Chapter 17: Liberation pending

I woke up with clarity, My mind has already been made. I called Mr. Hutchins and told him I was ready.

“Good morning, Rose,” he said, looking over his glasses. “I have prepared the final divorce papers. Once you sign, it’s ready for delivery. The only thing left is Connor’s signature.”

I nodded. “I understand. Let’s proceed.”

The office was quiet except for the soft clicking of his keyboard and the occasional shuffle of papers. I scanned the documents once, then signed. Every assert I forfeited.“Everything is in order,” Mr. Hutchins said. “You’re clear on your obligations. But remember, until Connor signs, it isn’t finalized. You’ll need to deliver the documents to him.”

“I know,” I replied.I left the office and made my way to the apartments I had shortlisted over the past few weeks. I moved quickly, walking past the polished lobbies, elevator doors and display rooms. I didn’t want to be indecisive. Finally, I found one that felt right. By the time I returned, the afternoon sun had begun to tilt in the sky and I didn’t give myself a moment to linger. The Miller estate loomed ahead. I knew what awaited me inside: Connor, Sean, My mother inlaw.

When I entered the house, the tension was palpable. I just handed the envelope with the signed divorce papers directly to Connor. He looked at me, and for a moment, I half-expected a storm of anger, or perhaps bitter words. Instead, I saw relief.

“Finally,” he said, exhaling like a man letting go of a heavy burden. “You’re really doing this, huh?”

“Yes,” I said plainly. “I don’t want anything. I have signed and I have forfeited everything, and I just need this done.”

He studied me for a long moment, then smirked, half amused, half exasperated. “Rose…you’re such a drama queen.”

“okay,” I said, voice neutral.

My mother inlaw stepped forward, probably expecting some kind of tearful justification or negotiation. “Rose, are you sure? This is a big step. We just want to understand…”

“I’m sure,” I said firmly. “I’m unhappy here. I feel trapped. This is the only way I can reclaim myself.”

Sean’s eyes flicked to me, his expression unreadable. For the first time in months, he didn’t try to intervene. He seemed defeated, almost mournful, as if he could see the strength in my gaze and knew arguing would accomplish nothing.

Connor leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Honestly, Rose, I can’t say I mind, after all I felt trapped too. This…this is the only way we both get out of this charade without more drama.”

“You are relieved,” I said, meeting his eyes. There was no accusation in my tone, just the observation of a truth I already knew.

He shrugged, casually. “Call it that. You have been making a lot of noise, insisting on your freedom. Now you will have it. Don’t worry about me; I am happy to see this over.”

I felt a fleeting twinge of satisfaction, though I didn’t let it show. My hands remained calm, my posture steady. “Good. I will leave as soon as you sign.”

Connor tore open the envelope and skimmed the papers. “Everything is in order,” he muttered. “I see you really don’t want anything.”

“I don’t,” I replied, finality in every word.

He signed without hesitation, setting down the pen. “There. Done. Consider us…mutually freed.”

Sean watched silently, his jaw tight. There was pain in his eyes, the kind of pain that comes from watching someone you care for walk away. But he didn’t intervene. He knew my mind was made up.

My mother inlaw, for all her motherly instincts, seemed at a loss. “I just…we just thought this would be different,” she murmured.

“It’s different for me,” I said softly but firmly. “I need a life that’s mine. I’m grateful for everything mom, I really appreciate it.”

Connor leaned back, watching the exchange with mild amusement. “She’s really stoic about it, isn’t she?” he said, almost to Sean.

Sean said nothing, just let the words hang in the air.

I took the papers and folded them neatly. “Thank you,” I said. As I walked toward the door, I felt the burden lift from my shoulders. I felt the first true sense of autonomy I had known in months. I opened the car door and slipped inside, my mind already focusing on my apartment, my plans, and the future.

I called Amanda almost immediately. “I’m free,” I said. “I’m officially done.”

“You did it!” she exclaimed. “I knew you would. We have to celebrate!”

“I want to celebrate,” I admitted. “I need this. Meet me at the club tonight?”

“Of course,” she said. “I’ll see you soon.”

By evening, I was at the club with Amanda. The music thumped, lights swirled, and for the first time in months, I allowed myself to move with the rhythm of my own life. I danced, laughed, and let the energy of the room wash over me. Amanda cheered beside me, her presence comforting, grounding me in the reality of my choices.

“Cheers to freedom!” she shouted, as we danced and moved with the music, letting the vibe carry us, a group of handsome men came over to our table. My eyes instantly landed on one in particular, he was exactly my type. In my slightly drunk state, I blurted out to Amanda, “He’s handsome… I just recently divorced, I need a man to accompany me.” Before I could even think twice, he leaned in, close enough that I could feel his breath, and Amanda quickly pulled me away, laughing, just as he was about to kiss me. I could still feel the thrill and the danger of the moment, my heart racing in both excitement and panic. Sean remained in the background earlier that day, and I haven't heard from him since I left the Miller estate. I didn’t care. The chapter with him and with that life had closed.

As I looked around the club, feeling the pulse of my own heartbeat match the music,

Amanda grabbed my hand. “You okay?” she asked, noticing the flicker of hesitation in my eyes.

I nodded. “I have never felt more alive.”