Chapter 4

After ending my call with Regina, I called the company's legal counsel, wanting to consult with him privately about a few things.

As it turned out, he was away on a business trip with his boss, so he arranged for a friend of his in the legal field to meet with me instead.

I never expected the person who showed up to be an old classmate.

In a business suit, she was the very picture of a sharp legal professional.

Facing an old classmate, I found it hard to get the words out.

"Divorce?" She was the one to break the silence first.

"My cousin told me about your situation. You consulted him about it last year. Your daughter is eight this year, so she has the right to choose for herself."

"If you and your wife divorce, as long as your daughter chooses to live with you, I can help you win custody."

Since my old classmate had already guessed I wanted a divorce, I didn't hold anything back and laid out the whole thing.

Over the next two days, she stayed with me the whole time as we prepared all the paperwork.

Now everything was in place; all we needed was the right moment.

Before I knew it, the day of my tenth wedding anniversary with Regina arrived.

Three days earlier I'd sent out the invitations, inviting family and friends to come witness the romance that was ours.

Today happened to fall on the weekend, and some of Regina's distant relatives, learning that I was covering their round-trip travel costs, hurried over too.

I booked the best hotel in the city and reserved one of its grand halls.

The atmosphere at the hotel was lively.

I'd even had a gown custom-made just for Regina.

The instant Regina and I stepped into the room, thunderous applause broke out.

"Simmons, your Regina is so lucky, finding herself such a good man."

"Simmons, a son-in-law like yours is one you couldn't find even with a lantern. All these years he's not only been good to Regina, he's been just as good to you two."

Her parents were grinning from ear to ear.

"Well, just look at how outstanding my daughter is. How many girls are as pretty as her?"

Regina's parents beamed under the praise and envy of the relatives and friends.

Countless envious eyes turned toward Regina, and she couldn't help but lift her chin, linking her arm through mine, her whole face smiling.

"I love this surprise."

"But... where did you get this kind of money? Once the banquet's over, you'd better explain it to me."

I didn't respond, and led Regina all the way up onto the stage.

I took the microphone. "There's so much I want to say, but I'm not good with words, so I recorded all the little moments of these past years."

"Everyone, please look at the big screen. This is the road Regina and I have traveled to get here."

"Simmons, your son-in-law is so thoughtful, even recording their life on video."

Her mother said proudly, "That's what they mean when they say the one who cares doesn't need to be taught, and the one who doesn't can't be."

But no sooner had she finished than her face froze.