Chapter 2

When I told him why I was there, Simon looked at me in disbelief. "Are you sure about this?

"Honestly, you might be disappointed. Edward's already changed his mind—he's pulled out of the chip research project."

Back then, I'd followed Edward to Brighton.

Simon couldn't stand seeing my medical skills go to waste in the countryside, so he introduced me to Brad.

That was how I ended up with Brad's letter of introduction.

That letter let me join the research team as their doctor, working alongside the scientists in the top-secret chip research project.

At the time, the only reason I wanted in was because Edward was going to be part of it.

But now...

I pulled myself together and nodded, resolute.

"Yes, I've decided. Edward's not going? Doesn't matter. I'm still going."

Brad said, his tone serious, "This research is extremely serious.

"Even if you're only the team doctor and not directly involved in the research itself, once you join, you'll be responsible for the researchers' daily lives and health.

"It could last eight or ten years, sometimes even decades. Once you're in, there's no backing out."

I replied firmly, "I understand.

"Professor Miles, I've really thought this through.

"I'm no scientist, but I do have some medical skills.

"I just want to do what little I can for the country, to support those who are the pillars of our nation."

Brad's eyes grew misty.

He reached out, warmly taking my hand. "Welcome."

Simon, looking genuinely excited, patted my shoulder. "Welcome back, Claire!"

I spent a long time talking in the office, and finally signed the agreement.

By the time I left the university, it was already evening.

Simon walked me to the gate and suggested we grab something to eat together.

Before he could finish, a cold, angry voice suddenly rang out.

"I didn't bring you here, so you really went behind my back and came here yourself!"

I looked up and saw Edward standing under the streetlight, his face dark with anger.

He was dressed in a suit, standing tall and straight.

He'd been teaching for over ten years now, and had just been nominated for associate professor.

He had that unmistakable scholar's vibe, his expression stern and distant.

I was proud to have a husband like him for so many years.

But now, my heart felt nothing—just empty.

Lucas stood next to him, and he couldn't hide his dislike.

"Dad's been busy with his students' project, and I've got a ton of homework myself.

"Mom, you're not a kid anymore. Can't you get your priorities straight? Why do you always cling to Dad and hold him back?"

Simon stepped in, unable to stay silent, and spoke up for me.

"Claire didn't come to Brighton because of you!"

Edward let out a mocking laugh, as if he'd just heard something ridiculous.

"Not us?

"She doesn't have a job, she's not in school—so what else could she possibly be here for?"

Simon was about to say something else.

But Edward cut him off, clearly annoyed.

"Dr. Cole, this is a family matter. Claire is my wife!"

Just then, a few students came out of the university, arms full of textbooks.

Edward looked uneasy for a moment, and when he said "wife," he dropped his voice, like he didn't want anyone else to hear.

His face flushed with embarrassment, as if he was terrified someone might find out and he'd lose face.

After fifteen years of marriage, almost no one at the university even knew I was his wife.

Thinking about it, he always saw me as someone to hide, never someone to show off.

With my departure just around the corner, I didn't even feel like arguing with him anymore.

But there were still a few things I had to sort out before I left.

Brad said we'd be leaving tomorrow night.

I pulled out the marriage certificate from my cloth bag.

I stepped closer to Edward, standing right in front of him.

Edward looked down at me, giving me that classic "figures" expression.

"Yeah, right—not here for us..." he mocked.

I handed him our marriage certificate and said quietly, "Edward, let's get a divorce."

Divorce was always seen as disgraceful at that time.

Edward's face froze for a second, furious and embarrassed, but he had to hold it together with so many people watching.

The veins on his forehead bulged, and his neck went rigid.

He lowered his voice, his face flushing red and then pale.

"Claire, have you lost your mind? Are you really set on making a scene and ruining everything for me?"

Simon looked like he wanted to jump in and defend me.

I knew Simon had things to do, so I gave him a look, letting him know I was okay and he could leave.

Once everyone else was gone, I turned to Edward.

After all the love, the infatuation, and fifteen years together, all I felt now was a deep, quiet calm.

I kept my voice steady and repeated myself.

"You've already got the woman you really want, and I don't want to keep wasting my years like this.

"So, Edward, let's just end this marriage."

Edward's face flushed bright red, and he shot back, "Don't accuse me! There's nothing going on between me and Grace!"

Honestly, I wasn't even trying to bring Grace into this.

I just wanted to say that all these years, he never really loved me.

I was never the kind of woman he wanted as a wife.

So many words were stuck in my throat.

But in the end, all I could manage was a soft, almost inaudible sigh.

"Let's just end it here. Let's get a divorce."

"Almost nobody at your university even knows we're married, so it's not like your reputation will take a hit."

Edward looked so furious that he opened his mouth several times, but just couldn't get a word out.

I knew he was always obsessed with keeping up appearances.

In the end, he was just scared a divorce would ruin his image.

Lucas frowned. "Mom, enough already, can you just give it a rest?

"You know Dad's up for associate professor. Can't you just keep things quiet for once?"

I've made myself clear enough.

I really don't get how they suddenly can't understand plain English.

I put the certificate back in my bag and said calmly, "If you don't want to get divorced right now, we can talk about it later."

As I turned to leave, someone suddenly grabbed my wrist.

I glanced down and saw Edward's cool, slender fingers wrapped around my wrist.

Funny, isn't it?

Back when I rarely came to Brighton with him, he was always worried his students or colleagues would notice something.

Whenever we walked together, he always made sure to keep at least 2 feet between us.

But now, here he was, grabbing me in front of everyone.

I was stunned, but honestly, it was kind of funny.

Behind me, Edward's voice was low, angry, and awkward.

"Claire, what are you trying to pull?"

I was really starting to get fed up. "I said, let's get a divo..."

Before I could finish, his grip on my wrist suddenly tightened.

Edward's face was dark as he pulled me off to the side of the street.

As I instinctively tried to yank my hand away, I heard his cold voice.

"Isn't this what you wanted? A divorce?

"Let's go to the staff apartment first. We need to sign the papers—are you really going to do it out here on the street?"

For a second, I thought I'd misheard him.

Back when I used to come to Brighton with him, he acted like he was ashamed for anyone to see us together.

He'd rather spend money on a cheap motel than even let me inside the staff apartments.

But now, none of that mattered anymore.

I only had two days left, so the sooner I got the divorce sorted, the better.

So I didn't refuse. I just followed him to the bus stop and waited for the bus.

Behind us, Lucas stood there, looking upset and not moving an inch.

Edward turned around and called out coldly, "Come with us. We need to talk about who you'll live with."