Still, there was no answer.
After seven or eight attempts, I gave up.
"The number you have dialed is currently busy. Please try again later..."
I knew that voice too well.
The calls not going through didn't anger me as they used to.
I just felt tired now.
I got one of Roger's colleagues to collect his documents.
It was from his colleague that I learned Daniel was attending an overseas conference in collaboration with the neighboring university.
The person in charge there was Barbara, who had also gone abroad for the conference.
It all clicked in my mind instantly.
No wonder it was Barbara who answered my call earlier.
Her voice dripped with arrogance.
"Daniel's busy. His phone is with me. If you need anything, you can tell me."
"My father's in the ICU. Please tell him to hurry back..."
I was cut off before I could finish.
"Understood, he's about to go on stage."
"Do you need anything else?"
Impatience crept into her tone.
"Nothing much, just a divorce. Let him know when he's back."
It was a week later when I saw Daniel again.
Leaving the college principal, Logan Willams' office at the school, I bumped into him.
Logan had called me over specifically.
According to school policy, he said I could work there if I wanted.
Logan warmly advised me to consider it at home and escorted me to the door.
At the entrance, I saw Daniel.
"What are you doing here?"
He bypassed me and greeted Logan directly.
"Hello, Mr. Willams."
"Daniel, if I remember correctly, you two are a couple. When you go back, help your wife consider the job offer."
He nodded and followed Logan into the office.
I bid Logan goodbye politely and slipped away from his gaze.
Unexpectedly, Daniel suddenly called out to me.
"Wait for me; we'll go back together."
I was stunned.
For me, not seeing him for a week felt like ages had passed.
Yet, he remained the same, his tone unchanged.
Though his words sounded caring, they felt chilling.
"Okay," I agreed.
Not wanting to embarrass him in front of Logan and needing to discuss the divorce, I waited for him in the office.
After half an hour, tired of waiting, I told him I'd take a cab back.
Little did I expect a sudden downpour outside.
As I hesitated at the door about going back, Daniel and Logan approached.
"Louisa, are you waiting for Daniel to go home together? They're having a team dinner tonight. Mind if I join for a meal?"
I shook my head. Since I wasn't going, why would I mind?