Chapter 217 A Weight Lifted OffÂ
Once Ethan relented, Emily quickly jumped at the chance. “Sure thing, let’s head out right away.”Â
With work looming just around the corner, she was itching to get a replacement marriage certificate and kick–start the divorce process.Â
Unlike those lovey–dovey couples who made a big fuss about getting hitched, they were like ships passing in the night.Â
Even standing close to each other felt so out of place.Â
They managed to get the replacement certificate and then hightailed it to the courthouse to file for divorce.Â
At the courthouse, the clerk handed them the forms. EmilyÂ
filled hers out in a flash.Â
Meanwhile, as Ethan was scribbling away, he stole a glance at her. The eagerness on her face was as clear as day.Â
After they’d finished the paperwork, the clerk went over the rules. “From today on, once the one–month period’s up, you can get your divorce papers. But either of you can back out anytime during this month.”Â
Stepping out of the courthouse, Emily looked down a‘ the 17:24 “Receipt for Acceptance of Divorce Registration Application” inÂ
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her hand. Finally, a weight lifted off her chest.Â
Ethan caught the look of relief on her face, and his heart felt all kinds of messed up.Â
He told her, “I’ll swing by the hospital to pick you up tonight. Grandpa’ll be over the moon to see us together.”Â
Emily just gave a simple nod. “Okay.”Â
That afternoon, as Emily clocked out and left the hospital, there was Aaron waiting for her.Â
It was obvious he’d been hanging around for her. When she came into view, a big smile lit up his face.Â
As Emily got closer, Aaron leaned in and asked softly, “There’s a class reunion tonight. Are you in?”Â
Emily was about to say no, thinking about Matthew still in the hospital.Â
But before she could open her mouth, Ethan’s voice boomed from behind, “Emily, Grandpa’s waiting for us.”Â
Emily turned and saw Ethan’s car parked in the hospital’s open–air lot, just a stone’s throw away from her and Aaron.Â
Ethan stayed in the driver’s seat and just rolled down the 2/7 Window to say his piece.Â
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Looking back at Aaron apologetically, she said, “Sorry, Aaron. Maybe next time. I’ve got something urgent on my plateÂ
today.”Â
Aaron, being the laid–back guy he was, never pushed people around.Â
He was a bit bummed but just gave a friendly smile and a nod. “Alright. I’ll hit you up next time, then.”Â
After a quick wave goodbye, Emily hopped into Ethan’s car and plopped down in the backseat.Â
Aaron caught her sitting in the back, and a little smile appeared on his face.Â
Matthew was in the swankiest hospital in Los Angeles, not the one where Emily worked. It was a good half–hour drive away.Â
Once in the car, Emily clammed up, and Ethan didn’t try to make small talk, either. Instead, he fired up a video call on WhatsApp.Â
There was a contact at the top of his WhatsApp list. No name, just a kissy emoji.Â
The call connected, and Nancy’s face popped up on the screen.Â
“Ethan, what’s going on?”Â
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As he drove, Ethan took a quick peek at the screen and said, “Just wanted to see Sophie.”Â
Nancy called out sweetly, “Sophie, come here. Your daddy’s on the phone.”Â
From the other end, Sophia’s excited voice rang out. “Yay! I’m coming!”Â
She was over the moon.Â
Nancy turned the phone around, and there was Sophia, running over from the living room couch and standing right inÂ
the frame.Â
“Daddy, are you done with work? I miss you,” Sophia spoke up.Â
Ethan replied, “I have to go see your great–grandpa first. I’ll be back later.”Â
“Then drive safely, Daddy,” Sophia said with concern.Â
As Ethan agreed, he asked, “Did you have your dinner like a good girl?”Â
“Sure did. I had a small bowl of ravioli,” Sophia chirped.Â
Ethan smiled, “Good. Listen to Nancy and Gloria at home. I will bring you a present when I come back.” 4/7Â
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Sophia clapped her hands and jumped up in excitement. “Yay! I love you, Daddy.”Â
The smile in Ethan’s eyes deepened. “Go and play then,” heÂ
said.Â
Sophia responded and skipped away.Â
In the backseat, Emily turned her face away. She tried hard to tune out the conversation between her daughter and husband.Â
But the more she tried to ignore it, the clearer the words became.Â
Sophia said she loved her dad, but wasn’t it Emily who’d been by her side day in and day out?Â
It had been ages since Emily last heard Sophia say that “love.”Â
Meanwhile, Nancy’s voice came from the phone, “Ethan, should I hang up?”Â
“Keep it on. I just want to hear your voices,” Ethan said.Â
Nancy gave a gentle laugh. “Okay. I’ll leave the phone here so you can see us.”Â
“Alright,” Ethan replied.Â
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From time to time, Sophia’s voice came through the phone.Â
“Granny Gloria, look how pretty this is. Can I make one for you?Â
“Nancy, look! I made a little you.Â
“Nancy, our teacher said there’s a school trip next weekend. Will you go with me?Â
“Granny Gloria, do you want some water? I’ll get you a glass.”Â
The family was having a whale of a time, with laughter and chatter filling the air.Â
Ethan, though driving, would chime in now and then.Â
Even though he was on the road, his heart was at Joy Gardens, sharing in their happiness.Â
Emily huddled in the corner of the backseat, afraid that Nancy on the video call might catch a glimpse of her awkward state.Â
She was supposed to be Ethan’s wife and Sophia’s mom, but at that moment, she felt like an outsider.Â
The journey was pure torture for Emily.Â
She counted the shadows of the trees flashing by the window, but soon lost track.Â
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Thankfully, Ethan pulled over. After giving Nancy a few instructions, he ended the call.Â
Before visiting Matthew, Emily stopped by a flower store to buy a bouquet and picked out a fruit basket.Â
The basket was too heavy for her to carry. Seeing this, Ethan stepped forward, “Let me take that.”Â
Emily let go, allowing him to take the basket from her. She held the flowers, and they walked side by side toward the hospital.Â
When they reached the ward, Emily noticed there were quite a few people inside.Â
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