Life Rebooted After the Divorce

Chapter 9

Once again, we visited the café we had been to last time. Orlin ordered a black coffee, while I asked for a glass of lemon water.

I said, "Since your sister returned to New York, I've had insomnia and could no longer drink coffee."

Orlin, simple and soft in his gaze, replied, "Mrs. Wilson…"

I interrupted him, "Please don't call me Mrs. Wilson anymore. I soon won't be. My name is Leila." He fell silent. I continued, "I know what you want to talk to me about. You want me to stop bothering your sister. But she hurt me deeply."

He awkwardly and ashamedly said, "You are truly mistaken. I swear to you, Abigail and Charlie are just friends."

I looked at him sorrowfully, "Everyone keeps telling me they are just friends; they just haven’t made love, at least not now. But what about the future?"

Tears welled up in my eyes, "Mr. Hill, tell me, would you give a friend a diamond ring worth millions as a gift? Would you miss your own wedding anniversary for a friend? Would you murmur a friend's name when drunk? Charlie has always loved Abigail, and he never loved me. This I know for sure."

I lowered my head, trying to hide my embarrassment.

Orlin, simple as he was, seemed utterly at a loss by my tears.

He hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I'll persuade Abigail to stop seeing Charlie. I promise, I'll keep an eye on her every day and make sure they don't contact each other again."

I shook my head. "No need. I'll divorce Charlie."

He responded, "Don't get a divorce."

I interrupted him, "Mr. Hill, if Abigail were in my situation, would you advise her not to divorce?"

He paused and thoughtfully replied, "I would make her divorce immediately and break Charlie's legs."

I burst into laughter.

Seeing me laugh, he visibly relaxed.

He told me, "Charlie doesn't deserve you. Divorce is the right decision."

I said, "I regret choosing to marry him. Three years wasted. What should I do now?"

He replied, "You're young and beautiful... even more beautiful than Abigail. You can start a new life."

I looked at him. "But I'm always scared. I feel like a bird that's been caged its whole life, and now that the cage is open, I've forgotten how to fly."

Orlin sincerely comforted me, "You have to believe in yourself."

I smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Hill, you're a very kind person."

His face turned red.

I glanced at my watch. "I have to go. Thank you for talking with me for so long. Rest assured, I won't bother your sister again."

Orlin seemed like he wanted to say more, but I had already stood up and left.