The next morning, at exactly 8:30, I found myself standing at the entrance of the county clerk's office. I waited for over half an hour before he finally arrived. With him was Helena Rose, who looked at me apologetically. "I'm sorry, Cleo. You know how hard it is for a divorced woman with a child to make it in the theater world. This show is vital for both me and my child, I..."
I interrupted her impatiently. "Alright, let's not waste any more time and just get this over with."
In the past seven years, I'd run into Helena plenty of times. She was far from the innocent, pitiable figure she tried to portray. A woman who had survived in the theater industry for over a decade wasn't that simple. So, I had no patience for her act and turned toward the entrance.
Unexpectedly, she followed us in. When I noticed her eyes fixed on the divorce agreement, I realized she was here to oversee the proceedings. In our previous divorces, Caleb had always assured me he'd leave with nothing to guarantee my peace of mind. But this time, it was written for me.
Caleb had told me that any change in his assets would impact his company, which was on the verge of going public. I didn't sign because I trusted him; I was simply too tired to argue anymore.
After collecting the paperwork, I stood outside, trying to hail a cab. Caleb rushed over and grabbed my arm. "How long are you staying at your parents'? Give me the address, and I'll drop by with something."
I replied coolly, "There's no need."
He seemed to realize that this time I was genuinely different from before, and his grip on my arm tightened slightly.
He asked uncertainly, "Cleo, we're going to get back together, right?"
Just then, Helena hurried over with a look of urgency. "Caleb, our son has a fever. What should we do?"
I pulled my arm away and said to them, "Break a leg with your performance."
Then I got into the car. As it started to move, I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. The familiar divorce certificate in my hand felt like needles piercing my heart.
Back then, I had dived headfirst into the whirlpool of his love without leaving any escape route for myself. My college roommate once advised me, "A man who's gone through a divorce might not be reliable. Don't be naïve and believe everything."
I defended him fiercely, "My Caleb is different from others. He truly loves me."
"I know you'll say that such an amazing man is bound to have women around him. It's okay, I'm prepared for that. I've told him, I can understand if he has to play along outside. As long as he has me in his heart, I will forgive him. I've committed to him for life!"
Never did I imagine that I would spend seven years of my youth only to end up with a heart in pieces.
