Chapter 6

Getting to the courthouse and checking in wasn't a big deal, but Rebecca's winter coat drew attention. Many people glanced at them discreetly, then looked at Theodore with a probing gaze. Debra fussed over Rebecca, making sure she was comfortable. Theodore, usually the center of admiration, found himself under judgmental stares. It felt like everyone was sizing him up, making him feel like a jerk.

Frustrated, he snapped at the staff, "Can you hurry up?" They gave him a look but maintained their steady pace. Rebecca, meanwhile, diligently answered every question and signed the paperwork.

Theodore was about to sign when his phone rang. He frowned, put down his pen, and took out his phone. Seeing the screen, he froze, moving a few steps away to take the call. At the counter, Debra held Rebecca's hand, silently comforting her.

Theodore's expression drastically changed after the call. He hurried out the door, looking anxious and ignoring the divorce papers. Debra panicked and ran after him, but he was practically sprinting. "Theodore!" she yelled. "What's wrong with this man? Can't he stay put for a divorce? He's about to sign and now he's running away!" It wouldn't kill him to sign the papers first.

"Becky, honey, stay put. Mommy's going after him," Debra said, her voice tight with worry. "I'll have that jerk back here in thirty minutes!" She took off after Theodore.

Outside, Theodore had already gotten into a sleek black Rolls-Royce. The luxury car sped off. Debra, unable to keep up, felt increasingly frustrated.

After several minutes, the Rolls-Royce was out of sight. Embarrassed, the driver asked cautiously, glancing at Debra, "So we didn't catch up. Do I still get the two thousand dollars?"

Debra, though furious, was reasonable. She immediately transferred two thousand dollars to the driver. He was all smiles. Money talked. "Take me back," Debra demanded. Becky was still at the courthouse, and Debra needed to get back to her. Her daughter had just given birth and needed help.

"Absolutely, ma'am!" the driver happily agreed. It was two thousand dollars! He'd drive this rich lady anywhere she wanted. He quickly returned Debra to the courthouse.

Rebecca was still waiting. Debra's anger melted into heartache and guilt when she saw her daughter. "I'm sorry I couldn't catch up with him," Debra said, holding Rebecca's hand. "It's fine," Rebecca said softly.

Debra looked at Rebecca with concern. "Becky, how about we go home for now? We can settle this another day." She wanted to ask something but, seeing her daughter's sadness, decided against it. Debra comforted her instead. "Okay," Rebecca nodded.

Debra called another car and took Rebecca home. The nanny was caring for the children. Seeing them return, she approached with the babies.

"How are the kids?" Rebecca asked.

"They've been very good. I was just thinking about giving them some formula. I didn't expect you to be home this early," the nanny said with a smile.

The baby in her arms stared intently at Rebecca, stretching out tiny hands. Rebecca's heart melted. She took the baby. It immediately snuggled into her chest. The nanny chuckled. "Looks like the baby girl wants to nurse."

"You better get in bed, sweetheart. It's warmer there," Debra said, concerned for her daughter.

Rebecca followed her mother's advice, covered herself with a thick quilt, and nursed the babies. Watching this, Debra felt resentful toward the Edwards and Mitchell families. "Becky, don't worry. Once you recover, we'll go deal with that jerk. This marriage will definitely end," Debra comforted her after the babies finished nursing. Rebecca smiled, "Okay."

Debra continued, "Don't worry about the divorce. If you ever want to get married again, the Carter family has connections. Plenty of good men out there. And trust me, any one of them would be way better than Theodore."

Rebecca was speechless. "Mom... I don't want to get married again," she said helplessly. Theodore had left her deeply scarred.

Debra's heart ached for her daughter. "It's okay, Honey. We'll take one step at a time. If you don't find someone you like, you can enjoy your own life. But if you do, the whole family will support you!"

Her mom was so kind. Rebecca hugged her mother.

In the afternoon, Theodore called again. His grandparents were coming to stay. "Rebecca, Grandma has a heart condition. She had an episode this morning when she found out about our divorce. Grandpa and Grandma will come to your place tonight. Take care of them and try not to upset them," Theodore said.