Babies and Departures

Quentin doted on Kelly even more after she moved in, while I became virtually invisible.

With that, what last vestiges of hope I had for Quentin went up in smoke.

One night, I was going downstairs to get some water when I suddenly heard Kelly's voice from the guest room. "Quen, I can't sleep."

Quentin asked in concern, "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"

Kelly sighed. "Oh, it's just the baby… she always starts kicking when it gets late. But I heard that the necklace your family passed down can help soothe one's nerves… May I borrow it?"

Quentin was silent for a moment, but he soon said quietly, "No problem. I'll get it from her—she can have it back after you deliver your baby."

I felt a pang of pain on my chest as I listened.

That necklace wasn't just priceless—it was a symbol of status, passed down among the ladies of the Smith household across generations.

Quentin himself had given it to me when we got married, telling me that it would only belong to me.

That I was the only one he loved.

That I was now the lady of her house.

But now, he was taking it away, so he could give it to another woman just because she asked.

I covered my mouth, refusing to cry out, but that was when the floorboards beneath my feet suddenly creaked softly.

The next second, the door opened, and Quentin appeared.

He was stunned for a moment when he saw me, and a look of guilt showed as he asked, "What are you doing staying up so late?"

I looked up into his eyes, fighting back my grief as I replied, "I needed a drink. Kelly wants my necklace?"

Quentin appeared a little embarrassed. "She's not sleeping well, and the necklace really soothes one's nerves. Don't worry, she's just borrowing it for a while—she'll return it to you after her baby is born."

I nodded and said readily, "Okay, but on one condition."

Quentin's face lit up, and he took a step forward, wanting to hug me. "Oh, Jolin! You're such a considerate person. Don't worry, after Kelly delivers her baby, I'll definitely—"

I quickly stepped back, avoiding his touch—the scent of Kelly's perfume was clinging to him, and it repulsed me.

That cut Quentin off mid-sentence, but he quickly recovered and continued, "Once Kelly gives birth, I'll definitely make it up to you… Look, Jolin—you'll always be my wife and the lady of this house. No one will ever change that."

I nodded, impassive as I said, "Like I said, on one condition."

Turning, I went upstairs to pick up the divorce papers I had prepared, flipped to the signature page, and handed them to him.

Quentin, assuming it was just a matter of his name, signing it without thinking twice. "It's alright—you can buy anything you want. I'll pay."

With that, I unfastened the necklace from my neck and handed it to him, calmly saying, "Here, take it—in fact, Kelly can keep it as long as she wants."

Quentin took the necklace, his fingers trembling a little, and clearly intent on correcting me.

However, all he ended up saying was, "Don't worry, Jo. I'll make it up to you after Kelly gives birth."

I nodded and started back upstairs, when he suddenly reached out to hug me again.

I avoided his touch once more, and this time, I could see a brief flicker of pain in his eyes.

But he said nothing else and returned into Kelly's room with the necklace right away, and she was squealing in delight at the very next second. "Quen, you really got it? Oh, you really spoil me too much!"

I stared outside the window, my heart cold as ice.

Tomorrow.

Once tomorrow ended, I would be gone from this place.