Chapter 5 CHAPTER
CHAPTER 005
I checked my watch thirty minutes after nine before looking at my phone. No messages. There were no missed calls.
A sense of discomfort started to grow inside me. Callum Fraser was never late. During the entire three-year period of our friendship, he never showed up late.
Amazingly, you believe his heart underwent a transformation. Kirsty's hopeful tone emerged from the phone as she spoke.
A single moment passed before I allowed the idea to grow inside my mind. Maybe Callum realized his mistake. He seemed determined to repair whatever had gone wrong between us.
But I knew better.
"Callum doesn’t change his mind. His decisions become permanent when he makes them. No turning back."
A deep breath escaped Kirsty's side of the phone call. We remained silent for a brief period. A sleek black BMW pulled up outside the Highland Registry Office through its large glass doors.
My stomach twisted.
Callum emerged from the passenger side when the door opened. His expression remained inscrutable while he wore an olive-green three-piece suit that maintained its perfect state.
I ended the call and then straightened my posture before extending my greeting. His gaze swept over the gathered people before settling on me, his expression remaining emotionless.
He approached me without speaking until he reached the point where he stopped a few inches from my reach. A folder swung from his hand.
"What’s this?" I took it hesitantly.
"Read it."
I opened the document to read its contents. My stomach clenched.
He provided me with a lifelong monthly allowance. He provided me with a tidy and generous amount of money to guarantee my financial stability forever. The catch? The financial support stopped when I entered into another marriage.
I took a deep breath and then closed the folder before returning it to him. "No."
Callum’s brows furrowed. "Not enough?"
I laughed, short and bitter. "It’s generous. But I don’t want it."
His expression shifted to confusion before he concealed his emotions with a blank face.
A tiny piece of me found pleasure in that instant. I became the first person who rejected his monetary offer.
I turned and walked inside. Callum arrived at my side when I was speaking to the receptionist.
"Why?" He asked this question while we walked toward the office.
"Why what?"
"Why refuse the money?"
I sighed, exasperated. I reject your money because I don't require it, Callum.
He snorted. "Don’t be ridiculous."
"It’s the truth. I refuse to accept anything that creates a connection between us.
He pushed the folder toward me for a second time. "Take it."
I let it fall to the floor.
His face darkened. Callum Fraser remained unaccustomed to facing rejection from others. For his sake, I had dedicated three years to bending, compromising, and shrinking myself. No more.
You cannot ease your guilt by giving me money. I spun around and continued walking forward.
He entered the office with his jaw clenched shut.
The official reviewed our documents while writing down some information before applying his stamp to the papers. The official placed his stamp on the certificate before distributing one to each of us.
Callum took his certificate and placed it inside his jacket pocket before continuing. I tucked mine into my bag.
The officer extended his congratulations for our new freedom with an uncomfortable tone.
Callum paid no attention to the officer's words. He turned his back and left without glancing behind him.
I took a deep breath and then shook the officer's hand before walking after Callum.
He waited by the entrance with his phone to his ear when I exited. A quick glance between our eyes happened before I turned my gaze elsewhere.
I refused to turn back.
This time is not the right moment.
The sun of Inverness shone brightly as I left the building with a heart that felt happier than it had in many years.
A red sports car stopped abruptly in front of my path. Dr. Lachlan McAllister emerged from the building with a smug expression on his face when he opened the door.
"Need a lift?"
I immediately got into the car and secured my seatbelt. Lachlan took the driver's seat before turning his attention to me. "Ready?"
"More than ever."
"No second thoughts?"
I punched his arm lightly. "No looking back."
He grinned. "Good. The billionaire ex wrings his eyes at us for some reason.
I rolled my eyes. "Let him look."
Lachlan released a soft whistle through his teeth. "Damn. Your current attitude shows real determination.
I relaxed in my seat while enjoying the fresh Highland air.
The day before, I was engulfed in grief and on the verge of making a decision that could have resulted in perpetual remorse.
But today? Today, I was free.
A smile crept onto my lips. "Let’s go, Lachlan. I find reason to celebrate my divorce right now.