"What?" Robin's mind went blank, as if struck by lightning.

"Elena would never be willing to divorce me!" he said in disbelief.

But he scoffed dismissively a moment later. "I get it. Is this Elena's new game? Are you a scammer or someone she hired to mess with me?

"I've said it before—Constance won't affect her status. So what is she throwing a tantrum about this time? She's right there with you, isn't she? Hand her the phone. I'll talk to her myself."

Robin held back the anger boiling inside him, ready to explode the moment Elena's voice came through.

The staff member double-checked the number on the phone, making absolutely sure there was no mistake before quickly replying, "Mr. Marsh, I'm neither a scammer nor an actor. Ms. Larson has already left.

"If you don't believe me, just come to the Portler State Court and collect the divorce certificate yourself. You'll know then if I'm

Robin let the driver take Kane to see Constance while he returned to the state court.

"When Elena left the divorce certificate here, did she say anything? Did she mention where she was going or ask you to tell me to find her?"

The clerk looked at him with a complicated expression, tinged with a trace of disdain.

"Ms. Larson didn't say a word. You two are divorced, so why would she still want to get back together with you?

"She even walked out of the court smiling. She looked like she was in a great mood. Honestly, she seemed like she really wanted this divorce.

"I heard some of that call too. You've already got someone new in your life, so why cling to her? You don't look like someone who's short on money or women."

Robin pressed his lips tightly together as countless thoughts flashed through his mind. It was true that he wasn't lacking in women. There would always be countless wom

Robin took Constance and Kane to watch the fireworks after dinner.

Brilliant bursts lit up the night sky. Robin held Constance around the waist as Kane nestled beside them. Together, they looked like the perfect picture of happiness.

Elena stood off in the distance. She quietly turned to leave, but Kane suddenly ran over and lit a firework before throwing it straight at her. It immediately exploded at her feet, sparks flying up and burning a hole right through the leg of her pants.

"Did you see how happy Dad and Constance are?" Kane sneered at Elena. 

"Neither of us likes you! You killed my mom! You're not even good enough to be a maid!

"I won't let you live peacefully if you still won't leave and insist on clinging to us! The only person I want taking care of me, aside from my mom, is Constance!"

With that, he hurled fireworks at her one after another. They burst against her clothes, scorching hole after hole through the fabric.

Since she was trying to shield her face, her arms were struck instead. She got severely burned, and her skin was peeling back from the blistering pain.

"You don't have to force me out!" she shouted. "I'll be leaving very soon!"

Kane paused, somewhat startled. He was just about to speak again when Robin walked over. "What's going on here?"

Kane instantly changed his expression, eyes brimming with false innocence as he said, "Dad, I just wanted to play fireworks with Elena, but she was so clumsy, she kept hurting herself!"

Constance rushed to check on Kane, only relaxing once she confirmed he was unharmed.

"Ms. Larson, you're an adult. Hurting yourself is one thing, but make sure Kaney doesn't get hurt!"

Robin frowned. "Be more careful next time. Kaney can't afford to get hurt."

Elena didn't try to explain. She simply turned and left. She then went to the hospital alone, registered herself, and had the burns treated in silence.

After resting there overnight, she received a call from the state court the next morning.

"Ms. Larson, the divorce certificate you requested is ready for pickup."

Hearing that, she felt nothing but pure relief. Finally, it was all coming to an end.

She went to the state court and received the divorce certificate. The clerk asked, "What about the husband's copy?"

Elena dialed Robin's number, but she could hear Kane and Constance laughing and playing together on the other end of the line.

She stayed silent for a moment, then said softly, "The six-year term is up, Robin. I'm leaving. Come to the state court to collect your copy of the divorce certificate."

Robin gave a cold laugh. "Still acting, are you? You say you're leaving all the time, but you never actually do.

"Alright, I know you're just mad about what happened these past few days. Whatever it is that you want, tell my assistant. I'm busy right now, so stop bothering me."

With that, Robin hung up. Elena let out a quiet sigh and turned to the clerk.

"He doesn't have time to come. Just leave his copy here. This is his contact number, so please inform him to pick it up when he's available."

With that, she handed over the second certificate, then stepped out of the state court building. As she breathed in the air of freedom, she knew she never wanted to return to that house. Not even her luggage mattered anymore.

So, she called a cab and went to the care facility. After picking up her mother, they both headed straight to the airport. Her face was filled with relief the moment she boarded the plane.

…

Five hours later, outside the entrance of an amusement park, Robin got into the car, ready to take his son home.

Kane pouted and asked, "Dad, why don't you just divorce Elena already? Wouldn't it be the same if Constance took care of me?"

Robin frowned slightly. "No. It has to be her. She's the one who's supposed to take care of you. And she'd never agree to a divorce. Don't give her a hard time anymore."

Kane was clearly unhappy and was about to protest again when Robin's phone rang. He answered, and a voice came through. It was one of the staff from the state court.

"Mr. Marsh, your divorce has been finalized. Your ex-wife left your certificate with us. When would you be available to come pick it up?"

"What?" Robin's mind went blank, as if struck by lightning.

"Elena would never be willing to divorce me!" he said in disbelief.

But he scoffed dismissively a moment later. "I get it. Is this Elena's new game? Are you a scammer or someone she hired to mess with me?

"I've said it before—Constance won't affect her status. So what is she throwing a tantrum about this time? She's right there with you, isn't she? Hand her the phone. I'll talk to her myself."

Robin held back the anger boiling inside him, ready to explode the moment Elena's voice came through.

The staff member double-checked the number on the phone, making absolutely sure there was no mistake before quickly replying, "Mr. Marsh, I'm neither a scammer nor an actor. Ms. Larson has already left.

"If you don't believe me, just come to the Portler State Court and collect the divorce certificate yourself. You'll know then if I'm lying."

Before Robin could say anything, Kane suddenly responded with excitement. "Great! Let's go

Chapter 9