Chapter 3

I decided to walk home after leaving the cemetery. It had been a long time since I had taken a walk at night. In the beginning, I used to hold Mom's hand. Then, it was Gerald's arm that I linked mine through. But from now on, I'd be walking alone. I figured I'd eventually get used to it. It wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that I reached home. The living room lights were still on, and Gerald could be seen leaning against the couch, texting. When he saw me walk through the door, his furrowed brows finally relaxed, and he rushed over to grab my hand. "Where did you go? You weren't answering my calls or messages! Did you know I was about to call the cops?" I froze, then pulled my hand out of his. "I went to keep my mom company. I didn't want her to be disturbed." Hearing me mention Mom, Gerald recalled what he had said earlier in the day, and guilt flashed across his face. Suddenly, he looked at me with anticipation and seriousness as he pulled out a box and handed it to me. I reflexively reached for the box and opened it. Inside lay a diamond ring. I was momentarily stunned. Once upon a time, Gerald had held my hand as he swore that he'd place a diamond ring on my finger and give me a marriage certificate to show my mother that I was truly happy. I had waited countless days and hoped for it countless times. But… that was in the past. I closed the box and handed it back to him. Gerald furrowed his brows together as if a thought had suddenly struck him. Sounding a little embarrassed, he said, "It's already past midnight now. Just one more day and I can divorce Sheryl. Don't worry, I've never forgotten the promise I made you. Tomorrow, I'll place the ring on your finger myself, and then we'll go to the city hall to get married." I wasn't moved by his sweet words. Instead, I merely said, "Okay. I'm a little tired, so I'll turn in first." Gerald's smile froze on his face. For the first time, he sensed my indifference. A flicker of unease flashed across his eyes, and he reached for my hand again. Right then, Sheryl, wearing my pajamas, walked out of the bedroom. She blinked at me sleepily, then immediately went to link her arm with Gerald's. "Ger, Harriet's back now. You should wash up and go to bed," she said sweetly. Gerald hurriedly turned to me, explaining, "Sheryl had a fight with her family, so I let her stay in the guest room for the night." He stared at me, afraid that I'd get the wrong idea. But I just nodded, saying nonchalantly, "No worries. I can go stay at my mom's place for a night." Gerald stood there, dazed. It seemed he didn't expect me to agree so readily. But Sheryl, not wanting to give me a chance to change my mind, smugly darted back into the bedroom. When I was about to head out with my suitcase in hand, Gerald was still standing in the living room. His lips were pursed into a thin line, and he grasped my hand tightly, unwilling to let go. The guilt in his eyes pooled more and more. Finally, with Sheryl pestering him in the background, he said, "Once we get our marriage certificate tomorrow, we'll go see your mom together."