Chapter 2
My father's health has finally improved.
It has been a month since Silas and I finalized our divorce. After completing the paperwork for my return to the research institute, I ran into Silas and Phoenix Montgomery as I was leaving. Phoenix was wearing Silas's jacket.
"Mila, I accidentally spilled some chemicals on my clothes in the lab, and Silas was worried about the potential harm, so he lent me his jacket," she explained.
I looked at Silas silently and nodded. Just as I was about to step around them and leave, Phoenix spoke again.
"Mila, where are you headed? Aren't you here for the farewell party Silas and I are having?"
Farewell party?
I frowned slightly, confusion clear in my eyes. Phoenix noticed my reaction and pretended to be surprised.
"Silas and I are heading to the States in three days. Everyone has arranged a farewell party for us. Didn't Silas mention it to you?"
"I came across a divorce agreement in Silas's room a few days ago. I thought you two were joking. Is it real?"
Phoenix's voice was loud enough for those heading to the restaurant to hear, and their eyes fell on Silas and me in disbelief. We were known as the model couple of the institute, and it was commonly joked about that divorce was impossible for us.
Hearing the murmurs around us, Silas frowned and walked over to me, draping his jacket over my shoulders.
"I've been caught up with work at the institute these past few days and forgot to mention the farewell party. Since you're here, why not join us?"
The room was filled with colleagues whom I got along with, so I didn't want to spoil the mood. At the gathering, Silas sat with Professor Judson Murphy on his left, while Phoenix naturally took the seat on his right. I found a random spot, ignoring Silas's searching gaze.
This was the first time Silas and I were sitting so far apart in such a setting.
"Mila, I heard your father's health is improving. I've been so tied up lately that I haven’t had the chance to visit," Professor Murphy, who was well-acquainted with my father, inquired after his health first.
Silas heard this and glanced over too. All this time, he hadn't once asked about my father's condition. Yet, when he was caught up in a controversy over falsified experimental data, it was my father who vouched for him, proving his innocence and saving his career at the institute.
"Yes, he's much better. He shouldn't have major issues for the next few years."
Phoenix, overhearing, turned to me with a tone of mock surprise.
"Mila, where did you find the treatment? If there's any spare, could you share some with me? The supplements Silas got at the fundraiser last time were a hit with my pet rabbit, Fluffy."