Chapter 3

I only replied: [Getting divorced.]

After signing the papers, I ducked outside Nathan's office, shaking.

[William, I think I'm about to lose my home.]

No dad. No mom. No brother. Not even the dog I loved more than most people.

And now? No Nathan.

What was even left?

Didn't expect his reply:

[Why don't you just marry me?]

Inside, the circus rolled on.

"Yeah right, like Joelle's actually pulling off a divorce. The second she dumps Nathan, she'll forget how to speak."

"If she ends up in court, she'll totally lose it. Full meltdown."

"Really?" Nathan let out a laugh.

Tossed his lighter on the table. "Even if she's bawling in court, she'll come crawling back and do whatever I say."

I stared through the door crack at the guy who used to be my everything—and now looked like a complete stranger.

And I texted William:

[Okay.]

***

William sent me a checklist.

Stuff to get done in a month:

Visa? Yep. Legal papers? Obviously.

But then came his real priority—like twenty places I just had to eat at before leaving the country.

He messaged: [Carmorian food abroad tastes terrible. Trust me.]

I laughed and took it seriously.

Started checking off restaurants like it was my new job.

Living alone suddenly didn't suck so much.

I ate, shopped, packed like a pro.

Then the day I finally ditched Nathan's place, he texted:

[Not gonna call me? Don't you miss me?]

Seriously? He was out vacationing with Sophie, doing the whole "let me show you the world" act.

Then came another text: [Bad girl.]

And a photo:

[Nice place. Should I bring you here for our anniversary too?]

Block him? I wanted to. The way I blocked Sophie without blinking.

But I still had to show up in court to collect the official papers, so I bit my tongue.

The next two weeks were a blur.

Sold off my jewelry, a couple bags.

Went to the hospital for a full checkup—just in case. Made sure I wasn't pregnant.

Then I started sorting through all the assets Nathan had left in my care over the years.

Night before the court date, he finally rolled back into Seavora.

Called like it was some casual catch-up.

"Joelle, you moved out?"

***

He was used to me staying quiet on the phone.

Laughed to himself. "You're too cute. I told you, it's all just for show."

Then, all chipper: "Let's make the act complete. Tomorrow, come with me to pick up the decree."

I gripped my phone.

He started, "Joelle, relax, it's just—"

"Okay," I cut in.

A loud cheer exploded on his end.

I hung up.

Sent him the appointment time right after.

Next morning, I got up early.

Nathan showed up late. Of course.

And yeah, Sophie left a faint bite mark on his lip—he pretended it wasn't there.

So did I.

Whole thing was over in five minutes. Even faster than last time.

"Nathan, I've got a surprise for you tomorrow," he said, kicking my leg.

I slid the decree into my bag.

"Nathan, you free tonight?" I asked. "There's something I want to tell you."

He froze.

Ever since we got married, I'd only ever called him 'Honey.'

Then he smiled, flicked his copy of the decree. "Sure."

***

No matter who Nathan turned into this past year, I couldn't completely erase the version of him from before.

I was still grateful—for the years he stuck around, for the way he used to care.

So yeah, I hadn't planned to leave without saying goodbye.

But then the storm rolled in.

Thunder. Lightning.

I hated nights like this.

The crash had happened on a night just like this.