Unrepairable Love

Chapter 18

Elizabeth clutched the documents, waiting for Alexander at the City Clerk's Office. She remembered three years ago when they registered their marriage. It poured in Lisbon. Alexander said he was busy and would be late. Standing alone at the City Clerk's Office entrance, she watched laughing couples come and go, feeling a pang in her heart. If someone really loved you, not even a downpour would stop them. He just didn’t love her and didn’t want to marry her.

The staff were about to leave. Finally, Alexander showed up. His showing up, especially on a day as big as getting married, was notable. Elizabeth, bored out of her mind, started spinning in circles. She glanced at the clock. It was 9 AM. She looked, but still no sign of Alexander. Ten minutes later, still no Alexander. Impatient, Elizabeth pulled out her phone, ready to call him. Just then, her phone rang. It was Lily.

She skipped a beat. Did Lily find out about the divorce? Lily’s health was fragile; she couldn’t handle that kind of news. Elizabeth felt a wave of worry. She hesitated, then cautiously answered.

“Hello, Elizabeth?”

“Grandma,” Elizabeth replied, trying to sound cheerful.

Lily chuckled softly. “I’m on my way to the villa. I made some delicious desserts this morning, and I’m bringing them for Alexander to try! I should be there in about fifteen minutes!”

Elizabeth’s face fell. Lily was coming to the villa?

“Grandma, I didn’t—”

“I went to buy the ingredients this morning and spent over four hours making them! Elizabeth, you’ll love them. Once you’re happy, you and Alexander can have a child, and our family will have four generations under one roof!”

Lily kept talking, and Elizabeth couldn’t get a word in.

“Alright, I’m hanging up. Talking on the phone isn’t cutting it. We’ll chat when we meet.” Lily ended the call.

Elizabeth felt lost, her mouth slightly open. She began scrolling through her contacts to Alexander’s number, when his car pulled up. The window rolled down, and Alexander, looking annoyed, asked, “Who were you talking to? Your line was busy.”

Chapter 18

Elizabeth leaned down, meeting his eyes. “Your grandmother.”

Alexander went silent. He didn’t get out. He’d also gotten a call from Lily about her visit to the villa. Usually, he and Elizabeth didn’t live together. He only came back when Lily dropped by unexpectedly. Today was just a coincidence.

Alexander pressed his lips together, brows furrowed. Tell Grandma about our divorce and don’t go back, or keep it a secret for now. His inner conflict was evident.

Elizabeth shot back, “Alexander, you’re really good at dodging responsibility. You want me to decide now? If something happens to her, whose fault will it be?”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. In all their years of marriage, he’d rarely seen Elizabeth so blunt. Now that they were divorcing, her true self was coming out. Three years; it must’ve been tough for her to play the good wife.

“Get in the car.” They’d deal with Lily first.

“Since we’re here, why not get the divorce done? It only takes a few minutes,” Elizabeth said, eyeing the City Clerk’s Office.

Alexander stared at her, his expression unreadable. With no response from him, Elizabeth sighed and got into the car.

That’s when Alexander noticed her outfit—she was dressed up, even wearing perfume. The light scent of orange blossom lingered. The car sped off, kicking up dust. Elizabeth gazed out the window, feeling down that they hadn’t finalized the divorce.

Silence filled the car. At a red light, Alexander asked, “Are you eager to divorce me?”

Elizabeth, arms crossed, looked away, annoyed. “I’m upset because we didn’t get divorced.”

Alexander laughed, unexpectedly. Elizabeth glanced at him. It was a genuine smile. She hadn’t seen him smile like that in ages, especially not at her.

“You should be happier, right?” Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Alexander pressed his lips together, staying silent. Was he happy? He wasn’t sure. But that morning, thinking about the City Clerk’s Office, he felt a bit off. Then Lily called, and he felt oddly relieved.

Seeing him quiet, Elizabeth teased, “So, I’m finally leaving. You can meet your true love now. Did you stay up all night excited?”

Chapter 18

Alexander glanced at her. Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and she looked stunning.

He chuckled, “Yep.”

Elizabeth felt a bit relieved hearing that.

When they arrived, Lily was already there, standing at the door with Nolan holding an umbrella for her. Elizabeth and Alexander got out of the car together. Lily’s eyes scanned them, her presence commanding. “Where have you two been?”

Elizabeth and Alexander exchanged a look. Just as Elizabeth was about to make up an excuse, Lily’s voice turned icy, “I heard you two are getting divorced. Is it true?”

“Grandma, who told you that?” Alexander laughed, walking over to support Lily’s arm. “It’s hot out here. Let’s talk inside.”

Lily pushed Alexander away, her brows knitted, looking stern. “Don’t go inside yet! Elizabeth, you tell me!” Elizabeth had never lied to her, so Lily only trusted Elizabeth!

Alexander looked at Elizabeth, his brows furrowed, a flash of distrust in his eyes. Elizabeth met his gaze, sensing his worry, and felt helpless. He was scared she’d say they were really getting divorced. If she did, Lily would definitely back her up. If Lily knew they were getting divorced, the chances of it actually happening would be slim.

Lily, clearly annoyed, snapped, “Elizabeth, talk to me. Ignore him!”