Classic Novel
Chapter 119
Chapter 119
As Curtis descended the staircase, Mary sat firmly trenched in the living room armchair, cane in hand, her presence as formidable as a judge awaiting the start of a trial.
The moment she caught sight of him, she barked, “You rascal, get over here.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Curtis, looking like he’d barely slept, with bags under his eyes, took a gulp of his black coffee and replied, “What now, Your Majesty?”
Mary’s face was a picture of fury as she interrogated him, “Tell me, is it Anne or that Suzan you’re truly smitten with?”
“Still gossiping at your age,” Curtis muttered, his attention elsewhere.
Her temper flared, “Don’t you get smart with me. What promises did you make to me, huh? And what have you done instead? Look at the state you’ve left our Anne in.”
“I’m not having it. You better clean break it with Suzan and go apologize to Anne.”
“Isn’t the house chaotic enough for you?” Curtis downed the remaining half-cup of coffee as if it were poison he’d grown immune to, shrugged on his suit jacket, and headed for the door. “Mind your own business from now on.”
Incensed, Mary threw the teacup from the coffee table at him.
Curtis didn’t bother to dodge. Unfortunately for her, her aim was off, and the cup sailed passed him, leaving only a few droplets to stain his crisp new suit.
Curtis clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Always one for impeccable presentation, today he couldn’t be bothered to change into a fresh suit. Grabbing a towel offered by the maid, he wiped at the spot carelessly before tossing it aside.
“Trying to be a sharpshooter with those old eyes? Maybe I should stand closer to make it easier for you.”
That only fueled Mary’s rage, and she shot up, brandishing her cane, “I’ll knock some sense into you, you little brat.”
“You can curse me all you want, just don’t insult yourself,” Curtis caught the cane effortlessly, guiding her back down onto the sofa, “Worry less, eat well, sleep tight, and aim for 120 years old, that’s all you need. As for everything else, just let it roll off.”
He bent down and planted a kiss on her white hair, “Be good.”
Mary was left fuming and speechless, her anger lodged in her throat, unable to erupt.
The Bentley had been parked across from the city hall for nearly half an hour when Jake glanced in the rearview mirror at Curtis in the back seat. Curtis sat with his legs crossed,
looking through the glass at the opposite side, moti
Leanne stood at the entrance of the city hall, clad in tousled by the wind.
The pea coat, her long hair
She checked her watch repeatedly, her frown deepening with each glance.
Jake tentatively broke the silence, “Mr. Curtis, aren’t we going over? Mrs. Richardson seems quite anxious.”
As if not hearing him, Curtis remained still until he saw Leanne blowing warmth onto her hands.
Finally, he moved, opening the door and stepping out.
It was five minutes past the agreed-upon time of 9,00 AM.
It seemed that even for divorce, he couldn’t manage to be on time.
Leanne dialed Curtis’ number. After two rings, he picked up. “Can’t you ever be on time?” she asked.
Background traffic noise filled the air as Curtis voice came through nonchalantly, “What’s the rush? What’s a couple of minutes delay going to cost you?”
Worried he might pull some stunt, Leanne frowned, “I lose two minutes.”
“Dr. Castillo’s time is indeed precious,” Curtis chuckled, “So what should we do? Maybe I’ll stand at the entrance and wait for two minutes, even it out for you, how’s that?”
Typical Curtis logic.
By that time, Leanne had sensed his presence and turned to look down the sidewalk.
Bare trees lined the path, and Curtis approached, his tall figure swathed in a black coat, a stark contrast to the bleak winter backdrop.
He ended the call and crossed the street toward her.
As he drew near, Leanne pocketed her phone and turned, “Let’s go inside.”
Inside the city hall, Leanne scanned the agreement, signing her name at the bottom
without a moment’s hesitation.
Curtis watched her the whole time and spoke only after she
was done.
“Aren’t you going to read it over? Aren’t you worried I might’ve set a trap for you?”
“You’ve been quite generous, haven’t you? Giving me the Crystal Cove Villas, and the settlement is double what we agreed upon.”
Leanne slid the agreement across the table.
Curtis watched her for a moment, then without further ado, he signed his name.
They had three copies of the agreement, and one was filed with the city hall.
The clerk asked them several procedural questions, most of which Leanne answered. Curtis didn’t say much but cooperated when needed.
After submitting their paperwork, the clerk informed them, “There’s a 30-day cooling-off period. After that, you have 30 days to apply for the divorce certificate. If you don’t come within that period, it’s automatically considered a withdrawal of the divorce application.”
Stepping out of the city hall, Curtis offered, “I’ll drive you.”
“No need,” Leanne replied, “I’ve already called a cab.”
She began to walk away, but Curtis called out her name from behind. “Leanne.”
She turned back to face him.