“It’s all over now. Once I take Ethan back to his hometown for his mother’s funeral, we’ll get our license, okay?”
My arms loosened around her.
So this sudden tenderness—it had only been for this.
And I’d been foolish enough to think she truly saw my pain.
But this time, I didn’t argue.
“Fine.”
Claire lit up with joy.
“That’s my good husband!”
She hugged and kissed me eagerly. Her breath rushed against my ear, lips brushing mine.
I turned my head away. “My hand’s injured. Not now.”
Her face darkened.
“I’m going to shower. You should get some sleep.”
That night, I lay awake. Even through the wall, I could hear the heavy breaths from her room—harsh and infuriating.
By morning, the house was empty. She had left with Ethan for the funeral.
I packed my things, left the house keys and wedding ring on the coffee table, and closed the door behind me.
That was the end of us.
At one in the afternoon, I arrived punctually at the City Hall Marriage Bureau.
A black Maybach pulled up. A woman in a white business suit stepped out gracefully.
“Let’s go. I only need ten minutes.”
I nodded and walked with her.
“Watch out!”