Chapter 220: At the Civil Affairs Bureau

Mrs. Samantha was speechless. She looked down at Elvis for a moment, then asked, “Now that Olive is gone, what are you going to do?”

Elvis pressed his pale lips together, then released them. “Life has just returned to normal. I’m used to it,” he replied in a low, weak voice.

Old Mrs. Samantha wept, tenderly touching Elvis’s short hair. She wasn’t sure he’d made the right decision. The marriage had ended abruptly, leaving him with emotional scars and physical injuries.

“Okay, dear,” she said. “I promise not to search for Olive. She’s a good girl, but since you’ve both chosen to let go, I have nothing more to say. Starting today, you must actively cooperate with your treatment—for your injuries, sleep disorder, and mental health. Elvis, please promise me you’ll take them seriously.”

Mrs. Samantha was old, her remaining years few. She needed to ensure Elvis was well before she passed.

“Okay,” Elvis responded, gently closing his eyes.

North quickly opened her apartment door. “Olive, what’s wrong? Come in.” She pulled the crying Olive inside. “Why are your hands so cold? You’re freezing! What happened?” North asked, examining Olive.

Olive’s usually warm blood had always kept her body temperature high; North loved hugging her. This was the first time she felt Olive so cold.

Olive’s eyes were swollen from crying. “North, I’m homeless,” she whispered. “Can I stay here for a few days?”

“What are you talking about? This is your home. You can stay as long as you need. Tell me what happened. Did you run out late because you quarreled with Mr. Augustine?” North inquired.

Tears welled in Olive’s bright eyes. “No, Mr. Augustine and I are divorced.”

“What?” North was incredulous. “You and Mr. Augustine are divorced? Don’t worry, have dinner first. We’ll talk later.”

North’s chef had prepared a meal, which she reheated and served to Olive with warm milk.

After eating, Olive recounted the events at the Hart villa.

North slammed the table, rising angrily. “Damn! I want to tear that bitch apart! I never expected Mr. Augustine to do this!”

Olive lowered her head, silent.

“If you want the divorce, fine. It’s no big deal. A man who can’t control himself will constantly embarrass you. You deserve a share of his income. It’s your right.”

“I don’t want his money,” Olive replied.

“What? Olive, are you kidding? If you don’t take his money, he’ll give it all to Pamela!”

Tears streamed down Olive’s face. She simply lowered her head and cried.

North hugged her, patting her back comfortingly. “Olive, don’t cry. We don’t need his money. From now on, I’ll curse him every day! Let’s see how happy he is with other women!” She wiped Olive’s tears, but they flowed unceasingly, her body trembling.

North was distressed. She knew Olive; she was strong, independent, and brave. Even being sent to an orphanage at nine hadn’t made her cry like this.

“Olive, stop crying,” North said softly. “A scumbag like him isn’t worth your tears. Pamela and her mother will laugh at you.”

Olive wiped her eyes, but the tears continued. She looked at North and murmured, “I know, but I’m still sad. He’s the first man I’ve ever liked. I really don’t want a divorce.”

North held Olive close, letting her cry on her chest. Olive had lost Mr. Augustine.

The next morning, when Olive arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau, Elvis was already there. He wore a dark blue coat and black turtleneck sweater, but his face was pale from a sleepless night.

Olive, having cried all night, despite North’s attempts to soothe her with warm compresses, had swollen eyes. She didn't look at Elvis.

“Let’s go in,” she muttered, heading inside.

They sat down, and the staff presented the divorce agreement. “Mr. and Mrs. Augustine, have you given this final consideration? If so, please sign.”

Olive signed. Elvis watched her, then signed himself.

They received their certificates. Olive left immediately. She’d lost weight, her face pale and unhappy.

“Where are you going? I’ll drive you,” Elvis offered.

Olive shook her head. “Thank you, but it’s not necessary.”

Silence fell between them. The once loving couple was now estranged.

North approached, pulling Olive behind her. “Mr. Augustine,” she said, “you and Olive are divorced. Don’t offer her rides anymore. As an ex-husband, disappear gracefully from her life. Olive, let’s go.”