Chapter 7
Chris called me many times, but I never answered.
Eventually, I even blocked his number.
Chris’s assistant approached me, saying Chris was willing to rebuild our old home and wanted me to rebury Oliver’s
ashes there.
I refused.
I placed Oliver’s ashes in a sunflower pot.
I could see him every day. I watered the sunflower and loosened the soil, feeling as if Oliver was still by my side, never having left.
Chris still wouldn’t give up.
All the signed divorce papers I sent were returned to me, one by one.
Each time, they included something that belonged only to our memories.
It was a textbook from college, ninety–nine origami cranes he had folded, a ceramic doll I had sculpted for his birthday…
Each item was a trace of my love for him.
Now, he was reciprocating all of them.
I never opened any of them; I sent them back exactly as they came.
I knew that whether it was rebuilding the old home, moving back to Oliver’s gravesite, or these clearly heartfelt items, it was all Chris trying to make amends.
But I was no longer interested.
The collapse that day didn’t crush me. The next day, I entered the office with undiminished vigor.
The harmonious atmosphere among my colleagues and their concern warmed my heart and made me realize that I hadn’t lost everything.
On the contrary, I had gained another spring.
After work today, I received another call from an unknown number.
Instinctively, I wanted to hang up, but remembering business matters, I hesitated for a few seconds before answering. As soon as the call connected, a familiar voice came through.
“Ally.”
I remained silent.
Sensing that I hadn’t hung up, Chris let out a relieved sigh and began cautiously.
“Ally, I know you’re still mad at me. What happened with Oliver was my fault, and I’m sorry.
“Tomorrow, the Walker Group is hosting its annual celebration, and I will announce to everyone there that you are my, Chris’s wife. I’ll give you a status that many women would envy.
“I’ve been a jerk in the past, but now I want to make it up to you. The anniversary celebration is just the beginning; I’ll treat you better from now on.”
These words, had they been said just a few days earlier, would have thrilled me and made me feel that all my hardships were worth it like I had finally thawed an iceberg.
But now, I could only find them laughable.
He was always like this. It was when he lost something that he would appreciate its worth.
Only after Oliver died did he appreciate Oliver’s worth.
It took my leaving for him to realize his love for me suddenly.
At that moment, I realized that the man I had loved for half my life was nothing more than this.
“Chris, if I attend, you’ll regret it.‘
Chris missed the unease in my words. Instead, he was overjoyed, thinking I had forgiven him.
“I’m too happy to regret anything! Tomorrow, I’ll send my assistant to pick you up. I’ll make sure you are the most
envied woman at the event!”
I ignored his later words.
I must take revenge on Chloe.
I went, but not under the ridiculous title of his wife.
Our company has a partnership with the Walker Group, so naturally, we received an invitation.
Usually, I was disinterested in such events and never attended.
Samantha noticed my unusual behavior.
“Do you know this Mr. Walker?”