What Cannot Be Consoled

In their four years of marriage, Ethan Sterling had always refused to visit any romantic couple destinations with his wife, Pearl Whitmore. He said she was shallow and just chasing trends.

However, when his first love came back from overseas, he could not wait to take her up the legendary mountain where it was said couples who climbed it successfully would grow old together.

Pearl divorced him and moved abroad. However, Ethan followed her to the new country, sobbing as he searched for her in the ruins...

"I want a divorce."

In the fourth year of her marriage, Pearl Whitmore decided to end it. However, the lawyer across from her seemed to think she was wasting his time. He raised an eyebrow. "Young lady, divorce isn't a one-person decision."

Pearl understood why the lawyer was not taking her seriously. She had come straight from teaching at the school, still in her hoodie and jeans. She did not look like someone filing for divorce.

However, she had prepared thoroughly before coming. She said methodically, "I just need you to draft a professional divorce agreement. I'll get my husband to sign it."

She and Ethan Sterling had no children, and she wanted none of the assets. The agreement was simple enough to fit on two pages.

When she got home and opened the door, a pungent smell hit her nose.

Pearl looked over. Vivian Shaw and Ethan were eating takeout, with half a slice of blue cheese sitting on the dining table. They were talking about something, laughing so hard that they were practically leaning into each other.

When Ethan noticed Pearl standing in the doorway, he immediately straightened up and asked in a measured tone, "Pearl, I didn't know you were coming back. I only ordered two portions. What do you want to eat? I'll order something for you."

"No need. I already ate at the school." Pearl glanced at the food and lowered her eyes.

For years, she had never dared eat anything with a strong smell, all because Ethan had rhinitis. He said he hated it when there were weird odors at home.

Pearl pulled out the divorce agreement from her bag. She handed Ethan a pen. "The school has a liability waiver that requires a family member's signature. Could you sign it for me?"

Pearl was an orphan, and Ethan was her husband, making him her only family.

"Let me take a look." Ethan frowned slightly and reached for the document.

Pearl had not expected him to actually want to read it carefully. He had never paid much attention to her affairs. Ever since Vivian returned to the country a month ago after her divorce, he had been even less attentive.

Pearl's fingers tightened around the divorce agreement, and her body went rigid. She did not know whether she should let him see it right now.

"Ethan, what's gotten into you?" Vivian's red lips parted, and she teasingly swatted Ethan. "Why are you being so rigid with Pearl?