The divorce papers were signed with decisive strokes. <fn4940> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find(?)ovel</fn4940>
I reached for the agreement when Ryan’s mother suddenly lunged forward, gripping my wrist with surprising strength that nearly crushed my
bones.
“Victoria, please wait! Ryan’s just confused right now. You two have so much history together–you can’t just throw it all away!”
Her tears burned against my skin as Ryan’s father stood nearby, eyes red–rimmed, lips moving before finally managing only: “Stop this
nonsense.”
But Ryan suddenly stood up, the abrupt movement pulling at his shoulder wound. He grunted in pain but still reached out to pull his parents back.
“Mom, Dad, don’t.” His voice was several degrees colder than usual, stripped of all warmth, left with nothing but harsh finality.
“The divorce is the right thing to do.”
I stared at him, caught off guard. I’d never expected this man who used to act like a puppy around me to be <i>so </i>decisive.
His parents were still quietly sobbing, but Ryan had already ced the signed divorce agreement in front of me.
Without another word, he helped his parents toward the door. As they passed the threshold, they nearly collided with Lily Sinir standing
there.
Lily was still in a hospital gown, pale as paper, her belly noticeably deted. Something about the timing feltpletely wrong.
When she saw the divorce papers in my hands, her eyes lit up for just a split second before she quickly lowered her head, putting on a guilty expression.
“Ryan, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault…”
Ryan didn’t look at her, just said tly, “It’s not about you,” and continued escorting his parents out.
I turned to leave with the divorce papers when Lily suddenly stepped forward, catching my sleeve.
“Ms. Rodriguez,” her voice was soft, with a barely detectable tremor.
“Don’t you regret this at all? Ryan loves you so much–you’re really going to give up on him?”
I looked down at her hand gripping my sleeve. Her nails were perfectly manicured but had an unnatural pink tint, like she’d been digging them into her palms while crying.
“Regret?” I smiled and pulled free.
“My only regret is not seeing through this sooner. Some people’s ‘love‘ was never exclusive to begin with.”
Lily’s face went ghostly white as tears started falling again.
“I never wanted to destroy your rtionship. I was just… so scared. Ryan was my only support…”
She trembled and sobbed, drawing concerned looks from passing nurses.
I couldn’t be bothered with her performance anymore. I turned and walked away.
After leaving the hospital, I handled the remaining legal paperwork and moved my belongings out of the house I’d shared with Ryan.
I thought that would be the end of it–time to start a new life.
<b>De </b>Your <b>Divorce </b>Evidence
46.0<b>% </b>
Until two weekster, while grocery shopping, I spotted a familiar figure: Lily Sinir.
She wore a stylish dress, herplexion much healthier, chatting with a middle–aged woman with unmistakable satisfaction in her expression.
I started to avoid them but heard her mention my name.
“… Victoria was just so petty. Ryan showed me a little kindness and she threw a tantrum about divorce. Well, now she’s gone and Ryan finally has
some peace.”
The middle–aged woman chuckled in agreement: “You’re so understanding. Detective Rodriguez will definitely take good care of you now.”
Lily’s smile grew even brighter, though her eyes kept drifting toward me.
When she spotted me, her smile instantly froze before she slipped back into that fragile mask, hurrying over.
“Victoria! What a coincidence.” She feigned concern. “How have you been? Ryan… he really misses you.”
I watched her fake performance with disgust.
“How I’m doing is none of your business.”
I said coldly, “And stop mentioning Ryan to me. We have nothing to do with each other anymore.”
After that, I pushed my cart past her without another nce.
She clenched her shopping bags tighter, nails nearly digging into her palms.
“Victoria Rodriguez, you think leaving solves everything? Ryan can only be mine!”
Chapter <b>5 </b>