Chapter 18 “How could this be…” Leonard’s voice trembled as the divorce certificate slipped from his fingers and landed softly on the hardwood floor. Lillian had mentioned divorce in passing before, but he never imagined Evelyn would go through with it-let alone file for a no-fault dissolution on her own. Did she really want to end this marriage that badly? Leonard crouched to pick up the document, but his fingers were shaking too much to grasp it. He couldn’t understand it.
Evelyn had loved him-loved him enough to endure his years of affection toward another woman. So why now? Why walk away now? Taking a deep breath, Leonard rushed to his office and dialed a number. “I need a favor. Help me locate someone.” “Someone? Since when does Captain Grant need help finding anyone?” came the teasing voice on the other end. “Evelyn,” Leonard replied, leaning against the closet door, trying to keep his voice level. “I can’t find her.” The teasing tone disappeared immediately.
“Did you two fight? I can try, but you’ll need to provide some proof of relationship. Otherwise, the local precinct won’t release any information.” Proof of relationship. Leonard’s eyes drifted to the divorce certificate still lying on the floor. His chest tightened. Suddenly, he remembered something. He dashed back into the study, yanked open the lowest drawer of the desk. A stack of documents was neatly stored inside. Right on top was a photocopy of their marriage certificate.
“I have our marriage license.” He grabbed the copy and rushed out the door. “I’ll send it over right now.” Time passed. Finally, his phone buzzed. “She’s working at Sunrise Textiles, out in the suburbs.” “Sunrise Textiles?” Leonard stood up abruptly. He knew that factory. One of the top textile manufacturers in the region-rigid management, physically demanding work. Why would she… “What is she doing there?” Chapter 18 72.00% “No idea. All I could find was her onboarding record.
What’s going on between you two?” Leonard didn’t answer. He booked the earliest available train ticket. Maybe what she really wanted was peace and stability. And he’d never given her that. He didn’t know which workshop she was in, or what she was doing now. He didn’t even know if she’d turn around and walk away the moment she saw him. But this time-he couldn’t afford to miss her again. Chapter 18 72.00%
