Chapter 23
Anthea agreed
But in the photograph, they stood far apart from each other, the space between them like an unbridgeable chasm.]
She wouldn’t come closer, and he couldn’t cross over in her.
The photographer jokingly remarked that they didn’t look like a couple having a photoshoot–rather like a divorced pair capturing one final goodbye
Lance’s lips curved in a butter smile. Wash that exactly what they were?
On Anther’s last night in New York. Lance unexpectedly handed her a newly drafted divorce settlement
“When I signed the original papers, I wasn’t thinking dearly,” he explained. Many of the terms werent properly written. I want to do this right–let’s sign a proper divorce agreement
Anthea hit her lip before finally accepting the document
In truth, her only goal the first time around had been escaping him, allowing him to be with Hedy
She’d walked away with nothing–a clean break.]
This new agreement included numerous provisions heavily ulted in her favor. ||
The financial settlement alone totaled over a billion dollars, not to mention the properties and vehicles he’d insisted on adding.
she.staered at the
Lat the papers for a long while before asking softly, “Do really have a sign |
“Sign it,” he said quietly. If you don’t, I’ll find a way to give it all to you anyway, Anit honestly? Your signature might ease my guilt a little.”
Hold the pen in her hand, Anthea finally signed her name at the bottom of the greenupt||”
On the day of her departure, the weather was perfect
Throughout the airport, travelers bid farewell to loved ones with smiles on their faces, secure in the knowledge they would meet again
Only Lance and Anthea stood without even a hint of a smile.
“Will you ever come back?” fance asked.
Though he already knew the answer, he still clung to a sliver of hope.]]
Maybe she would. After all, she’d spent over twenty years here, treated countless beautiful memories beyond just those with him. Surely she’d feel nostalgic someday, want to turn to seept all again!]
But Anthea was determined disappoint him. “No. Home is wherever my parents are now.
At her words, the light in Lance’s eyes instantly dimmed, but he still couldn’t give up-||
What about my Could 1
Dr? Could 1 visit you instead?“||
Even if just to see her frog a distince||
This jume Anthea didact speak. She simply gazed at him silently, her swer painfully obvious|||
Lance lowered his head with a hollow laugh. He should have known ||
After everything he’d done to her, her not hating him yeas already the best outcome he could hope for. How could he possibly expect the privilege of seeing her
The announcement
for her flight to London Legan playing over the speakers||
Anthra said a quirt goodbye and turned toward the gate [
The realization hit her then–his kindness toward her had never been love. It was just obligation born of their families‘ friendship, just his innate good manners, just the fact that he was fundamentally, a decent person.||
ong. Please don’t go..
Panir flooded Lance’s eyes. He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I was wrong, so wrong.
Anthea looked down at the hands encircling her waist and spoke softly. “Lance, there’s no medicine for regret in this world.“|
“No matter how much you regret it now, we can’t go back. We can only move forward.
The hands that had finally held her tight reluctantly loosened.
Lance watched helplessly as the woman he loved, the woman who had once loved him–disappeared through the gate.]]
Unable to contain his anguish any longer, the pain in his heart tore through his nerves, and blood suddenly burst from his mouth!]
Amid passengers screams, Lance collapsed to the floor.]
This time, there was no one who loved him rushing frantically to his side
In the hospital, doctors gently advised him to rest, but Lance could tell from Fred and Hosea’s tearful whispers outside his door that he didn’t have much time lon
He was surprised||
During the period after Anthea had left him, he’d spent his days chain–smoking and drinking himself into oblivion.
That he’d survived this long was already a blessing..
But he said nothing about his condition, simply gazing at Anthea’s latest Instagram–post||
In the photo, she stood embracing her parents, all three smiling brightly at the camera
Her caption read: [Hope we can live happily ever after.1]
Lance smiled to himself and whispered. “Anths, I hope you’ll be happy forever.”
Just without me in your rest lite
