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Before heading to the county clerk’s office, Scarlett remembered they would need passport- style photos for the replacement certificate, so they stopped at a photography studio for the required portraits against a plain background.
Unlike other couples getting their pictures taken–laughing, holding hands, or sharing intimate glances they stood stiffly side by side, looking more like strangers forced into a business portrait than a married couple. Even their proximity felt awkward and unnatural.
After managing to take the acceptable photo, they proceeded to the county clerk’s office to apply for the replacement marriage certificate.
As soon as the new document was in her hands, Scarlett immediately filed for divorce.
The clerk handed them the necessary forms. Scarlett completed hers swiftly and without hesitation.
Vincent glanced up at her while filling out his own form. He could see the determination written all over her face.
Once the paperwork was submitted, the clerk explained the procedure, noting that the mandatory 30–day waiting period started that day. After that timeframe, they could finalize the divorce, though either party could withdraw the application during the cooling–off period.
Stepping out of the government building, Scarlett looked at the “Notice of Acceptance of Divorce Application” in her hand, feeling as if a heavy weight had finally lifted from her shoulders.
Seeing her visible relief, Vincent felt a complicated mix of emotions.
He simply said, “I’ll pick you up from the hospital tonight. Grandpa will be happy to see us together.”
Scarlett agreed quietly. “Alright.”
That afternoon, as Scarlett left the hospital after her shift, she ran into Nolan near the main
entrance.
He seemed to be waiting for her specifically, his face lighting up with a warm smile when he saw her.
As she approached, Nolan asked gently, “There’s an alumni gathering tonight. Would you like to come?”
Scarlett, remembering Xavier’s hospitalization, was about to politely decline.
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But before she could speak, Vincent’s voice came from behind. “Scarlett, Grandpa is waiting for
us.”
She turned and saw Vincent’s car parked in the hospital’s drop–off zone, not far from where she stood with Nolan.
Vincent didn’t get out, merely rolling down the driver’s side window to call out to her.
Scarlett turned back to Nolan apologetically. “Maybe next time. I have something to take care of today.”
Nolan, ever gracious and never one to impose, was disappointed but didn’t press further. He smiled and nodded. “Of course. I’ll ask again when there’s another opportunity.”
After waving goodbye, Scarlett got into Vincent’s car.
She still chose to sit in the back seat.
Nolan noticed her choice and couldn’t help a slight, knowing smile.
Xavier wasn’t hospitalized at Scarlett’s workplace but at Rivergate General Hospital, the city’s top medical center.
The drive there would take over half an hour.
Once in the car, Scarlett didn’t speak to Vincent. He didn’t engage with her either, instead making a video call through his phone.
His contacts list had a pinned entry. Whether intentional or not, the contact wasn’t saved under a name–just a heart emoji.
The call connected after a moment, and Sabrina’s face appeared on the screen.
“Vincent, what is it?”
While driving, Vincent glanced briefly at the screen. “I wanted to check on Vanessa.”
Sabrina replied gently, “Vanessa, come here. Daddy wants to see you.”
Vanessa’s cheerful voice came through. “Coming!”
Her voice was full of excitement.
Sabrina turned the camera, and Vanessa came into view, running from the living room couch to stand in front of the phone.
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“Daddy, are you done working? I miss you.”
Vincent replied, “I still have to visit Great–Grandpa at the hospital. I’ll be back later.”
Vanessa said, “Drive safely, Daddy.”
Vincent agreed, then asked, “Did you eat your dinner nicely?”
Vanessa replied, “Yes! I had a small plate of pasta.”
རཱ6)
Finished
Vincent smiled. “Good. Listen to Sabrina and Maria. I’ll bring you a present when I get
Vanessa clapped her hands, jumping up and down happily. “Yay! I love you, Daddy!”
Vincent’s smile deepened. “Go play now.”
Vanessa agreed and ran off.
In the back seat, Scarlett turned her face toward the window, trying hard to ignore the conversation between her daughter and her husband.
But the more she tried to block it out, the clearer their words became.
back.”
Vanessa said she loved her daddy, but wasn’t it Scarlett who had stayed with her day and night all these years?
It had been so long since Scarlett had heard Vanessa say “I love you” to her.
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Then Sabrina’s voice came through again. “Vincent, should I hang up?”
Vincent said, “No, leave it on. I just want to hear your voices.”
Sabrina chuckled softly. “Alright. I’ll prop the phone here so you can see us.”
Vincent said, “Okay.”
Vanessa’s cheerful voice occasionally drifted from the phone.
“Maria, look! Isn’t this pretty? I made it for you!”
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