Chapter 28
“Then let’s go right now,” I said clearly.“If you’re not willing,we’ll settle it in court.”
“You…“Nathan choked on his words,like a blade had sliced across his throat.“Do you really have to be this heartless?”
I took a deep breath and looked at him. He looked exhausted, with bloodshot eyes. He was in a sorry state.
Clenching my teeth,I finally spoke.“Nathan…let’s end things on good terms. Don’t ruin the way remember you.”
My voice was low,but it clearly traveled into his heart because he stood frozen in place,unable to move a single step.
We had truly loved each other once.
Back then, we loved each other fiercely.We were so in love,it was enough to fill our hearts.Even though we were in the abyss, we believed we were each other’s everything.
However,now,this really was the end.
The ride to the City Hall was quiet.
The scenery outside the window flashed by and like rewinding a video,countless memories flashed by.
On the first date,he carefully handed me my favorite butter cake,he accompanied me to the hospital for a checkup,he squatted on the roadside to tie my shoelaces.
However,all that was like a dream from a previous life.It felt distant and unreal.
When we arrived at the City Hall,surprisingly,the procedure went smoothly.Standing in line,handing over certificates and signing the papers. Every step was like completing a ceremony When the last page of the agreement was laid out in front of us, Nathan was hesitant. His hand trembled slightly as he stared at the line–marked signature.
Nathan looked up and asked in a hoarse voice,” Is Collins…good to you?”
I was caught off guard.
Flashes of Collins kissing me gently,brewing tea for me,silently arranging every check–up and training and his words when saying,”I don’t mind being your lover,baby,“passed through my mind.
I lowered my eyes and nodded lightly.“He’s not bad.”
“He supports my dreams,respects my ideas and doesn’t control me with’for your own good‘. Maybe…the future will turn out the way we are now. Yet…that’s okay.”
I looked up at him,my voice soft but firm.“What matters is the present.”
Nathan stared at me in a daze,his mouth murmuring those two words over and over again,“The present…the present moment….”
Finally,as if something inside him had broken, he lowered his hand and signed his name.
Snap!The pen landed on the desktop with a crisp sound.
I blinked,barely able to believe it.I actually…divorced Nathan!
Chapter 28
4:29 pm D
As I walked out of the doors of the City Hall,the sunlight felt blindingly bright.
I turned,ready to leave,when Nathan suddenly called after me,” You have to be happy.”
I paused,then smiled faintly.“You too.”
He stood still. His tall back looked lonely.
I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The word divorce may seem cold and icy,but behind it,there were two people who once loved each other dearly,who used every last ounce of tenderness to give each other a clean goodbye.
Collins and I had our first real date at a vintage–style Western restaurant in the old town. The window seat was enveloped in sunlight and the roses on the table were blooming delicately.I ordered a strawberry cake,he ordered two rose lattes.
The music was soft and the air was gentle. We sat across from each other,discussing the decoration details of the future dessert store.
Collins listened attentively. From time to time,he jotted down notes and joked at the end,” Am I going to be living off you from now on,Miss Dessert Shop Owner?”
I laughed,leaning on his shoulder.“I can afford to keep you,Mr.Lockhart.”
He lowered his head and kissed the top of my hair,his voice gentle and firm,“Good. I’ll wait for you to get rich.”
4:29 pm DDD
