Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO

Arwen's words carried a weight that nearly made Catrin stagger. Her face drained of all color as she stared at her daughter, as if trying to decide whether she had truly heard what she thought she had.

"What did you say?" Catrin asked again, her voice trembling, her throat working as she swallowed hard —hoping, almost desperately, that she had misheard.

But reality was never so merciful. Especially, not when it was laced with the steel of unshakable resolve.

Arwen didn't flinch. She met with her mother's eyes and repeated, her voice steady, "I said, I will sign them, as per your wish. Didn't you just want me to sign them and prove? Don't tell me this was just another bait?"

A stunned silence gripped the room. Even the soft clinking of the glass and hushed whispers from the guests vanished.

This was an unexpected turn of the event that no one had seen coming.

Catrin's nail scraped into her palms, digging deeper. "This —"

"Arwen, how could you even say such a thing?"

Emily stepped forward, in the pretence of defending Catrin. She held onto Catrin's arms as if supporting her. "Why would Mom use such a thing as bait. What are you even thinking? Can't you see, she is just too disappointed in you that now all she wants is not to see you anymore? She wants to sever all the ties with you."

Arwen stared at her as if considering her words with seriousness. Her gaze flicked towards Catrin before she asked again. "Really? Is that so, Mrs. Quinn?"

Catrin was caught off guard. She didn't envision anything like this happening. All she ever imagined was Arwen realizing her mistake and accepting it, coming back to her finally.

How did this happen then?

Why did Arwen not realize her mistake?

Was she really not scared of anything of this being the reality?

Or has she really stopped caring?

No.

Catrin couldn't bring herself to accept that. Her daughter loved them from the heart. She truly cared and did everything to make them happy. There is no way that overnight she would stop caring.

She refused to accept it. However, what she didn't know was that —nothing of this happened overnight.

Arwen had given her enough time and chances to make amends. But over time, Catrin just made her realize that no chances would make her realize what Arwen wanted from her mother.

So, in the end, Arwen just gave up the hope she carried in her heart. To have a mother who would care for her the way a mother should.

Now, nothing about Catrin matters to her. This letter of severance meant nothing to her. Because in her heart, she had long severed the ties with her. Signing this paper was just a formality that she wouldn't hesitate to do at all.

What made her truly hesitate was … her father.

Because ultimately, signing these papers would also include him. She was upset with him, but not to the extent that she wanted to renounce their relationship.

But then again, she won't let Catrin have her hesitation as leverage to control her.

"Arwen, don't take this as bait. I am being serious," Catrin spoke, trying her best not to tremble in her words. "This is your last chance to accept your regret. If … you still do not agree to accept, you will lose everything you once had. Including your parents."

Arwen looked at her and smiled. "Of course, Mrs. Quinn. I understand," she said, her voice even. "And believe me, I am also serious about it."

"Arwen, don't just play with your words," Emily spoke in between. "If you are really that serious, then what's stopping you. Sign the papers and leave." She was now getting anxious. The presence of Arwen was just making her nervous.

Arwen read her worries too well. Her lips pulled in a knowing smile as she nodded. "Sure," she said, and then she turned to walk to the table where she had just kept her glass.

Keeping the papers on it, she looked at the lawyer and asked, "Sorry, I didn't come prepared to sign anything. Can I borrow your pen, if you don't mind?"

The lawyer hesitated, but then, nodding, he handed her a pen from his pocket.

"Thank you," she said with a soft, polite smile. And then she turned to sign her name.

Mia frowned, but when she saw Arwen's calm demeanor, she chose to believe her decision.

Just as the pen touched the surface of the paper, the lawyer interrupted her. "Ms. Quinn, I would advise you to read the contents again before signing. This document clearly states that you are severing your ties completely from the Quinn family and your parents. You will lose all legal rights to their name, properties, and assets. You will have no say in family matters of any kind. Once signed, it cannot be undone."

Arwen paused briefly, then smiled. "Don't worry, I have read it. And I am well aware of what I am signing."

The lawyer fell silent.

Catrin, on the other hand, was too stunned to react. Her mind raced. But she could think of nothing —no argument, no trick —that might turn this around.

Right at that instant, an elderly voice broke the tension. "Child, don't decide in haste," the same gentleman from earlier said, his tone heavy with concern. "I know you are old enough to make your own choices. But this ... this is final. Think about the consequences."

Arwen glanced up at him. She recognized him — her grandfather's friend. Her father respected him deeply.

"A girl's family is her greatest protection," he continued. "You may have married into a good family, but without your own behind you, they will have no reason to fear anything. If they mistreat you, you will wish you still had your family. Don't sign so easily."

"Yes, don't sign it just like that," several guests echoed.

They all showed their concern.

Catrin's heart surged with hope. Maybe —just maybe —Arwen would listen.

But then, cutting through the murmurs came a voice that made every head turn.

"Moon!"