Chapter 8 

I had just found a job nearby, and on my first day at work, Audrey called me unexpectedly. 

“Matilda, what’s going on? Aren’t you supposed to be looking after your husband?” 

Confused by her inquiry, I replied, “Audrey, Grady and I are already…” 

Audrey may seem harsh sometimes, but she’s direct and means well. 

“Grady’s unwell, and you’re not with him. What’s going on?” 

I took a deep breath and explained calmly. 

“Grady and I are separating. I’ve moved out, and Catherine can take care of him.” 

Audrey was stunned for a moment. “Why are you two divorcing?” 

“And who’s Catherine?” 

I clarified, “Catherine is his secretary and soon-to-be wife. She can look after Grady. I’m busy with my own life.” 

“If there’s nothing more, I’ll hang up now.” 

That evening, Monica, my always cheerful neighbor, found out I was back home and planning to divorce Grady. She insisted on throwing a welcome-back dinner for me. 

To my surprise, Monica brought her son Dean with her. 

Dean, three years my junior, had recently graduated with a master’s degree from a prestigious university. 

“Let’s toast to Matilda’s newfound freedom!” Monica raised her glass, giving a playful nudge to her shy son beside her. 

“Come on, step up. Now that she’s single, make your move,” Monica teased, and Dean’s ears flushed bright red. 

“Mom, did you really need to say that?” 

I pretended not to hear, but everyone knew the implication. 

A divorced woman like me, having miscarried, didn’t seem a match for someone as accomplished as him, especially being younger. 

While we were enjoying our meal, an unexpected visitor barged in. 

Grady brushed past the server’s efforts to stop him and walked into the private dining room. 

The server apologized profusely, “I’m so sorry. He just wouldn’t take no for an answer.” 

Grady seemed unbothered, carrying several bags of gifts. 

“Marco, Dahlia, don’t blame the server. I insisted.” 

He looked pale, genuinely unwell, and he started to cough as he spoke. 

“With no one at home, I asked around at the park, and someone mentioned you’d be dining here, so I came to find you.” 

He laid the gifts on the floor, they were all pricey items like luxury wines and gourmet chocolates. 

The first time Grady ever visited, he couldn’t afford more than simple offerings like bread and butter. 

Now he was attempting to sway my parents with lavish gifts. 

The room went silent; no one knew how to react. 

Grady, sensing the awkwardness, hesitated. 

“Marco, Dahlia, there have been some misunderstandings between Matilda and me, but not enough for a divorce. Could you help convince her to come home with me?” 

Before my parents could reply, someone shot to their feet and challenged Grady. 

“Why should Matilda go back with you?” 

His eyes were steady and fierce, showing his anger. 

Dean was taller than Grady and seemed to overshadow him. 

“We’re not letting Matilda go back with you. Forget it.”