Chapter 9

"Alright." Kaelis dialed Garrick's number, but only the cold and mechanical voice answered, "The number you've dialed is powered off…" She chuckled. There was no need to guess. Lyra must have begged him to switch off his phone. He truly doted on her—he would even shut out the world for her. That was fine. Soon, he would have all the time to spoil her without restraint. The sound of the door unlocking echoed from the entryway later that night. Garrick walked in wearily. His suit jacket was draped over his arm, and his tie was loosened around his neck. He was momentarily stunned when he saw Kaelis still awake in the living room. "You're still awake?" She continued to sort through a stack of documents without raising her head. "Yeah." He walked toward her and sat beside her. His gaze landed on her indifferent profile, and he felt an inexplicable feeling ripple in his heart. "I've been with Lyra for the past few days," he said tentatively. "Why aren't you jealous anymore?" Her hands stilled briefly before resuming what she was doing. "There's nothing to be jealous about." Her voice was extremely calm. "I've gotten used to it." He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "It's good that you can think that way." He reached out to wrap his arm around her shoulders. "Tomorrow is our anniversary. Where do you want to go? I'll take you anywhere you like." She subtly evaded his touch. "Anywhere?" She finally looked up, her eyes carrying an emotion he couldn't quite read. "You'll go anywhere with me?" "Of course." His tone brimmed with certainty. "I've neglected you these days. I'll make it up to you tomorrow." His phone rang just as he said that. "Garrick…" Lyra's tearful voice trembled through the receiver. "I have a fever. I'm feeling so awful. Could you come to stay with me?" He shot Kaelis an uneasy glance. "Lyra's sick. I—" "Go," she said calmly. "I'll send you the address tomorrow." He exhaled in relief and quickly got up. "I promise to be with you tomorrow. I'll prepare whatever surprise you want." She smiled faintly at his retreating figure. Yes. Tomorrow would indeed be a surprise. … The moving company arrived right on time the next morning. She watched as the workers carried the suitcases into the truck. She gave the villa one final glance, the place that had once been her home, before turning around and stepping into the car bound for the courthouse. Her phone buzzed with a message from Garrick. "Lyra's feeling better. Where do you want to go? Send me the address." She tapped lightly on the screen. "Intermediate People's Court." Her phone immediately vibrated again. "Why are we going there?" "Kae?" "That's not a place for a date." She switched her phone to silent mode and put it into her bag. The car pulled up at the courthouse half an hour later. She raised her head to see that Theron was already waiting on the stairs with a bouquet of baby's breath in his hand. "Why are you here?" She was slightly surprised. He handed her the flowers with unmistakable joy. "On the first day of your new life, someone has to be here to witness it." He opened his arms. She laughed as she stepped into his embrace without hesitation. "Kaelis!" Garrick's furious roar split the air from behind them. She pulled back from Theron and turned around to see Garrick standing there. His face was ashen, and his tie was crooked. There was sweat beading his forehead, as though he had rushed here. "What are you guys doing?" He stormed forward and yanked Kaelis' wrist. "Who is he?" She gently slipped free from his grip. Her lips curled into a smile he had never seen before. "Garrick, I need to tell you two important things today." She wrapped her arm around Theron's arm. "Firstly, your idea of an open marriage is going well as you wished. I tried it and ended up finding someone I like!" She pulled out a court summons from her bag. "Secondly, weren't you curious why I asked you to meet me at the courthouse?" She pressed the document against his chest. "Today is the day of our divorce hearing." Sunlight streamed through the courthouse's glass dome, framing her joyful expression. She looked at Garrick's pale face and softly said, "Happy divorce, Garrick."