Vivian hugged Amy. “My dear, have you had your lunch?” “I did, Grandma. Do you want to eat something?” They sat on the couch next to each other. That’s when Vivian noticed two luggage in the living room. “Are you two planning to go somewhere else? A second honeymoon maybe?” Amy didn’t know what she needed to say, but she told Vivian the truth. She shook her head. “No, Grandma. I’m planning to move away somewhere.” “Oh? Why?” Biting her lower lip, Amy took a deep breath as she wanted to weep. She couldn’t disclose everything to Vivian because she was worried about Samuel’s safety. After thinking for a while, she said, “The grief is too much. I need to go somewhere else so I won’t remember our baby ….” At least, she didn’t lie completely. Living in the apartment where they made the baby together was giving so many bittersweet memories for her. “In that case, you can live in another place. Samuel has many houses and apartments. You can choose one to stay.” Amy shook her head. “It’
Vivian’s driver sent Amy to a house on the side of the city. It was a small house with two bedrooms, fit for having a rest from the crowded city. Amy fell in love at first sight with the scenery there. She called Vivian right away to express her gratitude. Vivian wished Amy would change her mind. But then, she didn’t want Samuel to be worried. So she called him, but he didn’t answer. After two hours, Samuel called Vivian. “Grandma, you called me?” “Samuel, are you still at the office?” “I’m about to go home. What is it?” “I’ll tell you when you are already on the way home.” Samuel creased his forehead. It was unusual for Vivian to wait for him to leave the office first before she talked to him. But he rushed to the car and asked his driver to drive him back to the apartment. “Grandma, I’m on my way to the apartment now. What’s wrong?” Vivian took a deep breath. “I visited Amy today. She was depressed because of the baby.” “It can’t help it, Grandma. It’s our first baby. I’m
Samuel sent the bouquet and the note to his grandmother’s house, then she asked his driver to send it to Amy’s house. When Amy accepted the flower, she shed her tears because she knew it was from Samuel. It devastated her because she must hurt her husband, but it was the only way to keep him safe. Amy found the note and read it. She sobbed afterward because she longed to know for sure if her husband loved her. Now, she knew it, but it was too late. She wrote a reply to him, as she didn’t want him to worry. ‘To: Samuel, my husband, the love of my life You don’t know how much it means to me to read the note from you. I love you too and always. Love, Amy’ She couldn’t write longer because her tears blurred her eyes. As she needed to send the note to Samuel, Amy finally called Miguel to go to her house. After Miguel accepted the note, Amy gave him money. “Madam, no need to give me money. It’s my job to drive you and Mr. Hoffner anywhere.” Amy shook her head. “Please, make my loc
Vivian recorded her conversation with Amy. After talking with her granddaughter-in-law, Vivian sent the recording to Samuel. At first, it confused him as her grandmother had never sent her any voice recording, but after listening to it, he realized why she did it. He closed his eyes as his heart was heavy because of Amy’s suffering. He also still couldn’t shake the guilt because Amy got the miscarriage. Samuel kept thinking if he asked the monthly schedule to meet the ob-gyn doctor, he would accompany her and nothing bad would happen. But then, what’s done was done. Samuel wondered if it would be better for him to track Amy’s location and meet her, probably persuaded and seduced her so she wouldn’t think of leaving him. But then, even if she stayed, would she be happy? He bound her in a contract marriage that he wished could be a real marriage. Somehow, for him, it was a real marriage. He didn’t care about the contract. It was only a way to have her as his wife. Samuel was sure he
Two weeks passed too quickly. Samuel had already tried everything he could do. Sending meals daily, presents, and sweet notes, he even thought Amy truly loved him as she would send something else for him too. Yet, when it had been two weeks, Vivian said Amy didn’t change her mind. She wanted the divorce. Since Samuel felt guilty for offering her contract as her mistress, then as his wife, also for the miscarriage, he finally asked his lawyer to prepare the divorce papers to sign. He signed them and later, Amy also signed the documents. However, Samuel kept the arrangement of five percent benefit of his company to be transferred to Amy’s bank account monthly, but he didn’t tell her about it. He wanted to give her a good life so she wouldn’t need to worry anymore about money. After everything was official, Amy went to the hospital to check Jillian’s condition. Her sister was still in comatose condition. When she asked the administration staff to send her the bill, the staff frowned.
“Amy, from your response, you still want me. Do you still love me, darling? Or is there a new man in your heart?” he asked it, though he was worried to know the answer. Yet it was crucial for him to know. Amy took a deep breath. “No, we’re just divorce, and ….” She looked elsewhere as she didn’t want to cry. After calming herself, Amy let out a heavy sigh. “It was tough. I … I don’t think I can’t handle another divorce.” Samuel smiled a little. “It means you still love me.” He patted his fingers on the table. “Your fear is understandable. Who wants to have a divorce? For sure, none wants it. But it’s life, and sometimes we must handle everything it will throw us, even when we least expect it.” She said nothing. Spinning her wine glass slowly, Amy didn’t know what to say. He was right, and she couldn’t contradict him. But if she expressed it, he might ask her to return to him. Though it was her biggest and deepest yearning, Amy knew she couldn’t do it. So, she gulped the champagne
After arriving home, Amy stared at her reflection in the mirror. She touched her swollen lips with her fingers, recalling how Samuel kissed her. She couldn’t deny how she missed him and wanted to stay with him. Hugging herself, she wondered if it was possible. It had been three months since their divorce. Maybe it was safe now to tell Samuel everything. After thinking for a while, Amy picked up her phone and called Samuel. However, Samuel didn’t answer. She let out a long sigh. Maybe her rejection made him upset. Then Amy called Vivian. The older woman answered after the two rings. “Amy! Oh, you don’t know how surprised I was to see your name on the phone screen. How are you doing, my dear?” “Grandma, I miss you. I … well, everything is good, except I don’t have Samuel anymore in my life, and it’s hard ....” “My dear, do you still love him?” “I do, Grandma. I don’t think I can love anyone else ….” Amy took a deep breath. “We had an early dinner just now. Samuel wanted me to re
The detective called Samuel several times, but Samuel didn’t pick up his phone. So, the detective finally left a message. ‘Please call me whenever you can, sir. It’s urgent.’ Samuel was drunk and went to sleep, and Reese drove him back to his apartment. After having Samuel lie on the bed, Reese wrote a note and left. A few hours afterward, Samuel awoke. His head pounded hard, and he groaned, knowing what had happened. It was foolish as he was no longer a youngster who had the first broken heart, but then, it felt worse than that. He steadied himself and sat on the bed as everything still spun. After a few minutes, the room stayed still; only the pound in his head remained. Samuel walked to the kitchen and prepared a cup of black coffee. After drinking the coffee and mineral water, he was better. Taking his phone, Samuel checked the missed calls. It surprised him to see Amy’s name was on the list. Then he wondered why the detective he usually hired also called him. It was around