The Masterpiece of Leaving：Prepared A Perfect Stand-In For Him novel Chapter 17

If Lysander truly disliked Navier, he would never have allowed her into his life in the first place.

There had been plenty of women who had tried to date with him but he had pushed away without a second thought.

Yet somehow, Navier had been allowed to remain.

After the awkward silence stretched too long, his friends attempted to smooth things over.

"Alright, alright," James conceded. "Whatever you say. We get it. You’re just being a responsible guy—concerned about a childhood friend abroad. We'll help you look for her too. By the way, have you spoken with Navier's parents about her disappearance?"

"They should know something, right? She's their daughter, after all. It's been quite a while—you should probably notify them."

Lysander remained silent for a long moment before nodding.

The deafening music in the private room abruptly cut off as he dialed Mr. Armstrong's number.

A heavy weight settled in his chest just before the other end finally picked up.

He had treated Navier poorly—there was no denying that.

"Lysander! What's up, my boy?" Mr. Armstrong's cheerful voice came through.

Lysander cleared his throat, maintaining a composed tone. "Dad, Navier and I are divorced. She left New York and hasn't been heard from since. Did you and Mrs. Armstrong know about this?"

"Oh, that! Sure, sure. Navier told us she's off chasing her dreams now. We gave her our blessing! Divorce happens—we never thought you two were gonna last anyway. No need to call me 'Dad' anymore—back to Mr. Armstrong, just like the past."

"Your parents were in such a rush to pull you out of your depression back then, pushing that marriage arrangement. Navier volunteered for it, and whatever happiness or unhappiness came with that choice was hers to bear. Now she's divorced and doing her own business—that's healthy growth, isn't it?"

The Armstrongs had progressive views and clearly took the divorce in stride, clearly from the "marriage isn't forever if it doesn't work" school of thought.

Lysander's face tightened and struggled to form his next question.

"So that’s it? She's really moved on? and she's just… fine with it?"