Chapter 1

"I want a divorce! I am now the CEO of the Thompson Group of Companies. My father can no longer control me!" Evan Thompson, her husband, angrily announced. "I thought I knew you. I thought you would change, but I was wrong to think that you deserved a chance!"

"Evan, please," Shantelle cried. This wasn't the first time her husband had brought up the divorce, but now he had the divorce papers in his hand. 

Fear crept into Shantelle's heart, knowing how serious he was this time. She explained, "I thought you cheated on me. So I did every married woman would do and confront that woman whom you have been housing in a luxury apartment -"

"I was only helping her!" Evan insisted. "Why are you so insecure?"

"Nicole has no one. I brought her here to Rose Hills, and she is my responsibility. Nicole quit her job in Lockwood two years ago to be with me. She has no one. Do you hear me? No one. You and father ensured she could not get a decent job!" Evan retorted. 

In response, Shantelle pointed out, "She could have gotten a decent job if she stayed away from Rose Hills -"

"And with what? No money - in a new town without anyone she knows?" Evan answered.

"Then, she could go back to Lockwood -" Shantelle tried to maintain. 

"That's not the point, Shantelle! Haven't you realized it? I do not like to be dictated!" Evan said. "You think you can control my life? Who do I want to be friends with?"

"No, no, I-" 

"That's never going to happen, Shantelle! Never! I only tolerated this marriage because my father threatened me with my inheritance, my birthright!" Evan added. "You realized how unfair that was for me?"

"And what if I have a special relationship with her? Why would it matter to you? You forced yourself into this marriage - worked with my father to trap me! You knew I had my eye on Nicole, but did that matter to you? No! You had to squeeze yourself into my life!" Evan shot back, his voice strengthening. 

Shantelle was surprised by his words. It made her feel like she was a stranger to him. 

She and Evan had been married for two years. Their parents were close friends and had always said that she and Evan were bound to get married. 

Evan was the gentle older brother she looked up to when they were children. She was five years younger than him. He treated her kindly and even blushed at her claims of marrying him. Thus, Shantelle considered herself a close friend to him. 

When Evan left Rose Hills City for his college and master's degree, they seldom chatted. Still, they had contact whenever he visited town.

After finishing his master’s degree, Evan was ready to take more responsibility in his father's company. He was mature, more brilliant, taller, better built, and good-looking. However, when he came back, he brought someone else, a girl he was casually dating, Nicole Lively. 

Shantelle was hurt. She never saw the signs. Sure, they rarely talked when he was pursuing his studies, but Shantelle had always been very transparent about her feelings for him, and he never shut her down. 

Yet, he brought a woman to their hometown. The strangest part was how Nicole Lively looked like her. 

Evan’s father, Erick Thompson, was disappointed by Evan’s actions. The old man tried to bribe Nicole away, but she never took the bait. 

After some time, Evan's father forced him to marry Shantelle. He would have been disowned if he had not. It was Erick's way of declaring that Nicole Lively had no place in their family. 

Yes, Shantelle was selfish. The thought of Evan being with another woman made her incredibly resentful. So when Evan's father insisted on their marriage, she... willingly agreed. 

When she married Evan, Shantelle was still studying biochemistry at a local university that her father co-founded, but that did not stop her from being with the man she had loved. She thought this was her chance. Eventually, he would love her. She loved Evan so much and would do anything for him - to be with him, including working with his father to keep Nicole Lively away. 

For over a year, Nicole was out of the picture. However, Shantelle had to admit the woman had her ways! Nicole found her way back to Rose Hills with Evan's help. 

"Now that I hold power and my father can no longer run the company, I can finally make this decision with no one to threaten me," Evan coldly said. "I want you out of my life, Shantelle!"

"But Evan, I love you," she admitted as tears flooded her face. "I did everything for you to love me. Since I was young, you knew I have always loved you."

"Please don't leave me, don’t do that to me."

"BUT! I DON'T. LOVE YOU! I never did!" Evan moved away from her. He then slammed the papers against the living room table. 

Shantelle shuddered, feeling chills down her spine. For seconds, she remained silent, gawking at the document.

'This is it. It has come to this. Despite everything I had done to earn his love,' Shantelle said to herself. Her breathing became labored as tears finally rolled down her face. 

Shantelle felt utterly defeated. 

Her mouth parted, yet she could not utter a word. Before she could respond, Evan said, "You are unbelievable! What happened to the Shantelle I used to know?"

Because Shantelle said no words, Evan clenched his jaws before saying, "I'm leaving. I have better things to do than deal with you."

Pointing to the divorce agreement, he said, "I'll give you one week. One week to sign that document."

He stood up and put on his coat. As he did, Shantelle asked, "Where?" She gulped. "Where are you going?"

"None of your business." He took a few steps forward and then purposely said, "Maybe I'll stay at Nicole's apartment - anywhere but here."

Chapter 2

Selfish? Yes, that was true. It was because she loved Evan so much. 

Insecure? How could she not be? Knowing that Nicole was at arm's length, Shantelle's insecurity grew.  

Shantelle and Evan had a relatively tranquil marriage for more than a year. It wasn't fruitful or romantic - the dream marriage she wished for, but at least they were still together. Occasionally, they spent quality time as a married couple. At least Evan had tried. 

However, six months ago, she received an anonymous message, tipping her off Nicole Lively's return. She became paranoid. She kept prying, infuriating Evan with her constant interrogating and snooping. He started bringing up a divorce. Eventually, whoever gave her clues sent her photos of Evan and Nicole together, having lunch or taking her to a luxury apartment building. 

That was when Shantelle pursued to know where Nicole lived. So when she found out that Evan was paying for the apartment, she stormed into the residential building and gave Nicole a piece of her mind. Shantelle made sure everyone in the building knew that Nicole was “the other woman”!

Naturally, Evan found out about it. That was how they wound up in their most noteworthy argument, within the living room of their villa. 

So yes, she was selfish and insecure, but that was all because of her love for Evan. 

What hurt Shantelle the most, however, were Evan's words. 'I DON'T. LOVE YOU! I never did!'

She thought, if there was no affection for her, why would he touch her? She ridiculed herself, still sitting on the floor. She muttered, "I guess I'm just the convenient partner."

"Of course, Shantelle. You already know this," she added. Evan had never told her he loved her. He never even said he liked her. She was just someone his father forced him to marry. 

Shantelle got up from the floor when she realized the maids were staring at her. She picked up the divorce papers and went to the master's bedroom. It was then that she read the terms of the contract. To set Evan free, she would get ten million dollars as alimony. 

Shantelle set the document aside and stood in front of a full-length mirror, watching the stain on her face, the bags around her eyes, and her skinny frame.

Before she became Misses Thompson, she was once the most sought-after girl in college. She could not count the number of men who confessed their love for her, yet she chose to be with a man who did not love her. 

"How pitiful." She told herself.

Shantelle graduated at the top of her class in biochemistry, finishing her degree in seven semesters. She wasn't supposed to be someone who felt unloved and unwanted. She was meant to be greater!

After finishing college, she was so hung up, knowing that Nicole was just around the corner, that she did not even think about herself or her career. She had always wanted to become a surgeon, but that would mean leaving the city to pursue medicine, allowing Nicole to see her husband freely! Thus, she gave up on that idea. 

After studying herself in the mirror, Shantelle looked around the room. Her eyes landed on the portrait of her and Evan. It was a picture of them on their wedding day. 

She noted how she was so happy. Her eyes were gleaming in the photo, but her heart sank as she glanced at Evan's face. In that photo, there was only hurt in Evan's expression. 

Guilt washed over her. Then, after some time, she laughed. The kind of laughter that was mixed with misery. Indeed, she was pathetic. She was at fault for marrying Evan against his will. If she had said no back then, he would have been free to choose, and she would not be in such a wretched state. 

Shantelle did not know for how long she reflected on her decisions in life, but before dozing off to sleep that night, she admitted, "You are right, Evan. I am to blame for this."

***

"Mrs. Thompson, have dinner. You barely ate for two days," Mrs. Shaw, their house caretaker, walked in the door.

Shantelle did not know how, but she managed with only water and bread for two days. That was how depressed she had become after Evan gave her the divorce papers. 

"I brought your dinner instead," Mrs. Shaw said. 

Mrs. Shaw encouraged Shantelle to eat. She did not leave, making sure Shantelle filled her stomach. 

After finishing half her plate, Shantelle weakly said, "Mrs. Shaw, thank you for caring for me. Thank you for being my constant companion here at home, but I'm afraid I must leave. I'm afraid I have pushed myself too hard on Evan's life that he hates me -"

"Shhh. Mrs. Thompson. You are a good person. You just need to learn that love cannot be forced," Mrs. Shaw said. "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't, then it never was."

Shantelle smiled at Mrs. Shaw, acknowledging, "Thank you, Mrs. Shaw. I guess I know that already. I was... really hoping he would love me one day."

Mrs. Shaw nodded. She had been working with Evan's family for years. When Evan moved to his marital home, the Thompsons asked her to care for the newlywed couple. 

She had known Shantelle since she was in high school. The Scotts were constant visitors to the Thompson's home. Thus, Mrs. Shaw was aware of her kind nature, but Shantelle slowly changed since she married Evan. 

Mrs. Shaw tried to mind her own business, but this time, she could not help but give Shantelle advice. If they were both unhappy with the marriage, why stay?

"Have you decided?" Mrs. Shaw asked. 

Shantelle nodded and faintly replied, "Yes, I have."

After Mrs. Shaw left, Shantelle first took out a paper and pen. Evan has been bringing up the divorce since four months ago, but it was only in the past twenty-four hours that Shantelle gave it enough thought. 

She took a breath and wrote a letter to Evan:

[My Dearest Evan, 

You first helped me with my math homework when I was ten. Your technique for mastering mathematics was excellent. I thought you were so brilliant. 

Remember when my parents were so busy because of a doctor's conference my father had to attend? Mom and Dad had to leave me in your house, and we made a mess of the kitchen, making pancakes. I enjoyed those happy times with you. 

When I was twelve, our families went camping by the lake, and you saved me after falling into the water. That was the first time I felt I truly liked you. Even if I was just a kid, I was crazy about you. 

I only told you about how I felt when I was thirteen because I knew you were leaving for college.

Evan, my love for you is not shallow. It goes deeper than you can imagine, but I was wrong about how I showed my love. You are right. I should not have agreed to the marriage and trapped you into such a commitment. 

I've heard this line many times, but I have always denied it. Loving someone means setting them free. So, here it is. I have already signed the divorce papers. 

I hope you and Nicole will find happiness. I'm sorry to have come between the two of you. 

Forgive me for being selfish. Forgive my childish ways.

Goodbye, Evan. 

Take care. 

Love, 

Shantelle. ]

Chapter 3

Shantelle packed her bags at five in the morning. She kept returning to the closet and deciding on what to bring. Even if she and Evan were in a loveless marriage, somehow, he had bought her a few dresses. 

"I think it's better not to bring anything that would remind me of Evan," she mumbled and resumed packing only those she bought with her father's money. 

When she was done, she called for her father's driver and asked him to pick her up. Only then did she read the terms of their divorce. She read it once and twice until it all sunk into her head. 

"Ten million dollars." She reread. Evan would give her ten million dollars as alimony for accepting the divorce terms. 

Shantelle marked out the alimony. She affixed her signature on the correction. Afterward, she cautiously signed her name on every page.

She felt a knife stab her heart as she affixed her signature next to Evan's. For a moment, she wondered when he had signed this contract. 

When Shantelle was done, she placed the same document beside the table and sadly removed her wedding ring. Tears threatened to fall again, but she held back. 

Shantelle allowed herself a few minutes to take it all in. Just as she was sitting there, her phone buzzed. Immediately, she assumed it was her father's driver. 

To her surprise, it was the same anonymous number that had been telling her about Evan and Nicole. However, the message was bolder this time.

Her eyes widened at what she saw, and her heart galloped!

On her screen was a picture of Evan having coffee at an unfamiliar place. From the photo, Shantelle could tell that Evan had just woken up. His hair was messy, and he wore his usual office attire, except it was all wrinkled.

The message on her phone read: [No matter what you do, he will return to me. He never loved you. Give up.]

Shantelle's face turned pale. She could not believe her eyes! Apparently, her mysterious tipper was none other than Nicole herself! How brazen!

Her mouth fell open as she threw her head back on the sheets. She laughed and laughed while tears streamed down her face. 

After what felt like ten minutes of laughing and crying her heart out, she replied to the message: [So it was you all along, Nicole. I would never have thought. Well, you can have him. I accept my defeat.]

Either way, Shantelle had already signed the divorce papers and earnestly accepted that Evan did not love her. 

For seconds, she contemplated what to do. Still, she thought letting Evan know what Nicole had done was necessary. She took a screenshot of Nicole's message and sent it to Evan. 

Shantelle typed: [I agree to the divorce. You can have your ten million dollars. I don't need the money, Evan. I am Shantelle Scott, daughter of the world-famous cardiac surgeon, Doctor William Scott. Thank you for everything, Evan, and I'm sorry.]

Before leaving, Shantelle made sure that Evan would get her message clearly. She wrote added instructions in her letter:

[I marked out the alimony and countersigned it. As I said in my text, you don't need to give me any money. And I'm sorry about the picture message I sent you. I just thought you should know.]

The next call she received was that of her father's driver. She gave her room one last look before finally leaving her marital home. 

***

Last night, in an exclusive club, Evan was spending time with his friends. His eyes narrowed at his drink. His perfectly sculpted and slightly bearded jaws clenched before gulping down a full glass of liquor. 

After settling the empty drink on the table, he announced, "I'm divorcing Shantelle."

Silence air fell upon the room, but soon, one of his friends, Sean, asked, "I can't believe this. Are you serious, Evan?" 

"He is serious, man. We all knew he was always envious of our single-blessed life," Wendell remarked. 

"What's going on?" Keith arrived, curious about the purpose of their gathering.

Sean Ross, Keith Henderson, and Wendell Franco have been good friends with Evan since high school. They parted ways when they studied at different colleges, but they had always communicated with each other. 

Sean and Wendell first glanced at Evan. Wendell revealed, "Evan is divorcing our beautiful Shanty."

"What?" Keith asked with a frown. He sat next to Evan and poured himself a glass of wine. "Why?"

"Why not?" Evan said back. "I never wanted to get married two years ago. I was twenty-five then, at the prime of my life. I had many plans. It was all my father's doing, and she rode in on it. She is not that innocent!"

"But I thought you both were fine last year?" Sean asked. "Weren't you going out on occasional dates?"

"A few. A few dinner dates were just a front to appease my father." Evan scoffed. His response was his way of justifying his decision. "But now that father no longer has the stamina to run the corporation. He handed me the full authority, so I can make my own choices."

"Besides, I have had enough of her being constantly jealous and insecure!" Evan added. 

There was silence between the four friends, but eventually, Keith sought, "Is this because of Nicole Lively?"

"I don't know, man. I mean, you have been spending time with Nicole lately. Plus, you kept that a secret from Shanty. It's natural for Shanty to be jealous," Wendell suggested. 

"Who I make friends with is none of her business," Evan curtly pointed. "Whose side are you on?"

The temperature in their room dropped. It took minutes and a few more drinks for Sean to break the ice, saying, "So you are only interested in becoming friends with Nicole? Or are you planning to make her your girlfriend after the divorce?" 

Evan pondered deeply about it. That was the plan before he was forced into marriage. Now, many things had changed, but of course, he still felt responsible for Nicole's well-being. Nonetheless, he wasn't sure how he felt about it. 

Despite his uncertainties, he retorted, "Why not? I brought Nicole to Rose Hills two years ago with that intention."

Evan immediately noticed the varied expressions of his friends. Keith scoffed. Sean sneered. Wendell was silent. All the more irritation filled his heart. 

"What the heck is wrong with all of you?" Evan glared at his friends.

"Nothing, Evan. It's just that." Sean cautiously looked at Wendell and Keith. When he confirmed their minds were synched, he said, "We don't get you, Evan."

Keith nodded. He, for one, had known Shantelle and Evan since they were young. Evan used to cherish Shantelle, and their families always knew they would end up together. Everything changed when he came home one day and brought Nicole. 

"What do you mean you don't get me?" Evan sought. 

"Sure, they have similarities, but if you look closely, they are so far apart. And it's not just the look; it's everything else; Shantelle's background, her character." Keith shook his head and said, "Let me show you, Evan." With his left hand raised above him, he said, "This is Shantelle." Then, he lowered his right hand below his waist and suggested, "This is Nicole."

"That's the difference between the two of them. Any man would want Shantelle over Nicole. We don't get how you like Nicole over your wife," Keith said sarcastically. 

"Then!" Evan replied, "Why don't you marry her?!"

Angered by his friend's opinion, Evan pushed the liquor bottles off the table, spilling the contents on the tiles. 

When he had heard enough from his friends, Keith said, "Are you sure about that, Evan? Because if you are not interested in Shanty, I'd be more than happy to pursue her!"

The thought of Keith wooing his wife filled his heart with fury. Keith was a known Cassanova. He dated women left and right! He did not deserve someone like Shantelle. He said back, "Don't even think about it!"

Chapter 4 

For an hour, Evan drove around aimlessly, thinking about the divorce. Thanks to his so-called friends, he was second-guessing his decision. 

He thought about going to a hotel or his office, but suddenly, he remembered one person who could understand him, Nicole. Therefore, he drove to Nicole's apartment.

When Evan arrived at the apartment, he rang the doorbell several times. Eventually, when the door opened, he saw Nicole's smiling face. 

She was surprised to see him. Faintly, she said, "Evan, you are here!"

"I need someone to talk to," Evan revealed. 

Nicole quickly guided him to the living room. She said, "What's troubling you, Evan? Did you argue with Shantelle? I'm sorry. I don't know how she learned that I had returned. I was even surprised when she barged into my door last Tuesday."

Nicole cried and said, "I should have never come back here and made trouble for you and Shantelle -"

"I've asked for a divorce," Evan revealed. 

"What?" She asked in surprise. 

"I told Shantelle I want a divorce. Since my father stepped down at the company, he can no longer force me to stay married to Shantelle," Evan revealed. 

"Are -are you sure?" Nicole inquired. 

Evan sighed. He lowered his head and rested his face against his palms, saying, "It has to be done. I want out. This wasn't how I wanted my life to be."

Nicole stretched her hands to rub Evan's shoulder. She said, "I know how you feel, Evan. It's hard when everything is taken from you - like how your father deprived me of an opportunity here in Rose Hills. You and I both know what it feels like to be stuck in a situation you can't escape."

In a caring tone, she added, "I wholeheartedly support your decision. You deserve to make your own choices."

To Evan, Nicole was a good listener, and that always gave him a sense of comfort. It reminded him of how he became friends with her in the first place. 

When Evan was still taking his master's degree at Lockwood University, he met Nicole while borrowing a book from the library. She was working as a librarian there. At first, she quickly caught his attention because her back looked like Shantelle's. Besides that, Nicole was very efficient in giving Evan the books required for his research. Then, every time he visited the library, they would chat briefly. 

Evan and Nicole seemed to like the same things. Outside the library, they often bumped into each other, especially in the places where Evan spent his free time. As if fate was bringing them together that Evan casually dated her. So when it was time for Evan to take on a more prominent role at the company, he offered to bring Nicole to Rose Hills despite being unsure of how he felt for her. 

Nicole did not have friends or family, and Evan felt sorry for her. Evan thought, with his connections in Rose Hills, Nicole would have a better life in the city of his birth. 

Unfortunately for Evan, he failed to factor in Shantelle in his decision to bring a woman to Rose Hills. How could he forget that his parents had always wanted him to marry Shantelle?

Evan could only blame the distance. He was technically gone for seven years, returning only a few days every year and forgetting about that verbal arrangement between their families. 

However, before Evan could consider things thoroughly, his father acted harshly against Nicole. He looked down at her and tried to pay her off. When it did not work, his father forced him to marry Shantelle. 

Evan let out all his frustrations with Nicole. He said, "Thank you for hearing me out, Nicole. Is it okay if I sleep in the guest room?"

"Of course, Evan. Technically, this is your house," Nicole replied. 

Evan guided himself into the guest room. He smiled at Nicole, who was standing outside the door. He said, "Goodnight, Nicole."

"Goodnight, Evan," Nicole answered with an amiable smile. 

When the door slammed shut, Nicole frowned. She was very disappointed that Evan did not let her in. She walked closer and tried to open the door. However, it was locked from the inside. 

She cussed but reminded herself of how Evan was divorcing Shantelle! She went to her room and mumbled, "Be patient, Nicole. In due time. The wait is all worth it."

***

In the morning, Nicole prepared breakfast for Evan. Then, recalling how Evan complained about Shantelle's paranoia, she took a picture of him while drinking his coffee. 

Over the past few months, she had secretly sent clues to Shantelle that Evan had been seeing her. The photos did not have to suggest that they were in a relationship. Nicole knew Shantelle had always been insecure when it came to her. 

Since Evan was divorcing Shantelle, she no longer hid her identity. 

Nicole smirked as she sent the photo to Shantelle. She gave Evan her back and awaited Shantelle's reaction. 

After a few minutes, she received a response, and oh, how it was favorable to her. A sinister grin became painted on her face with the realization that Shantelle had given up!

She imagined herself living with Evan, being his official wife. Her relationship with Evan had always been ambiguous. When they were casually dating back in Lockwood City, they were very close. Still, Evan never gave her a title, whether a girlfriend or a fling. 

When Evan married Shantelle, everything changed. Evan held back with her and put a distance between them. It was worse when Evan's father banned her from the city.  Nicole had no choice but to stay away for over a year. Once in a while, she would reach out to Evan, but their communication was minimal. 

Finally, with her back in Rose Hills and with Evan holding the CEO position of the Thompson Group of Companies, Nicole was more determined to be with Evan. She smirked as she thought, 'Soon, with Shantelle gone, Evan will remember who he truly likes, and that's me. I did not sacrifice so many years to fail!'

"Thanks for breakfast, Nicole. Remember that you have an interview at the public library. Don't worry. Father would not interfere from now on. He has become tired of fighting me."

"Really?" Nicole asked. "That's good news. That means I can finally pay you back for all your help."

"No, don't pay me back. I owe you for what my father did." Evan suggested. He then turned to the common restroom and asked, "Can I use the toilet?"

"Sure, Evan," Nicole said with a smile. 

She watched as Evan first attended to some of his messages. He left his phone on the table before going to the restroom. 

Nicole was cleaning the table when she saw Shantelle's message. Her hands itched to see what Shantelle had to say, especially since she had revealed herself to her. Hence, she opened the text. Thankfully, Evan's mobile was still open from his earlier use. She did not need his password at that point.

When she saw that Shantelle had sent a screenshot of her picture message, Nicole panicked. Even if she had used an alternate number, it was evident that the picture came from her. The angle of where the photo was taken gave it away. 

 'Evan can't know!' She quickly deleted the screenshot Shantelle sent, including the message where she had agreed to the divorce. "Do you think that will work?"

Nicole laughed, saying, "Sorry, Evan will never know about it. You are such a loser, Shantelle Scott."

Chapter 5

"My dearest Shanty, if he can't appreciate you, then he doesn't deserve you," Doctor William Scott said. "I'm glad you are divorcing."

William and Eleanor Scott embraced their weeping daughter inside the Scotts family mansion. 

"I loved him, dad, mom. How I wish it did not have to end this way -" Shantelle expressed, but her mother cut her off. 

"But more importantly, you have to love yourself," Eleanor suggested. 

As Shantelle pulled away from her parents, her father proposed, "It's time to put yourself first."

"When you married Evan, you lost yourself - your dreams and aspirations. I know you loved Evan, but there's more to life than that boy." William lifted Shantelle's chin and suggested, "You deserve better."

If it were two years ago, William would have wanted Evan as a son-in-law, but since Shantelle married him, he saw through her sadness. In the first few months of their marriage, his daughter was still elated at being with Evan. However, as the months passed, he could see Shantelle's longing to be loved. 

Recently, she has been crying. She lost so much weight and was never interested in anything but following Evan around. It pained William to see his daughter this way. 

Santelle was never lacking in love. For his daughter to feel so unwanted, and to become doubtful of herself, hurt William the most. He had long been asking Shantelle to get a divorce, but she always insisted that their marriage was getting better, day by day. Of course, that was not what he saw. 

Finally, they were going to be separated. He did not care who initiated it. What mattered most was how his daughter would be free to live her life. He urged, "Let's leave this town. Let's relocate to where you can pursue medicine."

William smiled and suggested, "Become a surgeon like me."

In William's view, taking Shantelle away was the best solution. His daughter may appear strong right now, decided on the separation, but he knew that Evan was her weakness. She could easily crawl back into his arms, and it wasn't because his daughter had no brain. She was too focused on Evan, and it clouded her judgment. 

Shantelle sighed and reflected. After some time, she weakly replied, "Okay, father. I agree with your plans."

"I'm glad you approve," William answered. "Then your mother and I will prepare for everything. I'll have the house for sale. I don't want us returning here, even if it means cutting my friendship with the Thompsons."

"But, Dad, your work?" Shantelle asked. 

"I will resign from St. Dominique's Hospital as their director. I can easily find work elsewhere, being the best cardio surgeon in the world," William suggested. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll take care of you."

"I have a city in mind. Warlington. They have the best training facility for Surgeons," he revealed. "As soon as I can find a home, I'll move you out of Rose Hills."

***

Days passed. 

"Mr. Thompson, sir. I'm very sorry, but my mother had admitted to the hospital because of pneumonia the other day. May I please be allowed to review the documents at the hospital?" James, Evan's assistant, asked. "I will bring my laptop with me."

"You will bring your laptop to the hospital?" Evan leaned back and sighed. He finally understood why his assistant had been so exhausted recently. He shook his head and suggested, "Take two days off and attend to your mother. I'll ask Sherly to cover your work. Get some proper rest while you are at it."

James' eyes lit up. He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, sir Thompson. Thank you so much. I will give Sherly my endorsements."

Evan brushed off his assistant with a hand, saying, "Go!"

"Sir, since you allowed me to take a leave," James said. "May I recommend that you also get a good rest yourself?"

Evan froze. Was it that obvious how he had been struggling to rest for many nights? He glanced at his private room next to the office and gasped. Maybe he needed a good rest - at home, the same home he shared with Shantelle.

Again, he took a breath, knowing it was finally time to deal with the divorce. Evan had yet to return home for more than a week. It was beyond the time that he gave Shantelle. 'Could she have already signed the divorce papers?'

There was only one way to find out. He turned to James and said, "You are right. Thank you, James."

"You are welcome, sir. Goodnight," James said before leaving the CEO's office.

***

"Mrs. Shaw? I have several clothes from the office needing laundry. Kindly take care of them," Evan said as soon as he entered the villa. 

"Oh, my. Mister Thompson, you have been staying too much in the office. You used up all your spare clothes!" Mrs. Shaw said. "Have you eaten dinner? I can make one very quickly."

When Mrs. Shaw suggested she prepare his dinner, he frowned and asked, "Shanty did not cook dinner?"

Sure, he gave Shantelle divorce papers, but she had always attended to his needs, even when they were arguing. The fact that she did not cook dinner was surprising to him. 

Mrs. Shaw was taken aback by Evan's probing. She knotted her brows and asked, "But, Sir, aren't you getting a divorce? She left three days after you and the Misses quarreled in the living room last week."

"I see." Evan frowned. He could not believe it. "She left?"

"Yes, Sir. She has left some papers on your bedside table," Mrs. Shaw revealed. 

Evan skipped dinner altogether. He went straight to the bedroom and saw the divorce agreement. He was surprised that Shantelle signed it, even without making a drama. She did not go to his office. She did not call or send him any messages these past few days. Evan did not also get a call from his father, which meant his family had not learned about his decision to divorce Shantelle. 

Evan picked up the two-toned wedding ring that was meant for Shantelle. He unwittingly studied the ring on his finger and muttered, "She signed it. She really signed it."

His brows met. Evan thought he would be relieved, but why did it feel like his heart was heavy? He was about to remove his wedding ring when he discovered another paper underneath the divorce agreement.

He picked it up and recognized it was a letter addressed to him. Lazily, he flipped the paper open and read it.

[My Dearest Evan...]

The weight on Evan's heart felt heavier in each line of the letter. Shantelle recounted the years when they were young. Somehow, it also reminded Evan of how close they were back then. Eventually, his eyes landed on the last words, which appeared to have been written as a follow-up. It read:

[By the way, I marked out the alimony and countersigned it. As I said in my text, you don't need to give me any money. And, I'm sorry about the picture message I sent you. I just thought you should know.]

 He raised a brow and wondered, "She sent a message?"

Evan found it strange because he had never received a single message from her. 

Chapter 6

 "Good morning, My love." 

Evan smiled in his dream, hearing Shantelle repeat those words. She never got tired of expressing how she felt. In his dream, he did not respond, but he sensed the warmth in his heart. 

Suddenly, he heard his phone buzz. It was his wake-up call.

"Shanty, can you turn off the alarm, please? It's Saturday," Evan requested. "Shants. Shanty?"

His eyes opened, realizing he was calling out his wife's name. He sat up and turned to the empty side of the bed. Then his gaze landed on the bedside table. When he saw the divorce papers and her letter, it dawned on him how Shantelle was already gone.

"Right. She left," Evan said under his breath. Again, this was supposed to be his happiest moment. He was free! All he needed to do was to formalize the divorce, and he would be officially a single man, but why was his heart still feeling heavy? 

He noticed his phone ringing. He checked it and saw it was Nicole calling. He ignored it at first and just lay down. When his phone continued to ring, he answered  in irritation, "Nicole."

"I got the job from the public library!" There was a smile in her tone when Nicole added, "Evan, I can't thank you enough. How about we have dinner to celebrate? I can cook for you?"

"I." Evan hesitated. He replied, "I can't. I have to hand to my lawyers the divorce papers - "

"Oh, did Shantelle sign it?" Nicole probe. 

"Yes, she did," Evan blandly answered.

"That's even more reason to celebrate. Come on, Evan. Let's have lunch together," Nicole kept insisting. 

Evan sighed and responded, "I'm sorry, Nicole, but I have things to do. Next time."

He ended the call without letting Nicole finish, and then he started staring at his phone, going through his messages. Recalling Shantelle's letter, he wondered, "Which message was she referring to?"

From one app to another, Evan checked all his messengers. Still, he did not find any recent texts or messages from Shantelle. Soon, he attempted to call Shantelle's phone. "The person you are calling is out of reach."

Again and again, he called. Since he could not get through, he sent her a message: [Shanty, I got your letter. Thank you for signing the divorce papers. I know you said you did not want the alimony, but I will still transfer the funds to you. By the way, I did not get any message from you, despite what you have written in your letter.]

Evan spent an hour waiting, but Shantelle did not reply. He went down to have his late breakfast. When Shantelle still did not respond, he sent another message: [Shanty, we could still be friends. We have known each other since we were young. We don't need to be strangers.]

He bathed and changed into a new set of clothes. Evan left to meet his lawyers. After handing in the divorce papers, he decided to visit his father and mother. 

When he entered the gates to the old Thompsons' mansion, Evan felt tensed. It was time for him to tell his parents about the divorce. He did not know how they would take it. 

His parents, Erick and Clara Thompsons, genuinely loved Shantelle as their daughter-in-law.

"Are my parents here?" Evan asked. 

"Yes, Sir. They are in the garden with Misses - I mean, Miss Scott," the maid said. 

Instantly, Evan knew what was going on. He looked outside and realized the Scotts' car was parked beside his father's. Shantelle was here to report their divorce!

Many possibilities played in his head. Yet again, he was angered. He was prepared to defend himself should his father retort. Evan marched with heavy steps until he found himself in the gardens. What he saw broke his heart. He could make out how the news saddened his parents. 

Erick and Clara were embracing Shantelle with tears in their eyes. His wife was doing the same, weeping. 

"Evan," Clara, his mother, called. "You are here."

The embrace between the three broke off, and Evan could finally see Shantelle. It was obvious that she had been crying, observing the bags around her eyes. 

"Shantelle tells me you have finally divorced?" Clara said in a soft tone.

Then, to Evan's surprise, his father said, "I guess it's better. I'm tired of forcing this onto you both."

"Don't worry, Evan. Shantelle had told me it was her decision. So I respect it," Erick said. 

'What?' Evan was surprised. If his father knew it was his decision, a debate would happen again! He secretly thanked Shantelle for that.

"Aunt, Uncle. I have to go," Shantelle sniffed her tears away and said, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Shanty. We love you, dear. Good luck with everything," Clara said, waving goodbye. 

Shantelle walked past Evan, not minding him for a second. It wasn't like her at all. Evan asked silently, 'Did she just ignore me?'

A big part of Evan was dumbfounded. She never ignored him. Noticing how she kept walking, he said, "I tried calling you."

"Hmmm?" Shantelle raised a brow and softly replied, "I changed my number."

And just like that, Shantelle left. She did not even say goodbye or give Evan her new number. 

***

"Miss Shanty said to thank you for the divorce certificate," Howard, the Thompson family driver, said in front of Evan. 

An entire month had passed since Evan's lawyers filed the divorce papers. With his money and connection, he quickly obtained the certificate. 

Clearing his throat, Evan asked, "Is that it? Did she say... anything else?"

"Nothing, sir. She just accepted it and returned to whatever it was she was doing. The Scotts appeared to be busy." Howard shrugged. "Their maids were carrying boxes in and out of the house. Maybe they were cleaning."

"I see," Evan replied. "Thank you, Howard - oh, and -"

Evan reached for a gift box inside his drawers and gave it to Howard, "This is for your son." He smiled and added, "I remember he liked baseball. Wendell gave me some of his card collections."

"I figured Clark would love this," Evan added. 

Howard smiled and answered, "Thank you, sir. You are very thoughtful."

"Don't mention it. I just remembered," Evan replied, and Howard left his office.

Half bothered by Shantelle's pure silence, Evan went about his work. As he did, he kept reminding himself how this was his decision and that it was best for both of them; him and Shantelle. 

In the evening, he received another invitation from his friend, Sean. They wanted to have drinks at the club. 

At the same time, he received a text from Nicole. She said, "Evan, let's celebrate. I got my first salary, but I don't have any friends to celebrate it with. Please, Evan."

Evan felt accountable altogether. He had been busy with work and had not also visited Nicole. Thus, he wound up inviting her to the club. 

Instead of a private room, like they usually had, Sean booked a secluded booth at the club. Keith and Wendell were already there. 

"Hey -" Sean's mouth fell open when he saw Nicole. He said, "Oh, hey, Nicole."

"Hi guys, I hope you don't mind that I join you?" Nicole said, giving off that amiable smile. 

"Suuurre. It's fine," Sean responded awkwardly. "You remember Wendell and Keith, right?"

"Hi, everyone. Nice to see you again," Nicole replied. 

The music was on at the club. The DJ played the most upbeat tune, and a few guests danced. On the other hand, Evan's group enjoyed their drinks, discussing businesses and whatnot. 

"You know, Nicole, I honestly thought you looked so familiar, even during the first time Evan brought you to our circle," Wendell suggested. "Have we met before?"

"Maybe it's just me, but I thought your eyes were familiar," Wendell added. 

Nicole smiled and said, "No, it can't be. It was my first time to be here in Rose Hills two years ago."

"Woah, isn't that Shanty?" Sean asked, seeing a girl in a white dress, her shining hair bouncing as she danced with three other girls.

"Woah!" Wendell hissed. 

Keith, on the other hand, whistled. "I knew she was my type!"

"Announcement, everyone!" Another girl took the microphone from the DJ. She said, "Meet my girl, Shantelle Scott! We are celebrating her divorce! She is a single lady now and ready to mingle!"

Evan's nose flared. His eyes widened in shock.