Chapter 14: The Divorce Hearing

A week after Family Day, Celeste officially submitted the final documents for her divorce.

Her lawyer completed every legal procedure.

The court scheduled the first hearing for the following month.

When Trevor received the court notice, he stared at it for a long time.

The divorce that had once seemed impossible was now becoming reality.

He folded the document carefully before placing it inside his desk.

That evening, Arnold Fleming invited Trevor to dinner.

"Have you decided?" the old man asked.

"About what?"

"Whether you're going to keep chasing her... or finally respect her decision."

Trevor remained silent.

Arnold sighed.

"Love isn't possession, Trevor."

"If you truly love Celeste now... then learn to respect the life she's chosen."

Those words stayed with Trevor long after dinner ended.

Meanwhile, Celeste returned to her country and resumed work immediately.

Rodriguez Group had secured another major investment project.

During the board meeting, every executive praised her leadership.

"Congratulations, Ms. Rodriguez."

"Our overseas expansion exceeded every expectation."

Celeste smiled politely.

"This success belongs to everyone."

Her confidence inspired the entire company.

For the first time in years, she wasn't introducing herself as someone's wife.

She was simply Celeste Rodriguez.

A successful entrepreneur.

A respected business leader.

A woman who had finally reclaimed her identity.

A few days later, the divorce hearing officially began.

The courtroom was quiet.

Only a few lawyers and court officials were present.

Celeste entered first, dressed in a simple white suit.

She looked calm.

Trevor arrived shortly afterward.

Their eyes met briefly.

Neither spoke.

The judge reviewed the documents before asking the routine questions.

"Mrs. Fleming..."

"Do you still wish to proceed with the divorce?"

"Yes."

Her answer came without hesitation.

"Mr. Fleming?"

Trevor slowly looked toward Celeste.

He remembered every moment of the past seven years.

Her birthday.

Their anniversaries.

Her lonely dinners.

The countless messages he ignored.

The tears she hid behind her smile.

He closed his eyes briefly.

"Mr. Fleming?"

the judge repeated.

Trevor finally opened his eyes.

"I..."

He paused for several seconds.

Everyone waited.

Finally, he spoke quietly.

"I don't want this divorce."

The courtroom fell silent.

Celeste's lawyer immediately stood.

"Your Honor, my client has clearly expressed her decision."

"Mr. Fleming's refusal shouldn't delay the legal process."

The judge nodded before looking toward Trevor again.

"Marriage requires the consent of both parties."

"However, if one party insists on divorce due to an irreparable relationship, the court will proceed according to the law."

"This hearing will be adjourned until the next session."

The gavel struck.

The hearing ended.

Outside the courthouse, reporters had already gathered.

"Ms. Rodriguez!"

"Is it true you're divorcing Mr. Trevor Fleming?"

"Will this affect Rodriguez Group?"

Celeste answered calmly.

"My personal life has nothing to do with my company."

"Thank you."

She walked directly toward her car.

Trevor followed several steps behind.

"Celeste."

She stopped.

But she didn't turn around.

"I won't force you to come back."

His voice was unusually calm.

"I know I don't deserve another chance."

"But..."

"Can I at least continue looking after Jordyn with you?"

Celeste remained silent for several moments.

Finally, she nodded.

"Jordyn will always have both parents."

"No matter what happens between us."

Trevor smiled bitterly.

"Thank you."

This time...

He didn't ask her to forgive him.

He didn't ask her to stay.

Because he finally understood.

Love wasn't about keeping someone beside you.

Sometimes...

The greatest love was learning to let them live the life they deserved.

As Celeste's car slowly disappeared into the distance, Trevor stood quietly outside the courthouse.

For the first time since she had left...

He stopped chasing her footsteps.

Instead...

He silently wished that wherever life took her...

She would never have to cry because of him again.