The system sent an email with a PDF attachment to Clara's inbox ten minutes after she hung up.
Clara went to the study and connected the printer.
The stack of papers felt surprisingly light in her hands.
She signed her name on the line designated for the wife.
She had expected to break down, had even placed a box of tissues nearby, but not a single tear fell. Her hand was steady, her heart calm; it felt less like a tragedy and more like a necessary conclusion.
At three in the afternoon, Rhys sent a message.
[What do you want for dinner? I'll leave work early to pick up groceries.]
Clara replied: [Whatever.]
Rhys: [Make some fish chowder?]
Clara: [Up to you.]
It was going to be their last meal together anyway.
At 5:30, Rhys returned early.
His hands were full of grocery bags, along with a bouquet of fresh roses. It must have been freezing outside; the chill still clung to his heavy coat, but his expression was unusually gentle.
"Why didn't you turn on the lights?"
He changed his shoes and held out the flowers. "I passed a florist and these looked good. I thought they'd go well with that vase."
Clara didn't reach for them. "No need for the flowers. Give them to someone who needs them more."
The smile on Rhys's face faded.
He set the bouquet on the coffee table, assuming she was still just throwing a tantrum.
"Fine, don't arrange them if you don't want to. I'll go cook. Let's have a nice dinner, and afterwards, we can have a proper talk."
"Don't bother," Clara stopped him. "I have something for you to see."
Clara picked up the document that had been pinned under the roses, pulled it out, and slid it across the table to him.
Rhys lowered his gaze and saw-
Divorce Agreement

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