Chapter 8 Divorce
Wendy had always dreamed of adopting a child, hoping it might keep Chase home from work and focused on family. After caring for Joy recently, she’d begun to consider adoption seriously. At the very least, it might curb Chase's wandering. To Wendy, it was less significant than a business deal; to Chase, it was likely a momentous decision. She mentioned it so casually that Sam, her assistant, barely registered it. A week later, however, Sam was stunned to find Chase outside the Civil Affairs Bureau.
“This… this is the small matter Madam Wendy mentioned?” Sam asked, her heels clicking on the floor as she approached, wide-eyed. Hesitantly, she continued, “Sir, what is this?” Chase frowned, realizing it wasn’t Wendy. “Why are you here? Where is she?” Sam explained, “She went abroad last week. The Ocean Project. It’s a week-long trip—she won’t be back until the weekend.” Her business, it seemed, was more important than his life.
Sam quickly called Wendy. The response was in an unfamiliar language, but Wendy's irritated tone was clear. “Madam Wendy, this… this too? You want me to sign?” Sam asked. “If he lets you sign, just sign,” Wendy replied. “But this… maybe we should wait until you’re back,” Sam protested. Distracted by someone nearby writing on a sheet of paper, Wendy snapped, “No need. Just sign it. If you need money, pull it from the account. And don’t forget to pick me up from the airport this weekend.”
Switching back to professional mode, Sam asked, “This weekend is Madam Quinn’s birthday banquet, sir—should you still attend?” She was unsure how to proceed; Chase and Wendy were here for a divorce. After today, Chase would no longer be the Quinn family's son-in-law, eliminating any reason for attendance. “He’s still the Quinn family’s son-in-law. If he doesn’t show, it’ll be a joke,” Wendy stated bluntly before ending the call. Sam offered a helpless smile.
Chase, having overheard, had hoped for a peaceful separation, but Wendy’s absence underscored the reality of their situation. He conceded; there was no future for them. He walked inside, Sam carefully following in her heels, wanting to offer comfort but unable to find the words. Knowing Wendy's preoccupation with Henry's return and his daughter, and Chase's prolonged absence from home, Sam found the end of their years-long marriage utterly ridiculous.
When their number was called, Sam tried again to reach Wendy, but to no avail. The staff efficiently processed the documents from Chase, stamping the official seal without hesitation. “Sir, maybe you should reconsider. This…” Sam began, but Chase remained silent. He gave Wendy's copy of the certificate to Sam. Seeing her distress, he reassured her gently, “Don’t worry. She signed the divorce agreement herself. This has nothing to do with you. Even if you hadn’t come today, I would’ve found another way to collect it.”
“But…” Sam started to protest. He interrupted, “I’ll be at Madam Mandy’s birthday banquet this weekend. Just have the suit delivered to the hospital. Thank you.” With a polite nod, he left Sam standing alone. The sunlight felt cold on her.
In his car, Chase tossed the certificate onto the passenger seat and laughed bitterly. Five years of marriage—a complete joke, he thought. Who gets divorced through a secretary? He doubted Wendy had even glanced at the papers. Perhaps she didn't even know they were divorced. But it no longer mattered to him. He’d lost five years; he was moving on.
Back at the hospital, he immersed himself in surgery. The next few days were a whirlwind of procedures, and he slowly rediscovered his surgical rhythm. His attending physician, Mr. Lance, was impressed. “I’ve heard your name before. When the hospital brought you in, I had my doubts since you’d been gone for years. But now? A genius is still a genius,” Mr. Lance stated, nodding with satisfaction. “Keep it up. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.”
Chase, equally pleased with his performance, admitted he’d been delayed from a Lemuria exchange program due to passport issues. Mr. Lance, nearing the end of his career, encouraged Chase's potential. “There’s only so much I can teach. I’ve already reached the peak of my field. But you—you’ve got endless potential. I’m getting old. You young people are just getting started. Study hard. When you come back, maybe I’ll be the one assisting you.”
“Don’t say that. I’d never dare. I’ll head out now—please take a break,” Chase replied, leaving the lounge to a vibrating phone. It was Sam, reminding him of Mandy's birthday. Officially divorced, he was no longer her son-in-law, but he couldn't let her down after all she'd done. He also needed to return some things. He gathered bank cards left at his mother's grave, untouched, intending to repay the Quinn family's generosity, with interest.
The head nurse informed him of a delivered suit. He changed and drove to the Quinn estate, a place he'd frequented in the past to care for Wendy’s parents. While he'd never minded the responsibility, Stella's disdain had eventually lessened his visits. He parked in the back garden. The butler, Louis, greeted him cheerfully, “Mr. Chase, welcome back.” Chase presented a bag, “Last time, mom said your wrist’s been hurting. I prepared some medicated patches for you. Try them out first.”