Chapter 3
“Who are you talking to?”
Zachary walked into the kitchen, curious about why Hannah hadn’t returned yet. He found her standing there, staring at her phone, lost in thought-
She snapped back to reality and calmly said, “No one
As the night deepened, Hannah lay awake, staring at the ceiling, listening to Zachary’s gentle breathing beside her. She didn’t sleep a wink.
The next morning, Zachary frowned at the breakfast laid out before him.
“You know I’m not a fan of the food. Why did you make this today?”
Hannah lowered her gaze, picking up a fork to spear a piece of steak, chewing it slowly.
“It’s all that’s left in the fridge.*
od in
In truth, that wasn’t the case. She was preparing to study abroad and wanted to get accustomed to the food in advance.
Fortunately, Zachary didn’t question it further. He placed his phone on the table but kept glancing at it, clearly waiting for a message. She didn’t need to ask to know who he was waiting for.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed, and he took it up immediately. Anna must have sent something amusing, as a slight smile crept onto his usually stoic face.
Hannah watched him quietly for a moment before pulling out the divorce papers she had prepared long ago. From the moment she signed the agreement, she had been preparing for this day. Now, she was finally ready to be free.
“Zachary, let’s get a divorce.”
Her voice was calm, as if she were discussing the weather.
Zachary was so engrossed in his conversation with Anna that he didn’t even register what she’d said, absentmindedly responding, “Sure.”
Hannah wasn’t surprised. For the past five years, he had treated her with the same distant indifference. Now that Anna was back, he had withdrawn even the last bit of attention he once gave her.
She turned the papers to the last page and handed them to him along with a pen, pointing to where he needed to sign. “Sign here.”
“Sure.”
He was too busy texting to look up, signing his name where she pointed without a second thought while his other hand still was dancing on the phone.
Hannah tucked the papers away and continued, “Zachary, I’ll head out once I get everything sorted.”
He just nodded again, and then set down his fork and knife, preparing to leave. Watching him walk away, Hannah couldn’t help but call out to him.
“Zachary, do you even know what I just said?”
He paused, looking back at her with confusion.
“Weren’t you just talking about the donation for the orphanage? And the contract I signed was for that, right? You mentioned it a few days ago. What’s the problem?”
She let out a silent, bitter laugh. They had signed the donation contract last month. He truly didn’t care about her, nor did he listen to her words, but it didn’t matter anymore.
10:17
Chapter 3
“Just let it be.” She thought to herself, “Zachary, go ahead and be with Anna”
She then gave a smile. “Nothing.”
Later that afternoon, Hannah drove to the orphanage, following the truck delivering the supplies. Once everything was done, she went to Director Zade’s office to say goodbye.
“Mama Zade, I’m going abroad for further studies.”
Director Zade beamed with joy at the news. Hannah had always been a top student in the art department, and she had regretted it when Hannah gave up the opportunity to study abroad years ago.
“Hannah, that’s wonderful news.”
Director Zade squeezed her hand, smiling broadly, but then her expression turned worried as if recalling something. “But if you’re going abroad, won’t that mean a long–distance relationship with Zachary? Those can be really tough.”
Hannah watched the children playing in the distance and shook her head.
“It’s not long–distance. We got divorced.”
Director Zade was taken aback, and then sighed deeply.
“I knew it wouldn’t last. If he truly loved you, he would have visited here with you over the years. It’s probably for the best.”
She enveloped Hannah in a warm embrace, offering gentle comfort. Hannah smiled, hugging Director Zade back. Yeah, it really was for the best.
