Chapter 4

Outside the door, Sebastian snapped at Derek, "Get the books loaded in the car. If she's throwing a fit, let her be, but don't let it mess up the important stuff!"

While they moved books outside, I opened my laptop. Jensen Lambert's email was there. I replied: [I'm ready to sign the contract. Can we expedite the onboarding?]

Then I opened my attorney's chat and texted: [Expedite the divorce papers. I want this done fast.]

*****

The next day, Sebastian came back with a box of pastries. "I picked these up on the way. It's your favorite durian cake."

He started pushing me to get changed. "I've booked a restaurant for seven..."

Just then, his phone rang. Violeta was sobbing, barely able to catch her breath. "Mr. Zayas... the debt collectors showed up... they're threatening to chop off Kendrick's hand..."

Sebastian's face went pale in an instant. "Send me the address. I'm on my way."

After hanging up, he turned to me. "Sue, Kendrick's in trouble. I have to..."

He reached for my hand. "Come with me. We'll handle it and then go to dinner. It won't take long."

I pulled my hand back. Last Christmas, we snuck out to set off fireworks somewhere in the suburbs. The sparklers were fizzing. He held my hands, warming them with his breath.

He said, "Holidays are for the people who matter most."

"Sebastian." I looked up at him. "I want a divorce."

He froze. "What?"

I pulled the papers out of the coffee table drawer and handed them to him. "Here are the divorce papers. I've already signed it."

He stared at the papers as if he couldn't even read them. "Just because I have to go out today? Susanna, be reasonable. Someone's life is at stake!"

I laughed. "Last time, her studio got vandalized. Then, someone threw paint at her door. Now her brother's about to lose a hand. Violeta's family drama reads like a bad novel. I just don't need a husband who stars in someone else's story."

He snatched the papers and tore them to shreds. "I won't agree! Just because I helped Violeta a few times, you want a divorce? Susanna, when did you get so heartless?"

"A few times?" I stood up. "Do you want me to count them for you?

"On Christmas Eve, you left me to keep her company. On Christmas, you stood me up to back her up. On New Year's Eve, you carried her out to the hospital in front of everyone. Now you're ditching me for her brother."

His face went pale with anger. "Yes, I helped her. She's got it rough. She's helpless. Can't you show a little compassion?"

"I can't." I walked to the bedroom and pulled out the suitcase I'd packed weeks ago. "Cancel the reservation. I emailed you the papers."

Sebastian blocked the door. "Where are you going?"

"Hotel." I pushed past him. "I'm not spending this holiday with you."

He grabbed my arm. "Sue, come on. Don't do this. I swear, this is the last time. Once I've sorted things out for Violeta, we'll sit down and talk, okay?"

His phone rang again. Violeta was crying so hard that she could barely speak. "Mr. Zayas... when will you be here? They're threatening to burn the house down..."

I yanked my arm free and hit the elevator button. As the doors opened, I heard Sebastian shouting into his phone, "Hold on! I'm coming right now."

He watched me step into the elevator, frustrated and confused.

He probably thought I was just throwing a tantrum. That after tonight, he could say something nice like always, and we'd be fine again.

My phone buzzed with a text from Sebastian: [Sue, I know you're mad. We'll talk things through when I get back.]

Right after, another message came in: [Kendrick's situation is messy. I might not make it back tonight. Get some rest.]

*****

I didn't reply. Without a second thought, I blocked him on everything.

Sebastian stood in the hotel parking lot till almost dawn, smoking. When he finally checked his phone, every message had that red exclamation mark.

He stomped out his cigarette and drove straight to the Folklore Research Institute.

He banged on the door until the security guard came out, rubbing his eyes. "Hey, it's still a holiday. We're closed!"

"I'm looking for Susanna Tucker," Sebastian said.

"Ms. Tucker?" The guard waved him off. "She quit! She turned in her resignation before the holiday. I heard she's heading overseas."

Sebastian froze. "When did this happen?"

"It's been about a month," the guard said, eyeing him up and down. "You're her husband, aren't you? Didn't you know?"

Sebastian didn't answer. He got back in his car and drove away.