Chapter 28:?UNEXPECTED
I swallow the lump that had formed in my throat as I fought the urge not to burst into tears. My blurred eyes shifted to the paper in front of me and I picked the pen up and held it tightly until my fingers hurt.
This is it. My signature holds the key to the other door that will lead me to a brand new life. Soon, I will become a free woman and my soon-to-be ex-husband will forever be out of my life.
I should be happy, I thought painfully. I ignored the stabbing pain in my chest and lifted my gaze to Ace who had fallen silent. When my eyes finally shifted to his, I unbelievingly looked at his tear-streaked eyes.
It was difficult for us to do this. But it was for a greater good. We will only hurt each other if we don't let go. The damage has been done, it now shattered our lives and the only way to repair ourselves was to let go and start a fresh new life.
Our wounds could be healed in time. However, the scar will always be there to remind us of the painful chapter of our lives.
I took a deep breath, and I gathered all the courage I could muster to move my hands... My fingers clutching the pen painfully moved on the top of the paper. When I was finished, I let go of the pen as if it burned my touch.
My fingers made its way to my face to set a strand of stray hair aside, and when I did, I was surprised to feel the wetness on my cheeks. I realized that Ace was not the only one crying... I was crying too.
I have done what I must do. It's time for me to leave before I burst into a sob. I clenched my fingers for some strength and got up from my seat after I dried the tears from my cheeks using the back of my palms.
"Please excuse me. I'll go ahead, Mr. Greyson."? I said with an icy cold demeanor which he ignored.
Ace said nothing. Instead, he retrieved the papers on the top of the table and settled them inside his attaché case. " I will drive you home." He said afterward. It was not a plea but an order. The tears were gone from his cheeks. He must have dried them when I wasn't looking.
He got up from his seat and I? bravely met his gaze. His ocean blue eyes were blank and empty. There was no emotion for me to read his thoughts.
"I can go on my own. " I stubbornly insisted and fought his unblinking gaze. "You are not obliged to drive me home. We are no longer husband and wife. We are not even friends, nor we are enemies. We are just strangers with some memories." I added, determined to ruin his plans.
"I said let go Ace." I spat irritably trying to free my fingers out from his iron clutch.
"Don't make a scene." He snapped as he slowly made his way to the aisle, and I followed behind him as he dragged me.
"If you don't let go, I will make a scene." I threatened, seriously pissed off by his demanding attitude.
He stopped walking just in the middle of the aisle. "Make a scene then." He taunted.? My gaze wandered around the area. Almost everyone was looking at me now.? His colossal height and muscular build were enough to attract attention as he stood in the center.
When there was no response from me, he continued walking and I followed him behind like an obedient puppy. I gritted my teeth and cast his back a sharp glare, if only looks could kill a person, he died a few moments ago.
This is the last time I will be with him anyway. I? must bear his presence. I told myself when we are finally out of the coffee shop.
I was expecting him to free my fingers once outside but it shocked me when he didn't.? Instead, he gently pulled me until we reached his parked car and opened the door of his car.
I took a deep breath to calm my strained nerves and climbed inside without arguing. For the last time, I will follow him obediently. Anyways, he would be gone out of my life forever after this.
He turned to the driver's seat, opened the door, and climbed into the seat next to mine. He did not run the engine just like I'm expecting him to do. Instead, he turned to me, but he did not say a word, he just intently stared at me as if he was memorizing my face for one last time.
A moment of silence passed between us. The intensity of his gaze turned my throat as dry as a desert. I wanted to look away but his ocean blue eyes held me captive.
"Do you hate me that much Phoenix?" His face softened. The question shocked me.
"Yes, I hate you that much," I replied.
"Kill me then." He said so suddenly and handed me a gun.
This man has totally lost his mind I thought as the cold metal touched my fingers.