Chapter 9
The white hospital walls were blindingly harsh.
After giving blood, the doctor forced Aaliyah to stay for observation. Claude never came to see her once.
Her phone kept buzzing with photos from Caroline-
Claude feeding her chicken soup.
Claude keeping vigil by her bedside.
Caroline sneaking a kiss on his cheek while he slept.
Aaliyah deleted them one by one, completely unmoved.
When your heart dies completely, even the pain disappears.
On the last day of the divorce waiting period, Aaliyah got up early.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains as she packed her final piece of clothing into the suitcase.
The Paris ticket lay quietly in her purse-3 PM flight.
The doorbell suddenly rang.
Claude stood at the door in his crisp suit, looking like he’d just come from an important meeting.
“Caroline’s out of danger.” He got straight to the point. “I keep my words. Let’s go withdraw the divorce papers.”
Aaliyah looked at him quietly.
“But,” Claude added, “next time you screw up, I’ll still file for divorce.”
Aaliyah almost wanted to laugh.
There wouldn’t be a next time.
She was going to live her own life now.
They drove in silence the entire way.
When the car stopped in front of the courthouse, Aaliyah gripped her purse strap tightly.
“We’re here.” Claude unbuckled his seatbelt. “Let’s make this quick-I need to get back to the hospital to take care of Caroline.”
Aaliyah stared at the familiar glass doors of the courthouse, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of her phone.
She needed to find a way to get Claude to leave. She couldn’t let him follow her inside.
1…”
Just as she started to speak, Claude’s phone rang.
“Caroline?” He frowned as he answered. “What’s wrong? Hey, don’t cry. I’m on my way.”
After hanging up, Claude turned to Aaliyah. “Caroline’s having breakdown-I need to get to her. Go in and withdraw the papers yourself. Text me when you’re
done.”
Aaliyah lowered her lashes, hiding her relief. “Okay.”
She watched Claude’s car disappear into the distance, then turned and walked into the courthouse.
The familiar clerk smiled at her. “Mrs. Rhodes, here to withdraw the papers again?”
“No,” Aaliyah pulled out the documents she’d prepared, “I’m here to finalize the divorce.”
20.44
99 Divorce Games: The Final Round Goes My Way
33.3
The door closed softly behind her, like a blade cutting through seven years of foolish hope.
On the way to the airport, the sun was shining bright.
Aaliyah rolled down the window and closed her eyes, breathing in the sweet smell of freedom.
Goodbye, Claude Preston.
This time, I really don’t want you anymore.
hapter 18
