I returned to the villa, carrying a small urn. My soaked clothes chilled me to the bone.
On the table lay the divorce agreement, already signed by Hank.
This time, I signed without hesitation and told my assistant to expedite the divorce procedures.
There was no one left in this family worth keeping.
"Baby, Mommy’s sorry."
I stroked the porcelain jar, and suddenly it felt like I was back on the day she was born.
That day, I carefully held her tiny hand, and the crying child instantly quieted.
Her wide, bright eyes looked straight at me, as if I were her entire world.
Tears blurred my vision, and I could no longer hold them back.
Exhausted from crying, I eventually fell asleep on the sofa, still clutching the porcelain jar.
A few days later, my assistant answered a call.
"Ms. Quinn, the divorce procedures are finalized, but you’ll need to go to the Marriage Registry Office in person to collect the certificate."
After hanging up, I quickly packed and left.
At the entrance of the Marriage Registry Office, two familiar figures appeared before me.
The man wore a tailored suit, his profile striking, while the woman wore a long wedding dress, her face full of shyness.
"Hank, am I beautiful today?"
Lily’s eyes flicked toward me, then she deliberately wrapped herself around Hank’s arm.
She wore a low-cut gown, her pale chest pressed tightly against him.
Hank’s gaze deepened, his Adam’s apple bobbing. "Beautiful… Why not stay tonight and wear this dress?"
Lily blushed. "Hank, the baby’s still small!"
Relieved, Hank gently stroked her belly. "Yes, the baby’s important. We have plenty of time."
As they leaned closer, Lily suddenly exclaimed, "Sister’s here!"
She ducked shyly behind Hank, who also noticed me.
A dull ache throbbed in my chest, and I turned to leave, but Hank called after me.
"Alex, why are you here?"
He strode toward me, his tall figure blocking my path. "Don’t misunderstand, I’m only accompanying Lily for a photo shoot."
I suppressed my emotions and gave a soft hum.
Lily flashed me a playful look and stretched out her hand politely. "Sister, I asked Hank to accompany me for marriage certificate photos. If you’re upset, blame me."
The moment she finished, Hank moved to shield her protectively.
In the past, I might have lashed out, but now my heart was calm.
"Alright, you two carry on. I have something else to do, so I’ll be leaving."
A strange expression crossed Hank’s face. He looked at me as though I were a stranger. "Alex, you…"
"Hank, I’m not teasing, am I?"
Lily leaned closer and whispered, "Are you waiting for her to leave so you can scold me in secret?"
Her words reached me clearly.
Hank’s face darkened. He shot me at a displeased glance. "It’s fine, Lily, let’s go. I’ll protect you."
The man who once cherished and shielded me, who once held me in his arms, now looked at me with guarded hostility, as though I were the enemy.
I bit down hard, swallowing the sting rising in my nose. "Hank."
The two paused. Lily smirked at me with a look that said, I told you so.
Meeting his gaze, I spoke evenly.
"Remember to come back to the villa for dinner tonight. I’ve prepared a gift for you."
"Alright."
Hank seemed to take it as a sign of weakness and reconciliation, and his tone softened noticeably.
"By the way, Alex, what brings you to the Marriage Registry Office?"
