Page 19

“I was thinking we can still be friends?”

He asked me what my plans are, and that’s the only thing that comes to mind. I want to be friends⁠—

“E-Even when we’re divorced?”

But I’m barely done speaking when he’s already asking sharply⁠—

“What for?”

“Because—”

I don’t want this to be the last time I’ll see you.

I still want to be a part of your life.

I love you, and I always will.

I might as well be completely shameless and chain him to me for eternity if I say any of those things. But since I do have some pride and shame left, maybe I can say something else like…

I’m not sure how to live on my own?

My husband stiffens, and that’s when I realize⁠—

Oh no.

I thought I was just testing the words out in my brain, but no.

Oh no.

I feel so, so bad, because I already know. In fact, I can already tell, from the way Ruel’s lips slowly press together in a tight line.

"I understand."

I've turned myself back into a brick around his neck again.

After everything he's done⁠—

No, no, no.

This…this isn’t right. I can't keep imposing on him like this, and the thought alone already has me shaking my head. "Ruel, I think I made a mis⁠—"

“You can continue staying here⁠—”

What?

“—until the divorce is finalized.”

I feel like laughing and crying at the same time when I realize he’s serious. Is that how useless I seem to him? Does he think I’m so…so incapable of taking care of myself that I’d say yes to staying here even though I’ve just asked for a divorce?

“T-Thank you, but no.”

“Then one of my homes⁠—”

I shake my head again. "That's not appropriate."

"I'll book you a hotel room⁠—"

"That will cost too much," I protest.