?Chapter 1196:


    Hadley smiled faintly, thinking to herself how Brady, despite being in his early twenties and still so young, had shown a depth of loyalty and responsibility that Cade had never possessed.


    After leaving the hospital, Elissa headed back toward Milnd Road. On her way home, her phone rang, disying an unfamiliar number.


    “Hello?”


    “Hello,” replied a deep, husky male voice, unfamiliar yet strangely, hauntingly recognizable.


    “It’s me.”


    It was Robin.


    Elissa froze. She had blocked his number long ago—yet here he was, calling. He must have changed numbers just to get through.


    If he was reaching out now, it likely meant he had received the divorce agreement she sent.


    She kept her tone steady. “You’ve received the agreement and read it?”


    “Yes…” Robin’s voice was low, somewhat muffled.


    “Then sign it,” she said inly. “Let’s set a date and finalize the divorce.”


    Elissa’s tone remained calm, almost indifferent, as she finished speaking.


    “Elissa.” Robin called her name, his voice gentler this time.


    “What?” she replied tly.


    “Let us meet first.”


    “Why?” Elissa’s expression shifted, confused. “Is there something wrong with the agreement?”


    “It’s…”


    “What is it?” Elissa asked, her surprise deepening. “What kind of problem? I didn’t even ask for anything…”


    “It’s not something I can exin over the phone,” Robin cut her off. “Let’s talk in person.”


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    A faint, bitterugh slipped through. “What’s the matter? Afraid to see me?”


    Elissa didn’t respond. But the answer was obvious.


    “We can meet outside,” he offered. “Pick a busy ce—somewhere public. Somewhere you’ll feel safe enough to walk away if you need to. Does that sound okay?”


    She paused, weighing her unease. Then, after a long silence, she relented. “Alright. I’ll choose the ce and then text you.”


    “Sure,” he replied.


    After the call ended, Elissa stared at the screen, her expression clouded. Something about him tonight didn’t sit right.


    Robin sounded… different. Strangely calm. Almost like the man she had once fallen for—grounded,posed, even gentle.


    She shook off the thought and headed back to Milnd Road.


    After her shower, a message lit up her phone. Robin had texted.


    They traded a few short replies and confirmed the time and ce.


    Two dayster, Elissa hurried through the mall, weaving past shoppers with her work bag slung over one shoulder. Her shift at the supermarket had just ended.


    The meeting ce was a café in a bustling mall. There were a lot of people, so Robin wouldn’t likely dare try anything. By the time Elissa arrived, Robin was already there.


    He sat by the window, ncing up the moment he saw her. “Over here!” He stood and gave a small wave.


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