Chapter 8: The Divorce Papers

Three days after returning to Andostan, Trevor buried himself in work, convincing himself that time would solve everything.

Every morning, he left for the office before sunrise.

Every night, he returned to a villa that felt emptier than the day before.

He rarely spoke during meetings.

Even his employees noticed the change.

"Mr. Fleming has been distracted lately," one executive whispered.

"He hasn't rejected a proposal this entire week."

"Something must have happened."

Inside his office, Trevor stared absentmindedly at the divorce agreement lying on his desk.

He had carried it everywhere since leaving Celeste's country.

Yet he still hadn't signed it.

Every time he picked up a pen, something stopped him.

"Mr. Fleming."

His assistant, Ethan, entered with a stack of documents.

"Today's schedule has been confirmed. Also... Mrs. Fleming's lawyer contacted us again."

Trevor looked up immediately.

"What did they say?"

"They're asking whether you've reviewed the divorce agreement. If there are no objections, they'd like to begin the legal process."

Silence filled the office.

Trevor slowly closed the file in front of him.

"Tell them... I'm still considering it."

"Yes, sir."

After Ethan left, Trevor leaned back in his chair.

He remembered how determined Celeste had looked that day in the lobby.

"If you've signed it, let your lawyer contact mine."

She hadn't been threatening him.

She hadn't been trying to make him jealous.

She genuinely wanted to end their marriage.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Celeste was attending another executive meeting.

"The shareholders have unanimously approved the European acquisition," one director announced proudly.

Applause echoed throughout the conference room.

"Congratulations, Ms. Rodriguez."

"The company's market value has increased by nearly twelve percent this month alone."

Celeste accepted the report with a calm smile.

"Thank you for everyone's hard work."

"Let's continue preparing for the next phase."

Her confidence inspired everyone around her.

The woman who had once hidden behind the title of Mrs. Fleming was finally standing under her own name again.

After the meeting, Mia walked beside her.

"Your lawyer called earlier."

"Did Trevor sign?"

"Not yet."

Celeste showed no disappointment.

"He'll sign eventually."

"What if he doesn't?"

Celeste looked out the window.

"Then I'll wait."

"Not for him..."

"For the law."

Mia smiled faintly.

She admired how composed Celeste had become.

Back in Andostan, Jordyn sat alone inside her bedroom.

Her eyes landed on the unfinished seashell necklace she and Trevor had made for Wynn.

A week had already passed.

Wynn's birthday was tomorrow.

Yet Jordyn no longer felt excited.

She picked up one of the polished shells.

Suddenly, she remembered another birthday.

Her mother's.

She had completely forgotten it.

Not only had she forgotten...

She had spent that day making someone else's present.

"Mom..."

Her voice trembled.

Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.

Downstairs, Hannah heard soft sobbing and hurried into the room.

"Ms. Fleming?"

"Hannah..."

"Did Mom leave because I hurt her?"

Hannah crouched beside her.

"Your mother loves you very much."

"Then why won't she answer my calls?"

Hannah couldn't answer.

Because even she didn't know.

Late that afternoon, Trevor received an invitation.

"Mr. Fleming," Ethan said, "Mr. Arnold Fleming would like you to visit him this evening."

Trevor frowned.

His grandfather rarely summoned him without reason.

"Prepare the car."

"Yes, sir."

Arnold Fleming had founded the Fleming family empire decades earlier.

Even after retirement, everyone in the family respected his authority.

When Trevor entered the old mansion, Arnold was already waiting in the study.

"Sit."

Trevor quietly obeyed.

Arnold placed a newspaper onto the desk.

The headline showed a large photograph of Celeste.

"Rodriguez Group Signs Historic International Partnership."

"Your wife seems to be doing quite well," Arnold remarked.

"Grandpa..."

"Or should I say... your soon-to-be ex-wife?"

Trevor remained silent.

"She sent me a copy of the divorce agreement yesterday."

Trevor's eyes widened.

"She contacted you?"

"She thanked me for taking care of her these past seven years."

Arnold sighed heavily.

"Trevor..."

"Do you know why I insisted you marry Celeste back then?"

Trevor lowered his gaze.

"Because she was responsible."

"No."

"Because she loved you more than anyone else ever could."

The old man's voice softened.

"But even the deepest love has its limits."

"Once someone's heart completely breaks..."

"It's almost impossible to put it back together."

Trevor stared silently at the divorce papers inside his briefcase.

For the first time...

He wasn't afraid of losing the marriage.

He was afraid...

That he had already lost Celeste forever.