Chapter 10 

Now, all ninety–nine love letters were nothing but ashes. 

Ten years–that was all their story ever really was. 

With the last letter burned, it was finally time for her to walk away. 

Maisy opened her suitcase and started folding her clothes, one piece at a time. When she got to the study, Patrick’s laptop was still glowing on the desk. His group chat was wide open, messages popping up nonstop: 

[Leonard, heard Melinda finally said yes, but only if you get divorced? Are you really thinking about leaving Maisy?] 

[Leonard, you need to think this through. Melinda’s just a fling, but Maisy’s been with you since you were kids.] 

[And if you really do this, how crushed will Maisy be? She’s not the type to just bounce back!] 

[@Patrick, Leonard, what’s going on in your head? Say something!] 

Maisy stood there, just watching as the messages kept coming. Then, finally, she saw Patrick’s reply: 

[I want both.] 

[But right now, I want Melinda more.] 

The group chat went dead silent for a few seconds, then everyone started losing it. 

[No way, seriously? What’s so special about Melinda that you’d actually consider divorcing Maisy?] 

[Man, be careful. Maisy’s stubborn as hell. If you bring up divorce, that’s it–you two are done.] 

[Don’t make it complicated. Leonard, just draw up some divorce papers, tell Maisy it’s for the house transfer. She trusts you, she’ll probably sign without a second glance.] 

[Keep her in the dark, and she won’t make a fuss or leave. Once you’re tired of Melinda, just tear up the divorce papers. Problem solved.] 

Everyone in the chat was all for this “genius plan.” 

[Damn, that’s brilliant. Leonard gets to have it all.] 

Patrick sent back just two words: 

[Good idea.] 

Maisy quietly closed the laptop, her hands ice–cold. 

So, in his eyes, she didn’t even deserve honesty. 

1/2 

Chapter 10 

The next morning, Maisy had just finished her breakfast when Patrick showed up. He looked sharp in his suit, holding a folder like it was just another day. 

“Maisy, go ahead and sign this,” he said, as casually as if he were asking her about the weather. “I’m transferring the Eastside house to you.” 

Maisy looked at him–the man who used to shield her from trouble, who’d fought for her, who once knelt in the snow and begged her to marry him. 

The man she’d loved for over ten years. 

“Okay,” she said, pretending not to know anything. She took the pen and signed her name on the “property agreement” without even bothering to look. 

Patrick let out a breath, clearly relieved. “I’m taking Melinda on a trip for a while. I won’t be home.” 

As he turned to leave, Maisy called softly, “Patrick.” 

He paused. “Yeah?” 

“Nothing. Have a good trip.” 

After he left, Maisy grabbed the agreement and headed straight for the county office. 

The clerk double–checked with her, “Ms. Gilmore, are you sure you want to file for divorce? Once it’s done, there’s no going back.” 

“I’m sure,” she said. 

As the official seal stamped the papers, Maisy felt an odd sense of calm. 

So this was what it felt like to finally let go–not painful, not even a relief, just like pulling out a tooth that’s been rotten for years. 

The airport was packed, people rushing everywhere. Maisy held her one–way ticket, glanced at her phone one last time. 

On social media, one of Patrick’s friends had posted a photo of him and Melinda at the airport. 

Caption: [Congrats to Leonard for finally getting the girl!] 

Maisy switched off her phone, tossed her SIM card in the trash, and walked toward her gate. 

Congrats to her, too. 

For getting her freedom. For starting over. 

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