The One Who Waited

The lawyer worked fast, and the divorce agreement was ready the next day.

Irina skimmed through it and was satisfied. She and Uriah did not have many assets to divide between them. The only property they shared was the house Uriah had bought before they got married, though Irina had paid for all the renovations.

From the design to the finishes and furnishings, Irina had been involved in every aspect of this penthouse. The money she had spent was no less than what the house itself had cost.

Irina had poured her heart and soul into creating their love nest, and every corner of this house reflected her hopes and dreams for their future together. That room she had prepared early for their future child was the masterpiece she was most proud of in her entire life.

Everything in this house was like a joke to Irina after everything that had happened.

Not wanting to dwell on painful memories any longer, Irina ended her medical leave and returned to work, planning to start the handover process while she was there. She was going to resign. She was done with this long-distance marriage and was ready to go back home to be near her parents.

In the parking garage below her office building, Irina had just parked her car when she saw the two people she least wanted to see.

Uriah looked utterly disappointed, while Sophie stood behind him with tears in her eyes.

He said, "Irina, I need you to sincerely apologize to Sophie. I know you didn't mean the things you said."

Aside from demanding an apology, Uriah also intended to discuss with Irina how to help Beth fulfill her final wish.

Meeting Uriah's accusing gaze, Irina smirked, finding it amusing. "Mr. Parker, what exactly did I say that was worth making this special trip to find me?"

"You are still denying it? Sophie, take out your phone," said Uriah.

Sophie shook her head pitifully. Then, she stepped forward and tightly grabbed Irina's arm. "Irina, you can say whatever you want about me; I don't care. But my mom doesn't have much time left, and she wants to see Uriah and me get married before she dies..."

"Wait." Irina flung Sophie's hand away and cut her off. "What exactly did I say to you? Make yourself clear."

"I..." Faced with Irina's questioning, Sophie immediately shrank back like a frightened animal and hid behind Uriah.

Seeing Sophie so distressed, Uriah stepped forward immediately. He barked, "Irina, that's enough! Sophie is being the bigger person here, and you're still pushing it?

"Wishing death on someone's mom, calling her a homewrecker and a witch... Irina, did all those years of education go to waste? Is this how your parents taught you?"

With a sharp crack, Irina used every ounce of her strength to slap Uriah across the face.

Uriah never expected Irina to actually hit him. For a moment, his eyes were filled with nothing but shock. "You hit me?"

Irina sneered. "Yes, I did. Did it hurt? That's right, I did call her a homewrecker and a witch. I do want her mom to die soon. So what? She's not my mother; I couldn't care less about her. She just asked me to step aside for the two of you. Sure. I'm free tomorrow. Let's settle this at the courthouse."

Without sparing Uriah another glance, Irina turned and walked away.

Uriah watched her slender figure retreat. Inexplicably, panic rose in his chest.

He wondered why Irina looked so completely indifferent and why she agreed so easily when she heard he was going to marry Sophie.

Was this really the Irina who used to smile at him and act sweet with him every day?

Sophie gently touched Uriah's cheek, her face full of concern. She whispered, "Uriah, Irina loves you so much. I'm sure she didn't mean to hit you. Everything she said was just said in anger. Once things cool down a bit, I'll find her to explain and apologize, and you two will definitely be able to work things out."

Sophie's voice was soothing, and it gradually helped Uriah's tense nerves relax.

Uriah nodded, fully agreeing with her. He believed that no matter what, Irina would never actually divorce him.