry and a reason to stay away from each other. Their marriage was simply empty and he was beyond tired.

Gretchen blamed him for Elizabeth's absence. She didn't use those exact words but her eyes accused him every time. So, he learned to stay away. Like before, his study had become his refuge; a place he could go to be away from Gretchen and her accusing eyes.

He met with his Lawyer every afternoon, and while his Lawyer was fighting for another hearing, Juliet had disappeared again. With Juliet nowhere to be found, she couldn't be served with the court papers.

Gretchen of course didn't know this —she didn't know how hard Ethan was working to bring Elizabeth home.

“Do you even care that Ellie has been missing for over a week?” She yelled that afternoon.

He ignored her question and made to leave the room.

“Juliet walked out on you Ethan, not Ellie! Stop making the poor child pay for the crimes of her mother!” It was enough to gain Ethan's attention. For many days he had dealt with her sadness, withdrawal, refusal to eat and most recently, yelling. But he wouldn't stand for her accusations!

He turned to her then, clenching his fists.

“I know you would rather have Ellie gone, perhaps she reminds you too much of Juliet. And all of this, forcing me to get married to you knowing full well...”

He covered the distance between them, barely able to contain the urge to break something.

“What do you want, Gretchen?!” He gritted his teeth. “A divorce?” Her eyes widened with surprised as he spoke. Turning sharply away from him, he grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “A divorce?!”

The room was silent as they stared into each other's eyes. He could see that she was hurt but he wasn't sure he cared anymore. With all he had been through, he deserved some peace.

“My lord,” someone touched his arm and he immediately knew it was Jacob. His household had almost gotten used to the yelling and had learned never to interfere; Jacob's interference meant it was important.

“I'll give you a divorce.” He whispered, before releasing his hold on her and walking out of the door.

He continued his walk until he was pushing the door to his study open.

“Lord Williams,” his Lawyer, a middle aged man with light brown hair, rose to his feet as Ethan approached.

“Mr. Harrison,” he motioned for him to take his seat.

Mr. Harrison shook his head, a smile on his face. “We found her.” He announced.