Chapter 8

Gary appeared in my hospital room the next day.

"Sign it." I handed him the divorce agreement that the lawyer had delivered overnight.

It was three days later than I planned.

Gary glanced at it and tossed it aside casually.

"Seriously? You didn't even get hurt that bad. Zoey's way worse off than you are."

Didn't even get hurt that bad?

"Gary, let's be clear. If she hadn't given wrong directions last night, the accident wouldn't have happened, and I wouldn't be lying here."

Gary's eyes flickered. "I was the one driving- how is this her fault? You're just making a fuss over nothing. You're Okay now."

"Why was she even at the station?" Since he had no shame, I saw no reason to save his face anymore.

Gary frowned. "What do you mean?"

I took out my phone and sent him their personal photos.

"You were following me?" Gary's face changed, and he shouted through gritted teeth.

Embarrassed and angry?

"You're violating our privacy." Gary growled, "I wanted Zoey to take care of Harley more. Nothing happened between us. You can ask Harley if you don't believe me."

"It's not important anymore." I looked at him. "As long as you sign, I won't raise any complaints to the school about your relationship."

"Are you threatening me?" Gary's expression darkened, his eyes cold.

I chuckled. "Isn't this what you wanted? You and Harley think I'm just a housewife, not worth showing off. You want someone better, and Zoey was your first love and a teacher. She fits your ideal, doesn't she?"

"No, I never thought that. Zoey and I are innocent." Gary continued to argue.

"Sign it, and I'll get out of your way."

"Kyla, you're doing this on purpose." Gary squinted at me. "You think you can use divorce to threaten me? Do you really think I'll just roll over?"

I found it amusing that he thought I was bluffing.

"You keep Harley. I'll take my half of the house- not in cash. Just transfer the deed to Harley. I don't want a cent of your savings." I laid out my terms directly.

Gary stared at me for a long moment before speaking. "Have you thought this through? You're not young anymore, with no money and no job. After the divorce, no one will want you, let alone live such a good life."

"You call this a good life? Being your live-in maid, working for free?"

Gary signed the divorce agreement.

By the time I was discharged, we went to get the divorce decree.

I wore my best clothes, left behind everything Gary had bought, and departed with only my meager belongings.

Harley stood at his room door, glaring at me with a sullen expression.

"I made cookies for you and put them in the fridge. You can eat them when you're hungry."

Harley scoffed, "Who cares? Just leave and don't ever come back. Don't expect me to look after you when you're old."

He ran back into his room and slammed the door shut.