Chapter 11
Standing at the courthouse entrance, I watched people come and go in droves. Some entered with wide smiles, others left with complicated looks on their faces.
I had no idea what my expression would be when I came out. But I knew, no matter what, that I wouldn’t regret this.
We were supposed to meet at 10:00 am, but Yvonne showed up late. She was in a black business suit, her makeup making her look elegant and modest today. It seemed as though she was dressed for some important meeting.
“Let’s go,” she said coldly, not even giving me a glance.
We walked into the courthouse side–by–side. Nevertheless, we kept our distance from each other. We used to walk side–by–side like this as well, but our hands were interlocked back then.
At that thought, I smiled wryly.
Our five–year marriage was coming to an end, just like this.
It was surprising how smooth the divorce proceedings went. Perhaps it was because we were fully prepared, or perhaps because we were both eager to end this relationship.
When the staff asked if we needed to reconsider, Yvonne answered immediately, “There’s no need. We’ve thought this through.”
I glanced at her wordlessly. Though I knew she was sulking, I didn’t want to get tangled up in
such matters anymore.
The moment I received the divorce certificate, I felt a sense of relief I had never felt before. Our marriage of five years was finally over.
When we walked out of the courthouse, the sunlight was glaringly bright. On the stairs, Yvonne suddenly turned around and asked me, “Cole, are you sure you won’t regret it?”
I looked at her and shook my head gently. “No, I won’t. Yvonne, we should move on.”
Her eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn’t place, but then they quickly calmed back down.” Alright. That’s it for us, then. If you need anything from now on, contact my assistant.”
At that, she turned and left. The sound of her high heels bounced off the steps.
Standing in place, I watched her vanish into the crowd.
When I reached home, Jonas was waiting for me on the couch. The moment he saw me come in, he ran over to me, his eyes full of hope. “Daddy, have you made up with Mommy?”
I squatted to meet his eyes and said softly, “Jonas, we’ve gotten a divorce. From now on, you’ll be living with me. Is that alright?”
Chapter 1
His eyes immediately reddened with tears, and he shook his head vigorously. “No! I don’t want you to get a divorce! I want to live with Daddy and Mommy!”
I took him into my arms, where I could feel his tiny body shaking. I knew this was devastating for him, but I had no other choice.
to remember,
“Jonas, things between adults can be complicated at times. But you have regardless of whether we’re together or not, we both love you very much.”
Jonas cried in my arms for a long time until he tired out and fell asleep. After carrying him to bed, I gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead. As I looked at his sleeping face, guilt and remorse filled my heart.
When I walked out of the room, Xavier was standing at the door with a contemptuous look on his face. It was clear that he had heard our conversation.
“What? Have you just realized you needed to comfort me as well?” His tone was cold and rebellious.
I crouched to be at his eye level. “Xavier, I know
“Don’t give me that,” he cut me off. “You’ve always wanted to send me off to Mommy, right? Are you happy now?
My heart twinged. “Xavier, I know you like Jared better. But no matter what, I’ll always be your dad.”
He scoffed. “Who cares? Jared’s a hundred times better than you.”
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
