It also seemed like a test, to see if I would cling to him like before and to see if I would cry and beg him to come home.
However, faced with the man's intense gaze, I remained silent.
After a while, he spoke again, his voice tinged with doubt and resentment,
"I've seen Sienna's video."
"What happened back then ... I'm sorry."
"If you want to come back ...."
"No need." I interrupted, then continued to knead the dough without even lifting my head. "I am living well now."
Dwayne, who was not getting a definitive answer, was growing anxious. He unconsciously raised his voice, "What about Noah?"
"You're going to let my son live this kind of miserable life with you?!"
My hands, which were kneading the dough, paused for a moment.
I lowered my head and spoke calmly, "Noah died."
He frowned and continued. "Where are your parents? Don't they care about you?"
I threw the dough aside and looked up at him, replying, "My parents have also died."
"I'm not selling the hamburger today. You can leave."
Seeing my attitude, he became somewhat angry. "Navier, I know you resent me for what happened back then. But can you please stop joking about the lives of your loved ones?"
"So many years have passed and you haven't changed your bad temper at all!"
"I've already apologized to you, what more do you want? Why are you so stubborn?"
A fierce argument erupted in the cramped room.
This time, I said nothing and silently pushed open the small door behind me.
The dust from the burnt paper money drifted in the sunlight.
All the questioning came to an abrupt stop.
I lit the cigarette in my hand, leaning against the corner of the table, I smiled and offered that belated blessing. "Congratulations on your wedding."
Had it not been for Dwayne's arrival, I would have nearly forgotten.
Today marked the tenth anniversary of his relationship with Sienna. It also marked the tenth anniversary of my family's destruction.
Ten years ago, he wanted a divorce from me for the sake of his lover, whom he had cherished.
Though I was three months pregnant ....
Though we had spent our years together ....
And though our family's dissuasion and pleas ....
He even disregarded his own reputation and dignity. He was determined to divorce me. He said he had met his true love, a soulmate with whom he shared a deep connection.
He would rather give up everything to be with her.