Chapter 217: Your Friend Is Looking for You
Upon hearing the offer, I was genuinely taken aback. This time, it wasn’t a threat but a willingness to complete the divorce procedures first, allowing me to reconsider his request later. This was unlike Christopher's usual behavior.
Seizing the moment, I agreed. “Alright, how about tomorrow? Is he available in the afternoon?”
Donald hesitated briefly. “Yes, he is.”
“Then please inform him to meet me at the courthouse at 2 PM tomorrow.”
Even as I ended the call, I felt no emotional turmoil, no sense of relief. It was as ordinary as scheduling a lunch with a colleague. I wondered why I had been so consumed by the past, enduring so much pain and disappointment.
After the call, Donald entered Christopher’s office cautiously, noting his boss’s frosty demeanor. Christopher peered up from his documents, his gaze icy. “When is the divorce scheduled?”
“Tomorrow at 2 PM,” Donald replied, his heart tightening. Though he had served Christopher for many years, in the past two, the man had become increasingly inscrutable.
A flicker of self-mockery darkened Christopher’s eyes. “Alright, I understand.”
Donald excused himself, closing the door softly behind him.
Christopher rose and stared out the floor-to-ceiling window, the sunset casting a glow over him, barely containing the storm within. Reflecting on Hope’s words over the past two years, he realized he had never truly respected her or communicated well. Misunderstandings and barriers had grown, wounding her deeply. He vowed to change; he was changing.
The next day, I arrived ten minutes early, only to find Christopher already waiting at the courthouse. He wore a suit I had tailored for him three years ago, the style still timely, enhancing his upright bearing. Even devoid of past feelings, his appearance made it difficult to harbor ill will.
Christopher's eyes followed me as I approached. “Let’s go.”
He simply nodded. "Okay."
The divorce procedures were straightforward. Our five-year marriage ended in a moment. I took my divorce papers and handed Christopher his copy. “Thank you.”
He looked at me, puzzled. “Thank me for what?”
“I thought this would be difficult to finalize.”
Christopher was candid. “If it were before, it certainly would have been.”
I observed him, surprised. “You’ve changed a lot.”
His gaze was gentle. "Does this make me less annoying?"
I smiled. "It does. Christopher, happy divorce."
His faint smile was tinged with sadness, but he quickly masked it, his voice reverting to its usual chill. “Where have you been these past two years?”
I confessed, "Fantasia Federation."
He didn’t press further and we exited the courthouse together, stepping into the sweltering summer heat. I turned to him. "Your suit might take some time to make, and just so you know, my rates are pretty steep now."
He wasn't short of money, but I thought it was best to be clear.
He smiled faintly, the confidence unchanged. "That's fine; I can afford it."
I couldn’t argue with that. All I could do was nod. "Alright then, I’ll get on it. Once it’s done, I’ll have it sent to the Valence Manor."
Back at ElevateJoy, I found someone waiting in the office.
Cecil regarded me with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Why did you come back to the country without telling me? If I hadn't spoken to Dave, I wouldn't have known you were back."
I shrugged, smiling. "I saw on Facebook you were on a business trip. I figured I’d tell you when you got back."
Just then, Elissa Elissa sauntered in, heels clicking, her eyebrow arched in curiosity. "Did you actually get it done this time?"
I nodded. "Yes, I did."
Elissa didn't believe it. "Really? Show me."
Last night, I’d told her I planned to divorce Christopher today. She’d been skeptical, sure something would go awry again.
I handed her the divorce papers. "See for yourself. It’s genuine."
Elissa's face lit up with joy. "Finally, this lousy marriage is over."
Cecil’s eyes widened in surprise. "You and Christopher are divorced?"
I affirmed, "Yes, just today."
Cecil chuckled, "In that case, dinner’s on me tonight. We’ll celebrate your return and toast to your newfound freedom."
Elissa grinned. "Generous! How about a lavish feast?"
Cecil nodded. "Consider it done."
I couldn’t help but laugh, letting them handle the details.
After the incident with Connie, I no longer left important design drafts at the office. Before heading out, I packed my drawing board and left with them.
We dined at a renowned private restaurant Elissa had reserved, famous for its authentic local cuisine and sophisticated ambiance. As Cecil poured us some juice, he casually asked, “Hope, how long do you plan to stay here this time?”
“I’m here to stay,” I said. “If nothing unexpected happens.”
Fantasia Federation had been nice but never quite felt like home.
Cecil seemed momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “When did you decide this?”
“I’ve always had it in mind. I never meant to settle permanently in there.”
As we chatted, the waiter entered with our dishes. My attention was drawn to a bodyguard in black wheeling someone past. For a moment, our eyes met, and I recognized him instantly—it was Jerry.
I sprang up and sprinted after him, but he had vanished. I stood in the hallway, bewildered, wondering if it had been a figment of my imagination. The waiters bustled around me, oblivious to my turmoil.
Suddenly, a door behind me opened, and there stood Sophia, the woman at Jacquar One. She leaned against the frame, smirking. "Are you looking for Jerry?"
Elissa’s earlier speculation resurfaced in my mind. I clenched my fists, trying to stay composed. "Yes, I’m his friend. Is he inside?"
Unexpectedly, Sophia pushed the door fully open and looked back at Jerry, who was seated at the head of the table, with a cryptic smile. "Jerry, your friend is looking for you."
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