1 Let’s Get a Divorce

 

“We should get a divorce.”

“I have some good news to tell you.”

Kajarin’s smile vanished the instant she heard the words from the man sitting across from her.

“What did you just say, Wee?” she asked, trying to steady her voice. She needed to be absolutely sure before deciding whether the "good news" she held was something he still deserved to hear.

“I said, let’s get a divorce.”

“But why? I love you, and you... you love me too, don't you?” Star asked softly, her hands moving discreetly to tuck the documents and the pregnancy test deeper into her bag.

“I was just acting,” Parawee replied, taking a sip of water to mask the flicker of his own emotions. “I’m tired of playing house. I miss Nicha. No matter what I do, I can't get her out of my head.”

Though he knew his words were cutting her to the bone, Parawee forced them out. He wanted everything to be clear, once and for all.

Star, dressed in a delicate cream mini-dress, lowered her head. Nicha. Of course. No matter what, he could never forget her. Star realized then that she had spent the last few years living in a beautiful, self-crafted delusion.

“And here I thought we were actually in love. I guess it was just me all along.” Her voice trailed off, thick with an unmistakable sorrow.

Parawee let out a weary sigh. He had never loved her from the start. He had only agreed to the marriage because of the subtle, relentless pressure from his family.

“Let’s just end it here, Star. Dragging this out any longer is only going to exhaust us both.”

The petite woman took a tissue, dabbing away a stray tear before looking up at him.

“Is my makeup smeared?” she asked the man who was about to become her ex-husband.

“...” Parawee simply shook his head.

“Good. Then let’s not waste any more time.” She glanced at her watch before offering him a small, fragile smile. “Let’s go.”

Wee stared at her, caught off guard by her sudden shift in demeanor. “Go where?”

“It’s only one in the afternoon. Let’s head to the district office and get the divorce over with, just like you wanted.” Bitterness laced her smile, and though her eyes were bright with unshed tears, she stood firm.

“There’s no rush,” he muttered. He hadn't expected her to be this compliant.

“Actually, there is, Wee. I just want this finished. But... I’ll need to stay at the condo for one more night. I won’t be able to find a new place that quickly,” she requested quietly.

She meticulously organized her belongings, ensuring the secret she carried remained hidden from his sight. Standing up, she smoothed out her dress and grabbed her bag to head to the car.

“Wait,” Wee said, catching her wrist.

“Yes?”

“You said you had good news earlier.” For all his failings as a husband, he felt he could at least listen to what she had to say today.

“Oh...” Star looked thoughtful for a moment. “Never mind. I’ve already forgotten what it was.”

She gave him another smile and nudged him toward the exit, leading him to the car. She was desperate to get him out of the restaurant as quickly as possible. She had gone all out, planning a grand surprise with the staff to announce the baby, but life had handed her a much bigger surprise instead. She needed to leave before the restaurant's planned "celebration" could begin.

Since she didn't want to talk, Parawee didn't press her. He grabbed his keys and followed her out.

As they drove toward the nearest district office, the silence in the car was heavy. Wee wanted the paperwork finalized immediately; he didn't want any lingering ties. Beside him, Star sat in total silence. Not a single word, not a single tear.

They arrived at the office in less than thirty minutes.

“Wait a second, Wee. Let me grab my things from the car first.” Star leaned into the backseat, gathering the personal items she had left in his vehicle.

“You can get them later at the house,” he snapped, his irritation rising. He felt like she was being petty, or worse, trying to stall.

“I’d rather do it now. That way, we can go our separate ways once we're done inside,” she replied matter-of-factly. She couldn't stand the thought of an awkward, suffocating drive back with him. “Besides, you probably have other things to do.”

“Stop being so dramatic, Star. I don’t like it,” Parawee grumbled.

“Fine. I’ll leave it.” She dropped her things back onto the seat and stepped away from the car, leading the way into the building.

Since it was mid-afternoon and the office wasn't busy, they didn't have to wait. The registrar handed over the documents. Star touched the paper lightly with both hands before signing her name first, without hesitation. She then slid the document over to her husband.

Parawee didn't hesitate either. He signed his name the moment the paper reached him.

Star looked down at the wedding ring on her finger. He had been the one to buy it. It was time to give it back.

The former couple walked out of the office in silence. Seeing her lack of outward grief, Wee convinced himself that she must have wanted the divorce just as much as he did. In hindsight, he felt they shouldn't have let this drag on for years.

“Here,” Star said, extending her hand toward him.

“...” Parawee looked at the small, pale hand. “What is this?”

“The ring. I’m returning it.”

Parawee took it from her and turned toward his car, but Star began walking toward the exit of the district complex.

“Star! I’ll give you a ride.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m going to meet a friend.” She didn't turn back. She didn't want him to see that the "villainess" was finally breaking down.

“I said I’d drive you! This attention-seeking act isn't going to work, Star!” he shouted after her. He was certain she was playing games, trying to goad him into chasing after her.

Star heard everything he yelled, but she didn't look back. She flagged down a taxi and climbed inside, leaving him behind without another word.