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Ruel?

My body nearly sags in relief. Oh, thank God! Why does Ruel always seem to find me when I need him the most? Could that be a sign from God in itself? I mean, now that I’ve started praying to Him⁠—

Stop, Kar!

Focus!

You need to ask for his help, remember?

I clear my throat as I try organizing my thoughts. “R-Ruel. Thank goodness you’re here. Y-You’re the only one I trust. I n-need⁠—”

“I’ve signed it.”

W-What did he just say?

He hands me an envelope before I can process what he’s just said. My brain never works as fast as it should whenever he’s involved⁠—

“You win. We divorce on your terms.”

Divorce.

I look down at the envelope he’s practically shoved into my hands. And it feels like I’m holding a snake that’s about to bite me. On his terms.

“All it needs is your signature, and then we’re done.”

I feel like it’s so, so hard to breathe all of a sudden.

And even though he’s standing right in front of me⁠—

Why do I feel like he’s about to disappear…for good?

“R-Ruel…”

I don’t even know why I’m saying his name.

Or why I’m reaching for him⁠—

“Don’t.”

But one thing I do know is that this is the first time…

He’s never avoided my touch like this.

Never made me feel like I’m something that will make him feel dirty.

Until now.

“W-Why?”

And I don’t…I don’t understand. Just this morning, he was determined to care for me like the honorable man that he is. But now he’s suddenly the opposite, he’s acting like my touch disgusts him, and the only thing I can think of that’s changed between then and now⁠—

“Is it because of⁠—”

Sadie.

“Is it b-because of someone else?” I finally manage to choke out.

“What do you think?”