Chapter 8

Amity's world fell apart in that instant. She saw the doctor's mouth moving, but she couldn't hear a sound. All she could hear was a sharp ringing in her ears and the pounding of blood rushing to her temples. She stumbled toward the white-covered stretcher, her trembling fingers grasping the edge of the cloth, but suddenly lost the courage to lift it. It wasn't until cold tears fell onto her wrist that she suddenly ripped open the white cloth— her grandmother's peaceful face came into view, but she would never again smile kindly at her. “Grandma...” she choked out, tears falling onto the old woman's cold face, “It's Amity... Look at me...” “Please wake up, I beg you. You said… you wanted to see me give birth to my baby… Don’t leave me, I only have you!” Lawrence stood beside her, his eyes flickering with a rare glimpse of guilt. Just as he was about to step forward, Cynthia suddenly let out a cry and collapsed to the ground. “My foot… it hurts so much…” She looked at Lawrence pitifully with red eyes. Lawrence’s footsteps halted. He looked at the sobbing Amity, who was nearly unconscious, then at Cynthia, whose face was streaked with tears, and finally turned toward her. “I’ll take Cynthia to the doctor first.” His voice was soft, but it felt like a sharp ice pick piercing Amity's already broken heart. “Wait for me for a moment.” Amity didn't respond. She simply clung tightly to her grandmother's gradually cooling body, crying hysterically like a child abandoned by the world. The medical staff in the corridor all had tears in their eyes, and some quietly turned away to wipe their tears. And Lawrence, holding Cynthia in his arms, walked step by step out of her sight. She cried until she could no longer bear it, and finally, everything went black, and she fainted completely. … When she woke up again, Lawrence was unusually by her bedside. “I’ve already arranged everything for Grandma’s funeral.” His voice was low. “It is in the best cemetery in the suburbs, and the funeral…” “Get out.” " Amity interrupted him hoarsely. Lawrence frowned: “Amity, don't be unreasonable. It was just an accident, and I've done my best to make amends.” Amity said nothing more, pulling back the blankets and getting out of bed. Her movements were slow, as if all her strength had been drained from her. On the day of the funeral, it rained steadily. Amity stood before the grave, rain and tears streaming down her face. When the last shovel of dirt fell, her legs gave way, and she nearly collapsed to her knees. A pair of hands caught her in time. “Don’t touch me,” Amity snapped, shaking Lawrence off. Lawrence’s face darkened: “How long are you going to keep this up?” He grabbed her wrist. “I’ve canceled all my work to be with you these past few days, and I’ve arranged everything for Grandma’s funeral. What else do you want from me?” Amity looked up at him with her vacant eyes . “I want you to stay away from me.” Lawrence took a deep breath. “Fine. Since you're so ungrateful, I'll go be with Cynthia now.” “Go ahead,” Amity suddenly smiled. “You've always told me to be more generous. Now I'll fulfill your wish.” Lawrence paused for a moment, then smiled contentedly, “I'm glad you've come to your senses.” “I promised you that after ten years, I'd return to the family and spend the rest of my life by your side. So for the next ten years, don't cause any trouble. I don't have time to pamper you every day.” As he turned to leave, his steps were light, as if he had shed a heavy burden. Amity watched his back, a faint, bitter smile curving her lips. She wouldn't take him back. Let him spend the rest of his life with Cynthia. For the next few days, Lawrence didn't come home. Amity didn't mind; she quietly packed her final belongings. The night before she left, Lawrence returned unexpectedly. “Lawrence,” she called out to him, her voice calm, “Tomorrow at ten o'clock, I have a special gift for you.” She paused, “It’s at the entrance of the Family Court. We’ll go to get it together then.” Lawrence froze: “You’re giving me a gift? What day is tomorrow?” The maid couldn’t help but interject: “Sir, tomorrow is your wedding anniversary with Mrs. Lawrence.” The air suddenly grew still. Lawrence’s expression flickered with confusion, and Amity also froze. Tomorrow was their wedding anniversary. In the past, Lawrence would start preparing surprises a month in advance, writing cards by hand, ordering unique gifts, and taking her back to the place of their first date to relive old memories. She would also prepare carefully, learning to cook his favorite dishes, staying up late to knit scarves, even if her fingers were pricked by needles until they hurt. But now, both of them had forgotten. Just like this marriage, it should have been forgotten long ago. Lawrence cleared his throat: “Alright, then we'll meet at the Family Court.” The next morning, when Amity woke up, Lawrence was already gone. She calmly washed up, put on a simple white shirt and jeans, and finally looked around the house that had once been filled with memories. Then, she picked up her suitcase and took a taxi to the Family Court. At 9:50 a.m., she received the divorce certificate. At 10:00 a.m., Lawrence hadn't shown up. At 10:10 a.m., she called him. After a long ring, Lawrence answered impatiently: “I'm busy right now and can't come. Just send that ‘gift’ back home.” She was about to hang up when Cynthia's playful voice came from the other end: Mr. Rodriguez, this necklace is so beautiful! I never expected you’d remember our anniversary after only a few months of knowing each other…” Amity curled her lips in mockery. So that’s how it was. She hung up the phone, hired a runner to take the divorce certificate to the villa, then deleted all contact information of Lawrence and Cynthia, then took a taxi to the airport. In the airport hall, the broadcast sounded: “Flight CA937 to London has started boarding...” Amity pulled her luggage and walked toward the boarding gate without looking back. Behind her, everything belonging to Lawrence had become a thing of the past along with that divorce certificate. This time, she was finally free!