Chapter 9

In the days that followed, Dominic didn't come home. Eleanor didn't call him either. On the day the divorce agreement took effect, she went to the courthouse alone. When the clerk handed her the final decree, she accepted it calmly. As her fingers brushed over the embossed words, not a flicker of emotion stirred within her. … It was still early when Eleanor stepped outside. So, she flagged down a cab and headed back to the Bennett residence to collect the last of her things. But as soon as she opened the door, she found Dominic standing in the middle of the living room, sharp as ever in a suit. "Where did you go?" he asked. Before she could answer, he nodded. It was as if he had already pieced it together. "Right. It's our anniversary today. Did you go out to get a gift?" Eleanor went still. Only then did it hit her—it was their anniversary. Three years ago, to the day, they had exchanged rings in front of a room full of smiling guests. That same night, he had handed her a divorce agreement. He had told her the marriage was nothing more than a business deal and warned her not to take it seriously. It would all be over in three years. Of all the days for the divorce to go through, it had to be their anniversary. Of course, Dominic thought Eleanor had gone out to get him a gift. Year after year, she had picked out something he liked, though he never remembered the date. So, why did he remember it this time? And did he realize today marked the end of everything? Eleanor's thoughts churned. In the end, she simply tightened her grip on the decree tucked inside her bag and nodded slightly. "Yes. I went to get your gift." She figured the decree would be enough. Dominic didn't question it. He just nodded. "I'm taking Ashley to Silvaris tomorrow to ski. I figured we could go out tonight to celebrate." After saying that, he checked his watch. "I booked the rooftop at Willow House. We'll do the gifts later. Let's head out." Then, he grabbed his jacket from the chair and walked toward the door. But Eleanor didn't move. She stood frozen in place. It wasn't until Dominic stepped outside that he noticed she hadn't followed. He turned back, frowning. "What are you waiting for?" Eleanor's lips parted slightly. However, the truth that she was leaving for good never came out. After a pause, she came up with an excuse. "I've got a few things to take care of. You go ahead. I'll meet you there." Fortunately, Dominic didn't push further. He simply gave a quiet hum of acknowledgement and left. Meanwhile, Eleanor stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. She watched as his black sedan pulled out of the driveway and disappeared around the corner. It was the first time in three years he had remembered their anniversary. But this time, she no longer cared. She slowly took the crisp divorce decree from her bag and placed it on the coffee table. Then, she picked up the suitcase she had packed earlier, quietly closed the door behind her, and walked away. The decree remained on the table. Next to it sat the check she had never cashed. Sunlight streamed through the windows, catching the long line of zeros. But no amount of money could buy back a hand-knitted shawl, and it could never bring back three years of love.