Chapter 4

Early the next morning, I began preparing everything for the prayer service. I had worked all morning to prepare the booklets and other items needed.

When I finally had some free time, I hurriedly ate a few bites.

Josh didn't send me a single message. Yesterday's promise meant nothing by morning.

Still, I waited a little longer until the priest reminded me several times that it was time to begin.

In the end, I called Josh. He had completely forgotten about it and it took him a moment to remember.

His tone was apologetic as he said, "Natalie's mother suddenly became ill, so I'm taking her to the hospital right now."

"Can't Natalie take her?" I asked.

"I'm worried she can't manage alone." Josh said.

Hearing that, I could feel a cutting pain in my heart. When I miscarried, he had never worried whether I could manage anything alone. When I arranged my mother's funeral by myself, he was not worried about that either.

Yet when Natalie's mother fell ill, he was more attentive than anyone.

"Alright. I understand," I said.

Josh paused, then tried to explain. It was the first in a long time.

"It's my fault this time. I can't predict an emergency. Once everything settles down, I'll make a reservation at your favorite restaurant, and we can relax together."

I looked at the divorce papers my lawyer had sent and told him that was fine.

Josh sounded relieved. He was about to say something else when a voice suddenly called his name from the other end.

"Josh!"

"Coming."

The call ended after that.

I closed my red eyes for a moment before opening them. Then, I followed the priest to begin the prayer service.

The priest and church members sang hymns as I sang with them. For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace.

It was as if I could hear my mother's final words again.

"I can't stay with you anymore, but at least Josh is with you. That puts my mind at ease. Take care of yourself."

Mom, I promise I'll take care of myself, but Josh will no longer be part of my life.

After the service, I thanked the priest and the other church members and said our goodbyes.

As I got into a taxi, Natalie posted another update. The photo showed Josh from behind, pushing a wheelchair.

[With you beside me, I'll always feel safe.]

I scrolled past without pausing and leaned against the window, closing my eyes.

When I got home, the moving truck I had ordered was already there. The movers carried out my belongings one box at a time.

A neighbor saw them and looked surprised. "Rena, are you moving?"

I smiled. "Yes. My company is relocating south, and I'm going with it."

They asked, "Will you ever come back?"

"No," I said as I shook my head.

We talked for a while, and the movers finished loading everything. I said goodbye to my neighbor, climbed into the truck, and left with them.

By the time Josh texted me, it was already seven in the evening.

[Come to this restaurant. I'll be waiting for you here.]

Only after taking care of Natalie had he remembered me.

I didn't reply and simply forwarded the address to my lawyer.

-

At a downtown restaurant, Josh looked down at the jewelry box in his hand with satisfaction. Inside was a diamond bracelet. It was his attempt to make up for the way he had treated Rena.

But as minutes passed, she never came.

Josh checked his watch for the fourth time when a shadow fell across the table as an unfamiliar man sat down.

Josh froze, then spoke hesitantly. "Sir, you're in the wrong seat. I'm waiting for my wife."

The man, Andy Henderson, smiled politely and took out a folder.

"You're waiting for the right person, then. I'm the lawyer Ms. Rena hired to discuss your divorce."