Chapter 97 The Decision
The relentless blare of the alarm clock jolted Quentin awake. Groggily, he saw the memo on his phone screen: "Lauren." A wave of pain washed over him as he remembered what today was—the day of the divorce.
Quentin looked around and realized he was in a hotel room. Memories of the previous night flooded back. He had been drinking heavily with Noah, and it was Noah who had ensured he made it to the hotel safely. Disgusted by the lingering smell of alcohol on his clothes, Quentin decided to freshen up and change before facing Lauren.
As he opened the door, he was surprised to see Noah waiting outside, sitting on a chair he must have dragged there. Quentin frowned, annoyed by his friend’s evident concern.
“You got drunk and cried. So, what's really going on?” Noah asked, his voice filled with worry.
“I made it very clear. Is your comprehension failing you? And who cried?” Quentin snapped back.
Noah stood up, placing a hand on Quentin’s shoulder. “Stop pretending to be strong. I know you. Just a few days ago, your relationship seemed fine. Why the sudden divorce?”
“Save your curiosity. I'm going to the civil affairs office now. If you want to know more, wait until I get back,” Quentin replied curtly.
“Quentin, are you really going? You’ll regret it!” Noah shouted, his voice edged with frustration.
“Regret? No, I never regret my actions,” Quentin said, trying to sound resolute.
Noah’s disappointment was palpable. “Haven’t you realized your true feelings? Your feelings for Lauren aren’t that simple. Losing her will make you miserable.”
Quentin’s heart ached at Noah’s words, but he kept his face impassive. “It’s okay if I'm miserable as long as she’s happy.”
Noah sighed, seeing the depth of Quentin’s turmoil. “Quentin, no matter what the issue is, I hope you can handle it calmly and not make impulsive decisions.”
Quentin gave a bitter smile. “I never like to force anyone. It’s Lauren who wants to leave. I’m just respecting her wishes.”
With that, Quentin walked away, his steps heavy with resignation. Noah watched him go, feeling that things were more complex than they seemed. Determined to uncover the truth, Noah decided to investigate further. Perhaps there was still a chance for reconciliation.
Lauren arrived at the civil affairs office, her heart heavy as she spotted Quentin standing at the entrance. The sight of him, tall and composed, sent a pang through her chest. She forced a smile, thinking, ‘Once I go inside, I will be free. Both Quentin and I will be free.’
She got out of the car and walked towards the office, each step feeling like a final goodbye. Quentin watched her approach, his eyes cold, though inside he felt the distance between them growing insurmountable.
Without a word, they entered the office together. The hall was divided—couples registering their marriages on one side, and those seeking divorces on the other. The marriage side was bustling with excitement, while the divorce side was eerily quiet.
Lauren and Quentin approached the right side, instantly drawing the attention of the staff and other visitors. Their striking appearance and the gravity of their situation made them the center of attention.
“Are you here for a divorce?” the staff member asked, looking up from her desk.
“Yes,” Lauren replied softly.
The staff member gave them a sympathetic look. “Alright, please have a seat. Can you tell me why you are getting a divorce?”
Lauren maintained a polite smile. “Irreconcilable differences.”
Quentin glanced at her, his heart aching at the finality in her tone. He remembered her words from before: “I have fallen in love with the Quentin I have imagined.” Her feelings for him had never been based on reality.
“Is there any chance for reconciliation? Maybe you could give each other another chance, try to communicate better, and you might find that your marriage can continue,” the staff member suggested.
Lauren shook her head. “We’ve already signed the divorce agreement. Please proceed with the formalities.”
The staff member sighed, seeing yet another family break apart. “Since you have agreed to the divorce, I believe you have already handled issues like property division. Alright, please wait a moment.”
Lauren sat rigidly, avoiding looking at Quentin. Every second felt like an eternity. Sweat trickled from her palms, soaking her sleeves.
Quentin felt a profound sadness as he watched Lauren answer the questions. It pained him to see how determined she was to end their marriage without any attempt at reconciliation.
The staff member returned with two documents. “These are the application forms. Since you have already signed the divorce agreement, if you have no objections, please sign here.”
Lauren looked at the papers, her vision blurring. She saw only the signature line at the bottom, thinking, ‘It’s over... everything is over.’
She picked up the pen, ready to end this painful chapter.
“Wait a minute!” A frantic voice echoed through the room.
Lauren turned to see Ethan rushing in. “Ethan, why are you here?”
Quentin looked up, suspicion and annoyance flickering in his eyes. ‘Is Ethan that eager to take Lauren away?’
Ethan ignored Quentin’s glare and focused on Lauren. “Lauren, I have something to show you. Can you give me a few minutes?”
Lauren frowned, her patience wearing thin. “Ethan, wait for me. Let me finish this first, okay?”
“Lauren, you might change your mind after seeing this document,” Ethan insisted, his desperation evident.
Lauren’s frown deepened. “If that’s the case, then I definitely shouldn’t look at it. Ethan, can you respect me for once? I really want to end this. I’m begging you to give me some space, okay?”
Her pleading words struck both Quentin and Ethan deeply. Seeing her resolve, Ethan finally relented, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
‘Indeed, this is her choice, and I must respect it,’ Ethan thought, stepping back.
Quentin watched Lauren, his heart breaking as she signed the papers. In that moment, he realized the depth of his feelings for her, and how much he was about to lose.
Lauren handed the signed documents to the staff member, who processed them quickly. “It’s done,” she said softly, handing them their copies of the divorce certificate.
Lauren stood up, feeling an odd mix of relief and sorrow. Without looking back, she walked out of the office, leaving Quentin standing alone.
As Quentin watched her go, a part of him wanted to run after her, to beg her to stay. But he remained rooted to the spot, knowing he had to let her go if that’s what she truly wanted.
Noah, who had arrived just in time to see the final moments, approached Quentin. “Is this really what you want?”
Quentin’s voice was barely a whisper. “It doesn’t matter what I want. It’s what she needs.”
Noah shook his head, feeling the weight of his friend’s loss. “Quentin, sometimes fighting for what you want is the only way to truly respect someone’s wishes.”
Quentin looked at the door Lauren had just walked through, the ache in his chest almost unbearable. “Maybe. But for now, I have to respect her decision.”
Noah sighed, understanding Quentin’s dilemma. “Let’s get out of here. There’s nothing left for you here.”
As they left the office, Quentin couldn’t help but feel that he was leaving behind more than just a relationship—he was leaving behind a part of himself.
