’For all I know, Autumn Shelby is nestled in Seth Quinn’s arms right now, leaning close to his ear and listening to our conversation.’

Since they were waiting for her answer, she couldn’t afford to lose face or give them the mistaken impression that she was trying to cling to Seth Quinn.

At that thought, Clara Grant didn’t hesitate any longer. "There’s no need for that. I’ll pay for myself."

Seth Quinn was clearly delighted she had agreed to meet tomorrow. His voice grew a bit lighter, a smile in his tone as he said, "Alright then. I’ll have Chase Childs pick you up tomorrow."

"Fine!" Clara Grant didn’t hesitate or refuse this time. ’It’s not like they’ll be driving me around again in the future. Why be so difficult over this last time or two?’

’If I refused, it would just make Autumn Shelby think I’m petty and look down on me even more.’

"Well... we’ll talk when we meet tomorrow," Seth Quinn added with a smile, pleased by her prompt agreement.

Although his smile was faint, Clara Grant caught it. A pang of bitterness shot through her heart, and she almost burst into tears. ’He’s this happy to be rid of me? So happy he’d just laugh out loud without even trying to hide it!’

’And what’s there to even "talk" about? Our marriage is over before it was even made public. I don’t want anything from him, so there’s no need for a messy division of assets. We can just go straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau, get the new documents, and have them stamped.’

’Oh, right. I still owe him a large sum of money. That must be what he wants to talk about—the issue of my repayment.’

Clara Grant took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, suppressing her emotions as she replied, "Okay!"

She was relieved she had managed her emotions so well. Seth Quinn hadn’t seemed to notice anything unusual.

In truth, Seth was a little surprised by how readily she had agreed, but that surprise was quickly overshadowed by his joy at the thought of seeing her the next day.

His voice grew even softer. Though he sounded reluctant to end the call, he still said, "Well, good night."

"Good night!"

The moment the words were out, Clara Grant hung up as if fleeing the plague.

She could have sworn she heard a woman’s sultry giggle on the other end of the line.

Her other hand gripped the one holding the phone, pressing it tightly to her chest. The device dug into her skin until it hurt, but she seemed to feel nothing at all.

’Don’t be sad,’ she screamed internally. ’What is there to be sad about? We were never from the same world to begin with. Is it really so strange that we’re separating?’

’Besides, I’m the one who’s always wanted this divorce. I should be happy!’

’That’s right. I should be happy. After all, I never fell in love with him. I never fell in love with him. I just never did!’

But the tears streamed down her face, flowing quickly into the corners of her mouth, salty and bitter.

Clara Grant gritted her teeth, ran into her room, and dove into bed, pulling the covers over her head.

On the other end of the line, however, Seth Quinn was gazing at his phone, a sweet, almost blissful smile on his lips.

Two people, two different places, two completely different states of mind.

...

The next day, Clara Grant woke up very early. She went to find Director Keane first to ask for time off. Worried he might say no, she explained that Seth Quinn needed her for something important.

Liam Keane looked over the shooting schedule and agreed, pushing her scenes back a few days.

Clara Grant thanked the director, took her leave, and returned to her room.

She had just gotten back to her room when a call came in from Chase Childs. He said he was already waiting in the usual spot.

’Seth Quinn really is in a hurry,’ Clara Grant thought. ’Sending Chase Childs over this early...’

She made an excuse to Holly Summers, said her goodbyes, and left after grabbing her bag and a few essentials.

’Since Director Keane pushed my scenes back anyway, I’ll go home and see Mom after I finish the paperwork with Seth Quinn,’ she thought. ’I miss her.’

People probably miss their mothers the most when they’re feeling vulnerable and helpless.

The car soon reached the city, stopping in front of Seth Quinn’s apartment building, The Millennium Grand.

Chase Childs told her that President Quinn was waiting for her upstairs and that she should go up by herself.

Clara Grant went straight upstairs. When she arrived at Seth Quinn’s door, she found it ajar. From inside came a voice that was somehow both familiar and strange.