Blood seeped from my palm as I stood at the window, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.
I dialed the number my father had given me.
“Tomorrow at one in the afternoon. Can you make it?”
On the other end, a woman’s voice answered softly, “Yes.”
“I’ll have my assistant arrange it.”
Not long after, I received the confirmation for a marriage license. Among all those divorce registrations, this one stood out like a beacon.
So it was this simple all along.
“Who were you talking to so late?” Claire suddenly entered, spotting the bloodied bandages on the floor.
“You’re really hurt?”
For the first time, I saw a flicker of remorse in her eyes. She hurried forward, examining my palm.
“I didn’t know it was this bad. Why didn’t you say something?”
She grabbed fresh bandages and began tending my wound, gentle and attentive.
It had been so long since she’d shown me this kind of care.
Between us, there had been nothing but bitterness and fighting. And when you’ve been starved of comfort, even the smallest kindness can break you.
I couldn’t stop myself—I pulled Claire into my arms.
She embraced me back, patting my shoulder softly.
“I know I’ve neglected you lately. That’s why you’ve been so extreme.”