Adam was caught off guard by Celine’s question: Did he like her? He’d glimpsed unusual feelings for her—reluctance to let her go, attraction, even a desire to possess her. Yes, there had been a sliver of liking, but it paled in comparison to his feelings for Carly. Now, facing a divorce, he decided to sever the relationship cleanly, ruthlessly, indifferently.

He said, “Celine, I love Carly.”

The light in Celine’s eyes dimmed. She shouldn’t have asked; the question only humiliated her, leaving her utterly defeated. She accepted her loss with grace.

“Then let’s get divorced.”

Adam paused briefly. “Go get your ID card.”

Her lips curled faintly as she patted her bag. “I brought it.” She’d taken it before leaving her room; she’d known his intention when she saw his call.

He glanced at her, started the car, and drove to the city hall. Half an hour later, they were sitting inside the court.

The staff processing their divorce tried to persuade them. “A great marriage isn't about a perfect couple; it's about an imperfect couple learning to enjoy their differences. Do you need more time to think it over?”

Adam’s face remained emotionless. “We’ve made our decision.”

“Alright then,” said the staff. “Please sign here.”

Celine didn’t move. She watched Adam pick up the pen and swiftly, forcefully, and without hesitation, sign his name. Then he put the pen down.

Her pale eyes reddened. She quietly picked up the pen and signed.

The staff checked Celine’s data. “Young lady, is it just you listed here?”

She had no family. She had always been alone. She nodded. “Yes.”

The staff stamped the documents and handed them over, announcing, “You two are no longer husband and wife.”

Celine took her certificate. “Thank you.”

As they walked out, Adam asked, “Are you going back to Yorhine University? I can give you a ride.”

She declined. “No thanks, Mr. Alvarez. I’ll go back on my own. You should return to the hospital and stay with Carly.”

With that, she turned and walked away, alone. She didn’t know how long she’d been walking or how far she’d gone. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, then heavy droplets spilled uncontrollably down her face. Tears had filled her eyes the moment she turned away. She had always been alone, without family, until he appeared.

In that cave, he’d said he would take her away, that he wanted her, and she’d believed him. During his three years as a vegetative patient, and during the years he doted on Carly, she’d grown up alone. She’d traveled far, only to come back to him, hoping to bear his name and build a home. She’d held onto the purest hopes of a young girl, fulfilling the role of his wife. She thought hard work would be enough, but in the end, that home fell apart.