Chapter 96 The Day of Divorce
Quentin tasted despair for the first time. Though he had experienced betrayal with his first love years ago, back then he had felt only sadness and sorrow, never this deep sense of hopelessness.
He knew it was the end for him and Lauren. He could set aside his pride and beg her to stay, but if his efforts only caused her more discomfort, he was willing to let her go.
‘Is this my fate? Is this the consequence of my philandering behavior over the past two years?’ Quentin pondered, his thoughts as turbulent as the landscape flashing past his car window.
The car sped along the highway, the roar of the engine a poor distraction from his inner turmoil.
The sudden ring of his phone cut through his thoughts. Glancing at the caller ID, he answered, his voice terse. “Come out and drink with me.”
On the other end, Noah sounded confused. “Isn’t tomorrow the day Lauren shoots the commercial? You said you were going to be there with her. I wanted to know when you’d be free so we could celebrate afterward.”
“She’s not shooting the commercial. We’re getting divorced tomorrow. So, are you coming or not? If not, I’ll go alone.” Quentin’s voice was edged with impatience, the prospect of drowning his sorrows in alcohol the only thing he could look forward to.
Noah was stunned. “What happened? Why are you getting divorced? Did you two have a fight?”
“Are you coming or not? If not, I’m hanging up!” Quentin snapped, cutting off further conversation and ending the call.
He executed a sharp turn, the black Ferrari spinning around and heading back the way it came. He needed the oblivion that only alcohol could bring.
At the bar, Quentin drank heavily, an aura of desolation surrounding him that kept others at bay.
Noah rushed in, out of breath. “Quentin, what’s going on? Is what you said on the phone true? Why are you getting divorced? Stop drinking and tell me so I can help you figure it out.”
Quentin stared into his glass, his voice flat. “There’s nothing to say. It’s over.”
Noah watched his friend, seeing the pain behind his calm facade. ‘This time, Quentin is truly heartbroken. Lauren is the one he genuinely loves.’
Noah realized that prying information out of Quentin wouldn’t work. Instead, he sat beside him, a silent companion in his misery. “Waiter, bring more drinks,” he said, placing a supportive hand on Quentin’s shoulder.
The next morning, Lauren rose from a sleepless night, pulling the marriage certificate from its cherished box. What had once symbolized her hopes now mocked her failed efforts to build a life with Quentin.
In the photo on the certificate, Lauren’s smile was bright, while Quentin’s expression was indifferent. She remembered how Grandma Robinson had insisted they register their marriage, and how Quentin had driven off immediately afterward, leaving her standing alone.
Lauren dressed carefully, preparing for the day she had dreaded but also anticipated. It was time to end the painful charade.
As she opened the door to leave, she found Ethan standing there.
“Lauren, where are you going so early?” he asked, concern in his eyes.
The sight of him brought a surge of emotions she had been holding back. “Ethan, I…”
Seeing her tears, Ethan’s heart ached. “Lauren, what’s wrong? Tell me, and I’ll help you.”
She wiped her eyes, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry, Ethan. I’m heading to the civil affairs office. Can we talk when I get back?”
“The civil affairs office? Why?” Ethan asked, his confusion deepening.
Lauren sighed. “I’m going to divorce Quentin.”
Ethan was shocked. He knew how much Lauren loved Quentin. “Why? What happened?”
Lauren’s voice trembled with the weight of her revelation. “Quentin forced Wendy to have an abortion to keep our loveless marriage intact. He thought I wouldn’t find out, that it wouldn’t matter to me. I’ve been lying to myself for too long.”
Ethan listened, absorbing her words. He knew Wendy’s pregnancy was fake and had evidence to prove it. But if he revealed the truth, and Lauren forgave Quentin, his chance with her would disappear.
After a moment’s hesitation, Ethan spoke. “Lauren, maybe you should give Quentin a chance to explain.”
She looked at him, surprised. “You’ve always hated Quentin. Why are you defending him now?”
“Because I want you to be sure. This is your decision to make, and you deserve to know everything before you do,” Ethan said earnestly.
Lauren smiled sadly. “Thank you, Ethan. But I need to do this. I’m the one who has to decide.”
As she walked out the door and hailed a taxi, Ethan felt a pang of guilt. He realized that if he truly loved Lauren, he had to be honest with her. Competing with Quentin for her affection meant being truthful, not deceitful.
Ethan decided to give Lauren the evidence of Wendy’s fake pregnancy. Whatever her decision afterward, he would support her, knowing he had done the right thing.
