As he spoke, Patrick studied Hildegarde's face—only to find it flushed red, her delicate fists clenched tight.
She looked absolutely furious.
"Hildegarde, are you angry?"
"Don't tell me you actually miss him?"
Patrick's expression darkened. "If you can't let him go, then go sweet-talk him. Coax him back and live your happy little life. I'll just disappear from both your lives so I don't interfere with your blissful marriage!"
His voice dripped with bitterness.
The jealousy was unmistakable.
Hildegarde glanced at Patrick, and her icy expression melted into one of indulgent affection. She took his hand with a smile. "Patrick, what nonsense are you saying? How could he ever compare to you?"
"You're my best friend!"
"Besides, me coax him? Who does he think he is?"
"Relax. He won't actually divorce me. This is all just a ploy to get my attention. Where else would he go if he left me?"
Hildegarde's lips curled into a cold smile.
Even now, she refused to believe Wilfred would actually go through with it.
This man had loved her for five years. For her sake, he'd abandoned his studies, given up his dreams—even turned down an invitation to join the most prestigious mathematics institute in the United States.
She was his everything.
Monday morning. Clear skies.
After dropping Penelope off at school, Wilfred drove to Family Court and waited for Hildegarde outside.
A light drizzle began to fall.
At quarter past ten, a black Porsche Panamera pulled up in front of the building.
Patrick and Hildegarde stepped out together.
Walking side by side, inseparable—they looked every bit the couple in love.
As if staking his claim, Patrick wrapped his arm around Hildegarde's waist right in front of Wilfred.
"Wilfred, you're here early."
Patrick's tone was thick with mockery.
Hildegarde looked at Wilfred, her eyes full of contempt. "Wilfred, I wonder how long you can keep up this act. You wanted a divorce, didn't you? Why aren't you going inside? Having second thoughts?"
Wilfred met her gaze calmly.
After everything he'd been through, his heart was still as water.
Her words no longer had the power to send his thoughts spiraling.
"ID and marriage certificate—you brought them?"
"Wilfred, you're really going through with this?!"
Hildegarde's eyes went wide, anger slowly building in them.
Wilfred simply turned and walked toward the entrance.
"Stop right there!"