Chapter 4

"I didn't!" Lucas shot back.

"You didn't?" I smirked, pulled out my phone, opened Rita's Instagram, and shoved it in his face.

I asked, "Then what's this? Were the fireworks last night beautiful? And that candied fruit skewer by Ms. Owens's lips. Was it sweet?"

I continued, "I sat there like an idiot, waiting for you at the restaurant until midnight. But you were out with her, watching fireworks, taking pictures, posting on Instagram, and basking in everyone's well-wishes.

"And now you show up here with her, at the restaurant where I'm eating, and ask me why I'm making a scene? Lucas, don't you have any shame?"

The restaurant went dead silent.

Everyone turned to stare, whispering to each other.

Lucas's face flushed, then went pale.

Rita looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.

"I..." Lucas opened his mouth, as if to explain.

"Save it." I cut him off, grabbing my purse.

I said, "10 am tomorrow, at the city hall. Don't be late. Tiffany, let's go."

I took Tiffany's arm and turned to leave.

With my head held high, I walked out without a hint of hesitation.

Stepping outside, the cold wind hit me, and only then did I notice my hands were trembling.

It wasn't fear. It was anger, plain and simple.

"Valerie, you were so badass just now!" Tiffany gushed, grabbing my arm. "Did you see Lucas's face? He was pissed! And Rita still pretended to be some helpless little angel. So gross!"

I pulled a weak smile and kept quiet.

Inside, the barren wasteland of my heart was blanketed by another layer of snow. It felt colder.

"Come on, let's go grab some drinks! Time to celebrate you finally being free from all that misery!" Tiffany said, all fired up.

I shook my head. "No, I'm not up for it. I want to go home and rest. Tomorrow... I've got something tough to face."

Tiffany said, "Alright, get some rest. I'll go with you to the city hall tomorrow! I'll be your wingman!"

"Okay," I replied.

Tiffany drove me back to the old family home.

As I was getting out, she suddenly called after me. "Valerie."

"Hmm?" I answered.

Tiffany hesitated. "No matter what you decide, I'm with you. But... have you really moved on?"

I stood outside the car, watching the tiny snowflakes swirl beneath the streetlights.

I stood there in silence for a long while.

I finally said, "Doesn't matter if I can't let go. I have to. Once you take a path, there's no going back. Lucas and I are done."

With that, I closed the car door and walked into the yard.

I didn't turn on any lights, just stood alone in the darkness for a long while.

Until my phone screen lit up with a new email notification on the screen.

It was from Lucas.

[I've read the agreement. I can double the money. The house, the car... Anything you want, I'll add it in. Don't go to city hall tomorrow. Let's talk this out.]

I stared at the message for a long time.

Then I replied: [No. Let's do it as agreed. Ten o'clock tomorrow. I'll be there.]

I hit send and powered off my phone. This time, it was really over.

*****

The next day, I showed up at city hall right on time.

I was dressed in a simple white sweater and jeans, no makeup, hair pulled back in a ponytail. Just like back when I'd just graduated from college.

Lucas showed up ten minutes late.

He was in a black suit, looking worn out, with faint shadows under his eyes. It was obvious he hadn't slept at all.

When he saw me, he stopped in his tracks, his gaze conflicted.

"Valerie..." he started.

"Did you bring all your documents?" I cut him off, my tone strictly business.

Lucas pressed his lips together and nodded.

"Let's go in," I said.

The process was quick.

The clerk asked a few routine questions, but seeing how determined we were, didn't try to persuade us anymore.

We signed, put down our fingerprints, and the official stamp was pressed.

The marriage certificate was traded in for a divorce certificate.

In less than half an hour, Lucas and I went from husband and wife to complete strangers.

Stepping out of city hall, the sunlight stung my eyes.

I squinted, looking down at that divorce certificate in my hand. My heart felt hollow.

Three years of marriage ended so easily, almost weightless.

"Valerie," Lucas called after me.

I didn't turn around. I asked, "Anything else?"

His voice came out rough. "I... I'm sorry. And I'll make sure the money hits your account soon. I'll handle the house and car transfer paperwork right away."

"Yeah. Thanks," I said, my voice polite but distant.

Lucas asked, "So... what are you going to do now?"

I replied, "That's not your concern."

Lucas was left speechless. After a long, awkward pause, he finally said, "If you ever run into trouble, you can come to me. I mean... after all..."

"Mr. Newman." I turned around to face him, my eyes steady and emotionless.

I said, "We're divorced now. You don't need to concern yourself with my life anymore. I wish you and Ms. Owens all the best. Goodbye."

With that, I walked over to the taxi waiting by the curb, opened the door, and got in.

"Mister, take me to the old house in Encewood," I said.

The car started up and pulled away.

In the rearview mirror, Lucas was still standing there, his figure shrinking until he finally disappeared from sight.

I looked away and stared out the window.