Chapter 3
Theodore said, "Maybe you've just been too tired lately? You're starting to imagine things. I took the day off for you. Just rest well today."
My hands, which were clenched tightly moments ago, suddenly relaxed.
I let out a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Theodore."
I thanked him wordlessly for choosing to keep lying to me when I started to go soft. He had effectively strengthened my resolve to leave.
Theodore thought I was thanking him for taking the day off for me. So, he smiled without saying anything and gently closed the door.
I called Lily and said, "Help me find a reliable lawyer. I need one who specializes in divorce cases."
Of course, Lily wasn't the least bit surprised. "Got it. Once I find someone, let's meet and talk."
A few days later, she met me at a cafe.
The lawyer she recommended was professional and dependable. After understanding my situation, he quickly offered practical and effective advice. After we finalized the details, he left and returned to his firm to draft the divorce agreement.
…
Soon, it was the day of Theodore and Ivanna's wedding.
The guests attending the event didn't know the full story. They all thought Theodore was simply remarrying and couldn't help but speculate what had happened.
"Theodore and Janice were doing just fine. Why is he suddenly marrying someone else?"
"I'm not sure. But judging from how his son acts, he seems to really like this new stepmom."
"Ivanna waited for Theodore for so many years. She's finally getting what she always wanted."
On the stage, Ivanna slowly walked toward Theodore in an elaborate wedding gown.
I saw tears well up in Theodore's eyes. Beside them, Scott was holding Ivanna's train with eyes full of emotion.
Theodore gently lifted Ivanna's veil and said in a choked voice, "Iva, I think you look especially beautiful today. I never thought this moment would ever be real."
Ivanna's eyes reddened. "Theo, no matter how long I waited for you, I never once regretted it."
Scott brought them the rings.
The officiant announced, "Would the bride and groom please exchange rings?"
They proceeded to slide the rings onto each other's ring fingers. Next, Theodore embraced Ivanna and kissed her.
I watched coldly from the audience as these so-called soulmates were finally united.
The pain I'd imagined never came. Maybe I had already cried my tears dry during the worst of it.
Next to me, Lily was fuming. "What a shameless couple! And that ungrateful brat of a son who sided with an outsider..."
I patted her on the back. "Don't get angry. People like them aren't worth it."
Hayden gave a cold snort. "You cried like crazy before, and now you're suddenly all magnanimous?"
Lily glared at him. "I brought you here to support Janice, not to mock her."
Hayden shrugged. "I just can't stand the sight of it."
The show on stage continued. After their kiss, Ivanna blushed.
With tears streaming down her face, she said, "Even if it's fake, I'm happy. Theo, I wish this moment could last forever. But it can't. These past few days were like a dream. But today is the last day. After this, I'll give you back to Janice."
With that, she couldn't help but sob mournfully.
Theodore held her in his arms with a heartbroken expression.
Scott choked up as he stepped forward. "Ivanna, even though we're not related by blood, in my heart you're my real mom. No one else can compare."
And then the three of them huddled together, crying their hearts out.
After her tears subsided, Ivanna looked out into the audience at me.
She said, "Janice, I'm giving Theodore back to you now. Please promise me you'll take good care of him. He has stomach problems, so he needs to take his medicine on time. He's lactose intolerant. He can't eat any desserts with dairy..."
I cut her off. "That sounds like too much trouble for me. It's better if you keep taking care of him."
Theodore's face fell dramatically when he heard that. "Janice, what do you mean by that?"
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