Chapter 211
Elizabeth couldn't stand the smell of smoke; it clung to her.
She wasn't just talking about the smoke, though. It was her former self, too.
Elizabeth smiled softly. "Alexander, I'm sorry."
She felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
Alexander looked down, his throat tightening. He put out his cigarette. "What I said earlier, I'll say again."
He furrowed his brows, his eyes showing a patience and seriousness he'd never had before. "Whatever you want to do, I'll go along with it."
Elizabeth nodded firmly. "Yes, let's get a divorce."
Alexander pressed the cigarette butt harder, then nodded. "Alright."
"When?" he asked.
"Today won't work. I have surgery with Ms. Carter this afternoon. How about tomorrow morning?" Elizabeth asked gently.
Alexander looked into her almond eyes, feeling a tug at his heart. "Okay."
"I have one more request," Elizabeth said.
He nodded, listening intently. "Go ahead."
"Can you pick me up tomorrow morning?" Elizabeth asked, hands behind her back, testing the waters.
He frowned, not quite getting it.
"I don't mean anything else. Don't worry about me clinging to you," Elizabeth explained. "When we got married, I asked you to pick me up, but you didn't. Now that we're getting divorced, you should be more proactive, right?"
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, her tone light, like it was a little prank, a bit of revenge.
Alexander let out a cold laugh, thinking it was childish.
"Got it. Tomorrow morning at nine, I'll pick you up," he said.
"Earlier, at eight," Elizabeth said.
"Don't you like sleeping in?" Alexander asked.
"But tomorrow's a workday." They walked out side by side, everything feeling natural.
"By the way, how do you know I like to sleep in?" Elizabeth squinted, pointing at him. "Mr. Tudor, have you been secretly paying attention to me?"
"Ms. Percy, you're so dazzling. There's no need to pay special attention," he said lazily.
"If you had a crush on me, just say it!" Elizabeth joked boldly.
Alexander just smiled.
They seemed like old friends, having a relaxed conversation they'd never had before.
At the café entrance, they went their separate ways.
Elizabeth headed to the hospital.
Alexander stopped by his car but turned his head.
Elizabeth's departing figure was resolute.
On her way to the hospital, Elizabeth texted Lila: [This time I'm really going to divorce Alexander!]
Lila: [You've tried several times but never succeeded. Will it work tomorrow?]
Elizabeth: [Even if God himself comes, this divorce is happening.]
Lila: [Ms. Percy, you really have let go.]
Elizabeth: [I won't spend my life unconditionally pleasing him.]
Lila: [Well done! I'll treat you to a drink when I get back from shooting the commercial.]
Elizabeth turned off her phone and returned to the hospital.
Alexander watched her go.
He opened the car drawer and took out a driving license.
He looked at Elizabeth's departing figure, then at the license in his hand.
