Seeing we were beyond help, the mediator sighed: “There’s a one–month cooling–off period for divorces now. If you’re sure, come back in a month.”
“Take this time to think it over. Look at you two; such a handsome couple. If you’ve been married this long, there must be some feelings. Don’t act impulsively.”
Nolan is indeed good–looking, I agree.
When we started school, he was famous for his looks. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a crush on him for so many years. Plus, he comes from a good family, always treated like royalty.
Back in college, while we were eating street food, he was taking Eloise to fancy French restaurants.
He was generous and loyal to his friends and classmates.
But with me, he was stingy, unwilling to share even a bit of affection.
I used to agonize over whether I wasn’t good enough.
But now, I realize that’s not important.
He treated me poorly, not the other way around.
Because I hadn’t slept well, I kept yawning.
Nolan turned to see my tear–filled eyes.
He thought I was crying because I couldn’t bear the divorce, feeling smug: “I told you there’s no remedy for regret. Even if you don’t want the divorce now, it’s too late.”
“I, Nolan, never go back.”
I ignored him and headed home.
Once there, Nolan habitually said, “Go make lunch. I want sweet and sour ribs today.”
I ignored him and went into the kitchen, but I came out with the rice cooker I had customized.
He widened his eyes: “What are you doing?”
“I bought the rice cooker. Of course, I’m taking it with me after the divorce.”
Besides the rice cooker I’m reluctant to leave behind, I also want to take the shoe cabinet and glass vase I bought. But they’re too big and inconvenient to move.
“What do you mean?” Nolan asked, trying to suppress his anger, and I saw a vein throbbing on his temple.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’ve found a new place and plan to move out. Oh, though you didn’t buy me much, I’ve left the things you did in the bedroom. Handle them as you wish.”
Watching me busily pack my suitcase, Nolan suddenly erupted, kicking the coffee table.
“Phoebe, if you leave, don’t ever come back.”
I frowned at him, “We’ve been married for years. Do you really have to be so hostile?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to part ways gracefully?”
“There’s no point in maintaining appearances between us. If you’re leaving, just stop nagging.”
A
Become
Nolan pushed me out the door, not forgetting to throw my suitcase on the ground.
I looked at him calmly, without any emotion. Then I picked up the suitcase, brushed off the dust, and entered the elevator without looking back. As I pressed the elevator button, I couldn’t help but feel a gaze glued to me until the doors closed.
In fact, since Nolan cheated during our marriage, I could have legally claimed the house.
But I found it disgusting.
Every corner of the house was filled with his scent and traces. Staying there would constantly remind me of those painful memories.
The moment I walked out of the house, I truly let go.
I moved into the apartment I rented a while ago. It’s not big, but it’s decorated warmly in my favorite style. Unlike my old home, where Nolan’s mom interfered with every part of the decoration, turning it into a lifeless, high–end space.
Just after I finished unpacking, a call from Nolan’s mom came through.
“Phoebe, why has my son caught a cold recently? Didn’t you take good care of him?”
