Our Anniversary, You Chose Her – I Chose Divorce

Daniel Hayes escorted the old woman to the cemetery. The funeral began. Charles Reed hadn’t invited many people. The old woman stood under a black umbrella, tears silently streaming down her face.

Light snow fell from the sky. When it was all over, they left the cemetery.

Daniel Hayes stayed by the old woman’s side. Just as they were about to get into the car, he suddenly glanced in a particular direction. He spotted a black umbrella passing by in the distance, and beneath it was a familiar face.

”What’s wrong?”

The old woman sensed that something was amiss and asked in confusion.

”It’s nothing,” Daniel Hayes said with a small laugh, pulling his gaze away. ”Please, get in the car. We’re heading back.” He shook his head at the old woman.

’After all, people aren’t made of stone. How could anyone remain unmoved?’

Daniel Hayes shook his head with a sigh, got in the car, and drove away.

...

Chloe Reed sat in a coffee shop. The rich aroma of coffee filled every corner, chasing away the chill.

Preston Vance looked at her with concern. ”Chloe, are you okay?”

Chloe Reed offered him a faint smile and nodded.

Worry still lingered in Preston Vance’s eyes. ”But you don’t seem to be doing very well. If you’re in pain, you can let it out. I can stay right here with you.”

Chloe Reed looked slightly surprised, her long lashes fluttering. She lowered her gaze to the coffee before her, then picked up her phone to type. A cold, electronic female voice sounded out: ”I’m really okay. You don’t need to worry about me. But what about you? What were you doing near the cemetery? Aren’t you busy today?”

Preston Vance gazed at her and said, ”I was actually there waiting for you.”

Chloe Reed’s expression froze.

Preston Vance continued, ”I heard about your mother. Despite everything that happened, knowing you, I was sure you’d be there to see her off. So I took a chance, betting you’d come. And it looks like my bet paid off.”

He gave a faint smile. ”I know you pretty well, don’t I?”

Confusion flickered in Chloe Reed’s clear eyes. But seeing his open, unwavering gaze, she understood. He was being upfront about his feelings for her.

Chloe Reed’s fingers tightened around her phone. After a moment’s hesitation, she typed a reply: ”Preston, thank you for your concern. I’ve already calmed down.”

Preston Vance nodded. ”That’s good.”

She took a sip of her coffee, the rich aroma spreading through her mouth. Then she set the cup down and looked at him, her expression quite serious.

But Preston Vance seemed to know what she wanted to say and cut in first. ”Now, don’t say something to push me away. You’re beautiful and exceptional. Is it so strange for someone to like you? I know you’re not divorced yet, but as long as you still want it, that will happen sooner or later. I’m just saving myself a spot in line.”

He added with a candid smile, ”So no one else can cut in.”

His humor made Chloe Reed laugh. The tense, awkward feeling she’d had was gone, replaced by a sense of ease.

It was mainly because he was so tactful, never putting too much pressure on her.

Seeing the smile on her face, Preston Vance said, ”There we go. My mission for the day—to make you smile—is accomplished.”

Chloe Reed raised an eyebrow and typed on her phone, ”Well, in that case, it looks like this coffee is on me.”

Preston Vance laughed as well. ”Great! In that case, I’ll take you up on that. I should take a picture and post it on social media to show off.”

True to his word, he actually took out his phone to take a picture, but Chloe Reed quickly put her hand over his to stop him.

When he stopped, she typed, ”Don’t be so dramatic, Preston. If you act like this, I’ll be too scared to ever treat you to a meal again.”