Out of Ashes Into His Heart

After finishing the tea, Tom got up to leave.

However, just as he walked out, my phone, which had been left on the table, suddenly vibrated.

I glanced at the caller ID, and it was Gavin calling.

I frowned. Although I was reluctant to pick up, I pressed the answer button.

"Come downstairs. I'm waiting for you."

"What do you need to say? Just tell me over the phone."

"Do you want me to sign the divorce agreement? If you do, come downstairs."

He hung up immediately after speaking.

I took a deep breath. Since it was still daylight and we were in the neighborhood, no matter what he intended, it would be impossible for him to do anything.

Still, I secretly slipped a small folding fruit knife into my pocket, just in case. Even if I couldn't hurt him, I could at least leave a few cuts on him.

It was a bright, warm afternoon, with the deep autumn sun casting dappled shadows through the sparse branches of the trees.noveldrama

I saw Gavin leaning against an elm tree when I reached the ground floor. His tall, straight figure reminded me of his appearance when I first saw him years ago.

Back then, he had been carefree, his clothes flowing as he moved, but now his face was dark, exuding a subtle, dangerous aura.

He seemed to notice me coming down. As our eyes met, he slowly straightened up from the tree.

Through the dappled sunlight, I saw his sharp, cold gaze and the bruise at the corner of his mouth from when Tom had hit him earlier.

I hesitated, my heart uneasy, but I met his gaze without fear.

Gavin stared at me intently as if he was forcing something deep inside him down. When I finally reached him, everything seemed to calm.

"When did it start... between you and him?"

I knew he was referring to Tom.

A sense of satisfaction surged in my chest. I had been worried that Tom's earlier words might have consequences, but seeing Gavin like this now, all I felt was relief.

He suddenly shook his head. "No, it's impossible between you and him..."

It was as if he had suddenly thought of something. "You asked him to help you put on an act, didn't you?"

I didn't understand why he would say that, but I replied coldly, "Think whatever you want."

He took a deep breath, his expression filled with guilt. "Grace, I never expected things to end up like this... Your mother's-"

"Don't mention my mother!" I interrupted him, glaring at him.

"Alright. I won't mention her." His voice softened. "I admit that I didn't handle things with Mandy well. I hurt you, and..."

He grabbed my shoulder, lowering his head to look at me. "But you have to believe me. There's nothing between me and Mandy. I don't want to divorce you, Grace..."

Looking into his eyes, I could see the heat in them. "It was my fault for what happened before. I apologize, and I'll spend my life making it up to you. Please, give me one last chance..."

I never imagined I would hear those words from him.

For a moment, I was stunned, even shocked and hesitant...

But in the end, looking at his focused eyes, I shook my head. "Gavin, some things can't be undone. I can't just cover my ears, close my eyes, and pretend nothing ever happened."

I took a deep breath. "Gavin, let me go, and let yourself go too."

He moved his lips slightly. "Does it really have to come to this?"

His eyes reddened slightly, and when he turned away, it seemed he was desperately holding back something.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. In the end, I just nodded. "Mm."

"Alright. I'll sign the divorce agreement!" Gavin fixed his gaze on me. "We'll go to the courthouse to file for divorce tomorrow!"

I hadn't expected him to agree so easily.

While I felt a sense of relief, I couldn't shake a feeling of indescribable sadness.