Chapter 8
The day before the court hearing, I saw Cassian at the old house.
The man standing before me looked wrecked–his suit was wrinkled, scruff shadowed his jaw, and his eyes were bloodshot from weeks of no sleep.
He looked at me helplessly, his voice trembling, almost scared to speak:[]
“Elara, please…. don’t go through with the divorce.“]]
“I still love you. I don’t want to lose our family.“]
“I’m sorry. I hurt you. I hurt our child.“]
“Please, just give me one more chance.“]
“I’ll do better this time.”
I scoffed, turning my head as I wiped the tears from the corner of my eye.
For the past month, one thought kept circling in my mind.[]
If I’d left him sooner, if I had been braver… maybe Lumi would still be alive.
1 hated Cassian for being heartless–but I hated myself even more for ever believing he could change.
“Cassian, there’s nothing left to say.“]]
“We’re getting divorced.“]]
He shook his head in agony and pulled me into a desperate hug.
“No, Elara. I know losing Lumi broke you, but I’m hurting too.“]
“We still have a life ahead of us.”
“We can try again. We can have more kids.“[]
“Seven years together…. you’re really just gonna walk away like it meant nothing?“]
Once, I might’ve melted at how forcefully he clung to me, thinking it meant he cared.
But now, all I felt was disgust.
“Cassian, stop pushing me.”
“If you keep this up, I won’t hesitate to bring all of this up in court tomorrow.“]
“Sign the divorce papers while I’m still calm enough to talk to you.“]
His tears fell against my collarbone, burning into my skin.]
“Elara, I messed up. I swear I’ll cut Vesper off for good.“[]
“Just please give me one more chance.”
Before I could reply, someone knocked on the door.
“What’s going on?”
Outside, Vesper stood clutching Briar, her eyes red and desperate.
“Elara Sinclair, Briar’s sick–Cassian’s the only one who can help!”
Her voice cracked, panic bleeding through every rushed word.
Chapter 8
Before I could even move, Cassian had stormed toward the door.
“You’ve got some nerve showing up here.”
“I should’ve kicked you both out a long time ago!“]
He shoved Vesper back without hesitation, ignoring the cries of both mother and child.
The same man who called himself merciful had no mercy left in him now.
Vesper clutched Briar, her face twisted in pain and rage.
“Cassian, he’s sick!“]]
“How could you turn your back on us like this?“]
Cassian glanced at Briar’s pale face, his brow creasing with uncertainty.]
But I stepped in, pushing him out the door and locking it behind him.[]
just minutes ago, he promised to cut her off.
Now she was here again–with a child, no less.
Who could believe anything he says now?
The next day, Cassian didn’t show up to court.
His lawyer told me, if I wanted the divorce, I could file for separation and wait two years.[]
“Please just mail the divorce papers to this address monthly.“]
“Contact me once he signs.”
After everything was settled, I took Lumi and went back to my hometown.[]
Right before boarding the plane, Cassian called me.[]
I calmly powered off my phone and snapped the SIM card in half.[]
It wasn’t until I smelled the familiar scent of wildflowers that I finally felt at peace
Lumi loved springtime. []
She loved flowers. She loved life.[]
I bought a little cottage near the lake and planted her favorite blooms everywhere.[]
I laid Lumi to rest in the garden.]
I know she would’ve loved this place.
Looking out at the sunflowers dancing in the breeze, I whispered softly:[]
“Lumi, we’re home.“]
“This is our new forever.”
“Do you like it?”
