Chapter 1 Divorce
It was Valentine's Day, a day for lovers. But ironically, Katherine and Marshall went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to file for divorce. Unlike the long line in front of the marriage registration counter, there were just few people handling the divorce procedure. Katherine looked at it from afar and smiled sarcastically. Well, in a way they've chosen the right date, they don't have to wait too long in line.
Marshall arrived later and Katherine noticed him immediately. Katherine was a bit proud of herself even though the divorce wasn't her idea, she didn't pester him and was going through the divorce in a keenly manner. She did save her pride.
Approaching Katherine, Marshall frowned and said, "When did you get here?"
Katherine smiled, "A while. And you're late."
Marshall stopped, "Sorry, an urgent meeting."
Katherine nodded. "There aren't many people now, so let's get it done. "
They signed the divorce settlement. Marshall was generous enough to provide her with a considerable amount of alimony, some company shares and several properties. They don't have any kids, so no arguments on it.
The divorce papers were handled pretty quickly. They handed in the marriage certificates, which were replaced with divorce certificates. Katherine stared at it for a while and started drifting off. It's finalized. It doesn't matter whether it's marriage or divorce, the process of going through the formalities was easy but love is priceless.
Marshall doesn't love her. Katherine was crystal clear about that. So it didn't take long for her to agree when Marshall brought up the divorce. It's meaningless to grab onto those who doesn't even love you. She doesn't like to give herself a hard time.
Marshall also looked at the divorce paper and lost in thought. Then he stood up and looked at her, "Well, it's lunchtime. Let's grab a meal together."
Katherine paused for a sec and immediately put on her smiley face, "Sure. We ought to have a farewell lunch."
Marshall gave her a look and went outside. Katherine let out a big sigh and followed him out. They chose a five-star restaurant nearby. Well, not a bad place to say the last good-bye though. Katherine was unhappy inside, but she didn't want to show it that obvious. So she acted in another way.
After getting the menu, she only focused on the price. "Your treat, right?"
Marshall lowered his head and took out a box of cigarettes, pulling one out, and said, "Well, can't you just treat me? You're loaded with banknotes."
Katherine smirked, "Sure I can't. I have no job and no skills to make a living. Each penny should be saved."
Marshall puffed the cigarette, "You can live a good life with those shares and dividends."
Katherine glared at him, "Anyway, it's your treat, right?"
Marshall quirked up the corner of his mouth, "Sure."
"Do you mind it?" Eyebrows raised, he was asking about smoking the cigarette.
Katherine laid her eyes on the cigarette. He never smoked when he was with her before, what an unsurprisingly quick change. They just got divorced and he was acting this way. Then she looked back on the menu again, "No, I don't."
Katherine turned to the waiter, "All of these. I want all the most expensive ones."
The waiter paused, "All of them? Are you sure?"
Marshall was about to light the cigarette and didn't even care what Katherine was ordering, "All of them. Go get it ready."
The waiter smiled awkwardly, "Okay, a moment. Please."
Marshall drew a mouthful and blew smoke rings slowly.
He looked up and down at Katherine for a while and asked, "You haven't asked me why I want a divorce yet."
