Chapter 6 Goodbye, Edric

That morning, the sky was crystal clear, yet cold as steel. Pale sunlight spilled across the glass window, tracing a faint shimmer on Anne's calm face.

Before leaving that house, Anne stood still for a long while. Everything was achingly familiar, from the beige curtains to the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air. Yet that very familiarity made her feel like a stranger lost inside what once was called home.

She took a deep breath, straightened her collar, and stepped outside.

Today, she would go to Edric's company, a place she had never once set foot in during the two years of their marriage.

The Raymond Group towered over the city center like a monument to power and prestige. Its glass façade reflected the dazzling light, and streams of employees moved in and out, disciplined and efficient.

From across the street, Anne looked up at the massive metallic sign - Raymond Corporation.

Those three words carved into her heart like cold steel.

She walked into the grand lobby. The rhythmic tap of her heels echoed against the marble floor, blending with the hum of chatter and the whir of photocopiers.

Then she caught the faint sound of whispering behind her.

"Isn't that President Edric who just arrived?"

"Looks like he's with Miss Bella. Oh my god, those two are perfect together."

Anne turned slightly.

The VIP elevator doors slid open, revealing Edric. He looked as flawless as ever, tailored black suit, matching tie, exuding the cool confidence that once drew her in.

Beside him was Bella, the woman from his past, now walking beside him once more as if they had never been apart. She smiled faintly, her hand brushing his arm. Edric neither moved away nor resisted.

The sight pierced Anne's chest like a silent blade.

She kept her expression composed, though her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag until her knuckles turned white.

She remembered the times she'd offered to visit him at work, just to have lunch together or bring him a homemade meal. And every time, he would say:

"I don't mix personal matters with work. Don't come, Anne."

His tone had always been gentle, but it was a gentleness edged with frost, one that kept her forever at a distance.

Now she knew the truth. It was never about keeping work separate, it was about keeping her hidden. Keeping space open for the woman who was bound to return.

Anne approached the reception desk.

A young woman in uniform looked up with a professional smile.

"Good morning, miss. Who would you like to see?"

"I'd like to meet President Edric Raymond."

Anne's voice was calm, almost soft.

The receptionist paused, giving her a quick once-over.

"I'm sorry, do you have an appointment?"

"I don't." Anne hesitated for a breath. "But I'm his wife."

She said it so quietly it sounded like she wasn't even sure it was still true.

Silence lingered for several seconds before the receptionist frowned and glanced at her screen.

"I'm sorry, miss. According to our records, President Raymond is currently single. Perhaps there's some misunderstanding..."

Anne smiled faintly, a cold, brittle smile.

"A misunderstanding?"

She pulled a thin envelope from her bag and set it on the counter.

"In there is our marriage certificate. You can give it to him if you don't believe me."

The receptionist looked uncertain. Another staff member leaned over and whispered,

"I think that's the rumored wife... But the president's never confirmed it."

Anne heard every word.

She straightened her posture, meeting their eyes with quiet steadiness.

"It's fine. I only came to return something that no longer belongs to me."

She pushed the envelope toward them, then turned to leave.

"Excuse me, miss... who should I say it's from?"

Anne paused but didn't look back.

"Give it to the man who forgot he once had a wife."

She walked across the gleaming lobby, feeling the weight of curious, pitying, and scornful gazes following her. But she didn't falter.

Each step, though heavy, was firm and unyielding.

Outside, the noon wind swept through the streets, carrying the scent of sunlight and dust. Anne stood still for a moment, facing the tower behind her.

That building, once a symbol of Edric's success, of love she had tried so hard to believe in, was now just glass and metal, reflecting her own thin face.

She looked at her reflection. Pale. Tired. But her eyes no longer trembled.

Taking out her phone, she opened their message thread.

Edric Raymond.

No replies. Just silence.

She typed a few words, deleted them, and finally sent one short message:

"I've returned what you needed."

Then she slipped her phone away and walked into the crowd.

For the first time in two years, Anne felt something close to freedom, lonely, hollow freedom, but freedom nonetheless.

Far above, on the top floor of Raymond Group, Edric stepped out of a meeting when his secretary approached with an envelope.

"She said she's your wife, sir."

Edric frowned, his expression darkening.

He opened the envelope. Inside was a divorce paper, and an old wedding ring, still glinting faintly under the light.

His hand tightened around the paper. For a moment, something unreadable flickered across his eyes.

Then, just as quickly, his expression smoothed out.

"Dispose of it," he said evenly.

Outside, Anne sat by the bus window, watching the city blur past, buildings, lights, strangers.

There was no pain left. Only silence.

She closed her eyes, letting the sunlight touch her cheek, and smiled faintly.

From this day on, her life would begin anew-no longer as Mrs. Edric Raymond,

but simply as Anne.

A girl with no family, no home, and nothing left to lose.