Chapter 46 Divorce
Albert's gaze fell upon the firefly necklace.
A moment of silence permeated between them. They used to be a couple who could talk about anything, but now they found themselves at a loss for words, leaving Violet with tear-filled eyes brimming with grievance.
Rare expressions of defeat and vulnerability appeared on her face.
As Albert looked at the necklace, many beautiful moments from their past flashed through his mind.
Their history with Violet, the innocent first love, and the tumultuous ups and downs were all very significant to Albert.
Sensing a hint of emotion in Albert's eyes, Violet took a step forward, gazing at him, choked up as she said, "Albert, do you know how much I love you? How long have Yvette and you been together? Can she compare to me in your heart? She can walk away from you anytime, I can't, I never can."
She locked eyes with Albert, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Come back, Albert."
Yvette, being allergic, often experienced hives when the seasons changed. At the turn of spring and summer, the weather seemed as capricious as a human. Yesterday, the temperature nearly touched 86 degrees, but after a thunderstorm, it dropped to 68 degrees. The damp and stuffy air caused itching all over her body again, with patches of red bumps appearing on her back and hands, making her extremely uncomfortable.
Having found an allergy pill, Yvette hesitated as she remembered her pregnancy, realizing she couldn't just take any medication. She threw the pill into the trash and endured the increasingly intense itchiness.
Preparing to leave, Yvette looked up and saw Albert standing quietly in the doorway of the clinic. Unexpectedly, after avoiding Albert all day and even switching shifts, he came looking for her.
The clinic's lights were off, casting a dim light inside. Albert stood against the door, his profile at a 45-degree angle, looking into the room. His features were as exquisite as a piece of art, almost like a deity in the play of light and shadow.
Seeing Albert, Yvette's heart began to itch like her body. She couldn't help scratching her back with her hand.
Albert noticed that Yvette had changed into her clothes, carrying her bag, ready to leave. His brow furrowed slightly. Despite what Violet had said, he still couldn't resist coming here.
"Let's talk," he said.
The stagnant air fostered a sense of restlessness.
Yvette stood silently, her back still itching persistently. Uncertain of what he was going to say, she had a faint premonition that it wouldn’t be something to make her happy.
Gazing down at her, Albert coldly asked, "I distinctly remember telling you not to meet Violet. Why did you choose to see her?"
A gust of wind passed through, carrying a damp chill. Yvette bit her lip, feeling the cold seep in through her collar. Unable to resist, she began to tremble.
Struggling to maintain control, she slowly replied, "She wanted to see me."
There was no change in Albert's expression upon hearing Yvette's response; it remained cold.
“Why didn't you refuse?” He furrowed his brow seriously. “I've made it clear that our relationship should not involve Violet; she has no place in it.”
“Yes.”
Yvette had many words she wanted to say, but seeing his expression, she felt that explanations seemed futile.
Just minutes ago, she had hesitated, unwilling to give up, wanting to fight for another chance. Now, she found herself feeling ridiculous.
"But I've already seen her, Albert. What should I do now?" Yvette laughed, her laugh forced and hollow, as if devoid of emotion. "How do you expect me to make amends? I've agreed to divorce, isn't that enough?"
"Is that your solution?" Albert's eyes turned icy upon hearing her words. After a moment, he let out a low, cold chuckle. "Are you planning to get rid of the child?"
Yvette, still scratching her itch, accidentally broke open the blisters on her hand with her nails. Two trails of blood appeared on her skin.
The stinging pain immediately spread across her hand. While she had initiated the divorce, his blunt question about terminating the pregnancy pierced her heart.
Clutching her fingers tightly, she gazed at Albert in a daze. It was only a few seconds later that she regained some composure, pursed her lips, and said, “I've been working consecutively lately, I haven't had the time. You'll have to wait until I have a break.”
Albert's gaze grew even colder.
"You've managed your time well, ensuring it doesn't interfere with work," Albert sneered. "If all you wanted was money, why didn't you just tell me directly? Why go through the hassle of marriage and divorce?"
It was only then that Yvette understood the disdain in his words. In his eyes, whether she chose to marry or divorce, it was all for money.
She tilted her head slightly, trying to hide the tears welling in her eyes from Albert. She struggled to steady her breathing, finally managing to suppress the tears.
Why did she make things so complicated? Because of her foolish fantasies. She wanted to keep their child, to have something in this world as evidence of their relationship, to stay by his side, to see if, over time, he could possibly fall in love with her?
Even if just a little bit.
But now she finally realized that Albert had given all his love to Violet. His heart was as cold as stone towards other women, and she could never warm it.
She pressed her lips together, striving to maintain her composure. "I'm sorry for my mistake that upset everyone. Fortunately, it's almost over. I'll take care of it as soon as possible."
Seeing her so apologetic and humble, Albert stared at her intently. "Yvette, is this truly what you mean?"
"What?"
"You said we wouldn't meet again, but not long after, you asked me if I wanted this child. And when I decided on the child, you wanted to terminate the pregnancy and end this relationship.” Albert's eyes were devoid of warmth. “Yvette, are you playing games with me?”
Furrowing his brow, Albert paced back and forth. After a while, he irritably lowered his head, took out a cigarette from his pocket. He tapped the pack in his palm and a cigarette fell out.
The crisp sound of the lighter followed, the flame burning blue. Soon, he lit the cigarette, taking a shallow drag, the smoke veiling him, his icy stare showing no signs of softening.
The acrid smell made Yvette's throat feel dry, almost making her want to cough.
This was the first time he had smoked in front of her since Yvette became pregnant.
"This is my final time asking you," he paused. "Yvette, is this truly your honest answer?"
His deep voice penetrated her ears, dismantling the defenses in her heart.
She lifted her gaze, his silhouette blurred by the smoke; it felt both dreamlike and real, difficult to make out.
She lowered her eyes. "Are you sure you want to hear my honest answer?"
