Chapter 6: Signing the End

"Sit."

Inside the office, Jason greeted me like a guest.

The room was almost unrecognizable. I looked at the sofa, now piled with cute plush toys. The bookshelf that once held books was filled with snacks. The door to the private lounge was ajar, and through the gap, I could see women’s clothes tossed at the foot of the bed.

A faint scent of Emily’s perfume lingered in the air—sweet, floral, cloying. Jason watched me, his expression unreadable. I felt uncomfortable and looked away.

"The agreement?"

He handed me the divorce agreement from his desk. As I read, his gaze never left me.

"We’ve been together so many years—I won’t shortchange you. You can choose any car or house you want. If you have other requests, just say so."

Was this supposed to be compensation?

That was the only thought that flashed through my mind, but it didn’t slow my reading at all.

What Jason was offering me, I couldn’t spend in several lifetimes. He’d always been generous about these things.

"No need. This is enough. Also, the house I’m living in now—just give it to me."

I spoke up. I quickly signed, then handed it back to Jason.

I could see the faint tremor in his hand as he took the papers. He seemed to want to say something more. I saw his mouth open, then close as I moved.

He watched as I handed the agreement over, looking almost incredulous that the whole process had taken less than five minutes.

I stood up.

"There’s a one-month waiting period. I’ll contact you after a month."

I turned to leave.

"Melissa."

"Anything else?"

"Don’t you have anything to say to me?"

Jason frowned, a hint of confusion and disbelief in his tone.

I looked at him, seeing he was genuinely asking. After thinking for a moment, I replied seriously,

"At this point, you don’t expect me to wish you and Emily a happy marriage and lots of kids, do you?"

I’ve let go, but I’m not that generous.

...

He was speechless. Jason looked at me, his gaze deep and unreadable.

As I put my hand on the doorknob, his voice sounded behind me again.

"Melissa, in the end, it’s me who wronged you. I’ll always take care of your mom’s medical bills."