Chapter 2 Rush Out of the Meeting Room
1052 Words
"Let's get a divorce," she spoke softly。
As her voice fell, she could sense his body tense.
Ethan gazed down at her, his sharp eyes in the dark night consumed by darkness, leaving only a chilling melancholy.
"Why?" His voice was as calm as ever.
"Our marriage was never about us—it was about the child we were supposed to have. But fate has other plans," she said, meeting his gaze calmly. "I seem to be more used to being single. With or without you, my life doesn't change much. But without you, it simplifies things for me, and I believe you would feel the same."
For example, after the divorce, she wouldn't have to face his mother and relatives, and he wouldn't have to deal with her greedy family.
Ethan didn't say anything, just staring at her. The gloom in his eyes deepened. Just when Charlotte thought he wouldn't speak, he nodded calmly.
"Okay."
No explanation, no questions, just a simple "okay", as he had agreed to marry her. It was the Ethan she knew, direct and unemotional.
Charlotte smiled at him, feeling a sting in her nose and a lump in her throat. Her eyes brimmed with tears. Although she was the one who started the topic, and it was likely what she wanted, bittersweet emotions tangled in her heart when it ended so simply and directly.
However, she forced back her tears and buried her head in his chest, hugging him tightly for the last time.
Ethan didn't hug her back. He just let her hold him in silence.
After a while, Charlotte slowly let go.
"I'm going to wash up."
But as she turned to get out of bed, he suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her back onto the soft bed. He leaned over to her, ready to conquer her with a stormy kiss, but stopped when he saw her startled eyes.
For a moment, a tempest of emotion coursed through Ethan, but it subsided soon, leaving him calm.
He then turned over and lay down beside her.
"Just go to sleep," he said, closing his eyes.
When Charlotte woke up the next morning, Ethan was gone. The house looked the same as if last night's episode had been a dream. But Charlotte knew things had changed.
She packed her belongings, a modest collection that didn't take long to collect.
Before leaving, she once again surveyed the house she had lived in for two years. She placed the keys and the signed divorce papers on the coffee table and sent Ethan a message.
Charlotte: I've signed the divorce papers and left them on the coffee table. Also, I've entrusted Mr. Smith with the following proceedings. Check when you're available to complete the process. I'm leaving. Take care.
Ethan was in a meeting when he received the message. He stared at it, appearing somewhat distracted.
No one had ever seen him like this, especially Bella, who had known Ethan for years.
"Mr. Brooks?" Bella called gently, reminding him of the ongoing meeting.
Ethan glanced at her, calmly put down his phone, and continued his previous discussion. But just when everyone thought he was fine, he suddenly said, "Meeting adjourned."
Grabbing his phone, he rushed out of the meeting room, leaving everyone stunned.
"What... Mr. Brooks... What's wrong?"
Ethan went straight home.
It was the first time he had returned home during work hours.
The impeccably clean house was now devoid of any trace of Charlotte, except for the divorce papers scattered on the coffee table due to the wind.
He walked over and picked them up.
The agreement was simple. Charlotte didn't ask for anything. Things remained the same after the divorce as they were before the marriage.
Her signature was already on the document.
Her handwriting was beautiful and elegant, like calligraphy.
Ethan stared at it, lost in thought.
Unaware of how long he stood there, he was startled by the rustling sound of the door opening.
Swiftly, he shot a sharp glance at the door.
Harper had just opened the door and walked in, startled by his sudden movement.
"What's wrong?" she asked in confusion, noticing the anticipation on Ethan's face slowly becoming calm indifference.
"Nothing," he replied calmly. "Why are you here?"
"I was worried Charlotte might be lonely at home, so I came to keep her company," Harper said with a smile as she walked towards him. "Why did you come back so suddenly today? Did anything happen to Charlotte?"
She furrowed her brows in concern and glanced towards the room.
"She's fine," Ethan said, looking at her. "Do you come here often?"
"Not really, just occasionally."
Harper's face showed an awkward unease, and she noticed Ethan's frown deepen.
She nervously changed the subject, pointing to the document in Ethan's hand. "What's that?"
As she reached out to take it, Ethan hurried to press the document down, preventing her from touching it.
"Just some paperwork," Ethan said, looking at Harper. "If there's nothing else, you don't need to come over. Charlotte's busy with her work. When we're free, I'll bring her to visit you."
"What w..." Harper wanted to ask, "What work could she possibly have?" but she quickly changed her words. "Alright."
But then, she couldn't help but remind Ethan, "Charlotte has been recovering for more than a year now, and there's still no sign of a baby. Are there any sequels? Listen, you should have her go to the hospital for a check-up. It would be a problem if she couldn't have children."
Ethan responded, "I'm the one who doesn't want children."
Harper looked at him with surprise.
Ethan urged her, "You should leave now. Don't come over if there's nothing important."
Harper opened her mouth to argue but, under Ethan's cold gaze, shut it and left.
Ethan watched the door close and then looked around the house, which no longer showed any signs of Charlotte's presence. He sighed deeply, picked up his phone, and called Henry, "Henry, arrange an appointment with Mr. Foster for me to finalize the divorce proceedings."
"Huh?" Henry was stunned. Hadn't he just sent Charlotte to the bookstore yesterday?
There was no sign of them arguing back then.
Ethan hung up the phone, tossed the divorce papers onto the coffee table, and then turned to leave.
- Writer
