Chapter 4

The divorce proceedings with Raegan went smoothly.

There was no arguing, no drama.

When it came to dividing our assets, we'd already drawn up an agreement in advance.

All property and savings we each acquired before marriage were returned to their original owner, no exceptions.

Any appreciation or profits from assets gained after marriage were split fifty-fifty.

As for the house we bought together, Raegan bought out my share in cash.

The moment we got our divorce papers, Raegan looked upset.

She stared at me, disappointment and confusion all over her face. "So that's it? You really want nothing to do with me anymore?"

I looked down at the divorce papers in my hand. "Now that we're divorced, it's best if we go our separate ways."

Raegan's eyes instantly turned red.

That same afternoon, I called a moving company.

I packed up everything that belonged to me from the house.

As I left, I glanced back one last time.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel the slightest bit of sadness. All I felt was a long-lost sense of relief.

After that, I threw myself into work. Reports, projects, clients.

I was so busy that I barely had time to catch my breath.

Money was the only thing that made me feel grounded.

After about two weeks of living a quiet, routine life, my buddy Ruben Quinn called me.

He told me about a new retreat villa that had opened up on the outskirts of town.

He'd invited a few of our friends to go hang out there.

He made a point of asking me to come along and clear my head.

I couldn't resist his relentless pestering, so I agreed.

While I was soaking in the hot springs, I spotted a few familiar faces not far away.

Raegan stood out the most. She was right in the middle of a crowd of friends.

And right beside her was Snyder, cracking jokes and chatting with her.

Ruben's expression shifted suddenly.

He quickly leaned in and whispered, "Man, I swear I had no clue they'd show up here. If I'd known, I never would've dragged you out. Seriously, I didn't know."

Ruben was the only one I talked to about the divorce. He was probably worried that Raegan and I would bump into each other, and things would get weird.

I shook my head, honestly not feeling much of anything.

Raegan was staring at me, her eyes dark and impossible to read.

I had zero interest in making small talk with her.

I got up, grabbed my towel and phone from the edge of the pool, and leaned in to whisper to Ruben, "Let's move to another area."

But as I was about to leave, Snyder called out, "Quincy, about last time. I know I screwed up. I'm here to apologize."

He paused, and then switched tack. "But let's be real. You messed up, too. So maybe you should apologize as well."

Seriously, that was ridiculous.

I stared at Snyder, stone-faced. "Yeah, I'll take your apology. But I've got nothing to apologize for."

Snyder's face went stiff.

Raegan gave me a steely look, her eyes showing clear disapproval.

Her friends quickly spoke up in Snyder's defense.

"Quincy, come on, you're a grown man. Why are you being so petty? Snyder already apologized. Do you really have to hold a grudge?"

"Regardless, you are Raegan's husband. Out of respect for her, can't you shake hands and let it go?"

"Yeah, Quincy, you should let it go. No need to make things awkward for everyone."

Everyone was chiming in, one after another.

It looked like Raegan still hadn't told them about the divorce.

I glanced at all their self-righteous faces and let out a mocking laugh. "Raegan and I are divorced. Why should I bother with her anymore? I'm no longer her husband."

As soon as I finished, the whole place went dead silent.

I didn't spare a glance at their jaws practically hitting the floor. I turned and walked off without a second thought.

But as I took a couple of steps, Raegan hurried after me.

She came up to me, her voice trembling with frustration and confusion. "Why did you have to embarrass everyone?"