Desperately, I kept dialing.
But all I got was endless hang-ups.
In despair, I composed a text message: [Grandma is dying. Just come back, and we can get divorced; I'll set you free.]
Chloe's call came quickly. "Osborne," she said, "I never thought you were this kind of person. I told you that Brad's biggest wish in life is to watch the sunrise with me. It's a promise we made as kids. I'm just helping him fulfill that wish. You have everything, while Brad has nothing. Can't you be a little generous? Don't disappoint me. And to think you'd use Grandma's life as a bargaining chip, cursing her with such malice... It's truly disgusting."
"Grandma doesn't have much time left. Her last wish is to see you one more time. I'm begging you, please come back. If you do, I'll agree to a divorce!"
In my haste, I blurted out.
I had expected the thought of divorce to be unbearable, but it wasn't.
Instead of pain, I felt only calmness.
I felt a sense of relief, of liberation.
"You're insane! How could I not have noticed before that you're such a petty man, resorting to such a lousy tactic to threaten me? You want a divorce? Fine, you got it."