Final Approach to Freedom

Chapter 13

The morning sun stung Alexander Hartley's eyes.

He stood outside the Civil Affairs Bureau, his fingers unconsciously tracing the edges of the marriage certificate in his pocket. The little red booklet had been with him for three years—today, it would finally be replaced with a different color.

"Alex, what are you spacing out for?" Sophia Whitaker clung to his arm, her nails digging into his skin.

Alexander snapped back to reality and saw a newlywed couple stepping out of the bureau. The bride held a bouquet, beaming, while the groom hovered protectively beside her. The sight was like a dull knife twisting in his chest.

Had he and Evelyn Montgomery walked out the same way three years ago?

No. Not at all.

He remembered that day—overcast, just like his mood. Evelyn had worn a simple white dress, walking quietly beside him, even tucking away their marriage certificate herself.

"Alex!" Sophia called again, impatience sharp in her voice.

Only then did Alexander realize he had stopped moving. He stared at the bureau's entrance, suddenly seeing it as a gaping maw.

"Do we really have to—"

"Of course!" Sophia cut him off, her voice shrill. "You promised me!"

Just then, a black sedan pulled up by the curb. The door opened, and Evelyn stepped out. She wore a plain white blouse and jeans, yet she shone brighter than ever.

More blinding was the man behind her.

"Julian Carter?" Alexander narrowed his eyes, a fire igniting in his chest. That man had the audacity to stand openly beside Evelyn, even holding an umbrella for her.

"Mr. Hartley, sorry to keep you waiting," Evelyn said, her voice eerily calm. "Shall we begin?"

Alexander's fists clenched involuntarily. His jaw tightened as he glared at Julian's hand resting on Evelyn's shoulder.

"What's your relationship?" he nearly shouted.

Evelyn gave a soft laugh. "Mr. Hartley, isn't it a little late to ask that now?"

Sophia immediately interjected, tugging at Alexander's arm. "Alex, let's go inside. We're wasting time." But pulling him felt like trying to move a statue.

"I'm not getting divorced," Alexander suddenly declared.

The air froze.

A crack flickered in Evelyn's composure, but it vanished just as quickly. "Suit yourself. But if we don't do this today, you'll have to come back alone next time."

She turned to leave, and Julian's arm slid around her waist. The gesture sent Alexander over the edge.

"Stop!" He lunged forward, grabbing Evelyn's wrist. "I haven't even signed the papers, and you're already moving on?"

Julian's gaze turned icy, but Evelyn stopped him with a subtle gesture.

She slowly pulled her hand free, her voice feather-light. "Alexander, you're making a fool of yourself."

The words doused him like ice water. He stood rooted in place, watching helplessly as Evelyn walked into the bureau.

"Are you two here to get married?" A clerk greeted them warmly, glancing between the four of them.

"No," Evelyn said calmly. "We're here to get divorced."

When she pointed at Alexander, he suddenly felt like he had lost something—forever.