CHAPTER 3

CATHERINE'S POV

Michael stood waiting at the gate, his hands in his pockets, watching me walk toward him.

The cool air carried a stillness that seemed to follow me. When I smiled, it wasn't forced. It was lighter than anything he had seen on my face in years.

"You've finally made up your mind?" he asked. His voice was careful, almost teasing.

"I've never been so sure."

My steps slowed, but the certainty in my words never did. For a moment, Michael just stared at me. That glow on my face reminded him of the girl I used to be, the one who laughed without worry, long before six years of weight had dulled my spirit.

"I was starting to think you'd never break free," he muttered, shaking his head. "Honestly, I thought you'd stay stuck forever. Six years, Catherine. What did you even see in that man?"

I gave a small laugh, more self mocking than amused. "Don't remind me. I ask myself the same thing now. Why was I so blind?"

"At least you woke up before it was too late." He grinned, but his tone carried more relief than sarcasm. "Another six years with Ryan, and you'd be wrinkled and bitter. I've actually thought about it, you know. When he finally tossed you aside, I planned to step up and marry you. Reluctantly, of course. Somebody has to keep you from becoming a lonely cat lady. We grew up together, after all."

I rolled my eyes and swatted his arm. "You're insufferable. Keep that nonsense to yourself."

"Fine, fine. Joking aside, here's the paperwork you wanted."

He held out a stack of documents, neatly clipped together. I didn't hesitate. I barely skimmed the pages before setting the pen to paper.

"I won't take anything from Ryan. Not then, not now, not ever. I don't owe him, and I'm not about to start."

Michael watched my hand move smoothly across the page. No pause. No flicker of doubt. He let out a low whistle.

"Wow. Didn't even blink, huh? You really mean it this time."

The pen clicked shut. My brow arched. "Of course I mean it. Let's get this over with. We're heading to St. Mary's Medical Centre."

"Lead the way, madam."

The top floor of the hospital was quiet the kind of quiet reserved for those who could afford it. My steps echoed against the polished floor as I stopped at Room 514. I knocked once, then pushed the door open.

Inside, Kate froze like a deer caught in headlights. The woman on the bed pulled the sheets tighter around herself, fear wild in her eyes, as if my very presence was a threat.

Ryan's jaw tightened. His voice cut through the silence like ice. "Why are you here?"

I slipped the papers from my bag and held them out. My hand was steady.

"Sign this, and I'll leave."

He took them, scanning quickly. His face darkened. "A divorce?"

"What do you think?" I tucked my hair neatly behind my ear. My smile was firm but sharp. "You've done your part these last six years. I won't make you suffer anymore. This will finally set you free."

His eyes narrowed. Something about my calmness unsettled him.

From the bed, Kate's weak voice broke the tension. "Ryan..."

It was soft, almost fragile, but carried enough weight to pull his gaze. He glanced back at her, then at me again. His throat bobbed.

"Let's discuss this later. Go home. Don't upset Kate right now."

My lips curled upward, but my eyes stayed cool. "I'm not joking. You're bringing her home anyway. Might as well clear the path first. No reason for me to linger."

"Catherine..."

"What's wrong?" My voice dropped lower, each word edged with the morning's taunt rather than warmth. "Don't tell me you've grown fond of me after all this time. Is that why you hesitate?"

My laugh filled the sterile room smooth but cutting.

On the bed, Kate looked up at him with wide, watery eyes. "Ryan? What's happening? Why won't you answer her?"

He said nothing for a long moment. Silence stretched between us. I stood unmoving, arms crossed, waiting.

Finally, he set the pen to paper. "Fine. I'll sign it."

The sound of the pen scratching across the page was the only noise in the room.

"Good."

I smoothly slipped the papers back inside my bag. Satisfaction flashed across my face. "Now neither of us has to pretend anymore."

Without another word, I turned and walked out.

The moment the door shut behind me, the weight I had carried all these years came crashing down.

Tears spilled freely, soaking my cheeks. Six years of nothing. I pressed my hand to my chest, but the pain didn't ease. It burned sharp and constant like a blade stabbing into my heart again and again.

Why did it hurt so much to finally let go?

Inside, my mind was a tangled mess of threads I had pulled too tightly. Six years of cold shoulders and broken promises. And now I walked away with empty hands not because I couldn't take anything, but because I wouldn't.

I never owed him. I won't owe him.

Yet my chest screamed otherwise. The bond I once believed in, the vows I once cherished they all clawed at me, begging not to be erased.

But there was no going back. Not anymore.

Michael was waiting just outside the hospital doors when I emerged. My face was pale, my eyes red, but my chin was still lifted.

"Well?" he asked, though the answer was already clear.

"It's done."

"Did he beg?" His tongue was light, teasing, but I saw him searching my face for cracks.

"No. He didn't even flinch."

"Forget him." He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, kicking at the ground. "You know, one day he's going to realize what he lost. And when he does, I'll laugh in his face."

I gave a small smile. It didn't reach my eyes. "Let him. It won't matter to me anymore."

"You sure about that?"

I didn't answer. The silence was enough.

Michael studied me for a moment longer, then broke into a grin. "Well, if you're really single now, you should know I'm still available. A little older, a little less charming maybe, but hey, I'm house trained."

Despite myself, I choked out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "You will never change, will you?"

"Not for you. Never."

We walked down the steps together, side by side. Neither of us said it, but a thought pressed heavy in my chest.

Now what?

What now?