Three Days Short of Forever

I closed the box and passed it back to Kyle. His brows creased at that.

Something seemed to click in his mind before he said a little awkwardly, "It's already past midnight. One more day, and I can divorce Ruby. I haven't forgotten what I promised you. Tomorrow, I'll put the ring on your finger, and we'll go get married."

The sweet talk didn't move me.

"Okay, I hear you. I'm tired. I'm going to get some rest."

Kyle's smile faltered. It was the first time he realized I was brushing him off. Panic flashed in his eyes, and he reached for my hand.

That was when Ruby walked out of the bedroom in my pajamas. Sleepy-eyed, she glanced at me, then hooked her arm through Kyle's and cooed, "Holly's already back, Kyle. Come on, wash up and get some sleep."

Kyle shot me a quick look and blurted, "Ruby had a falling-out with her family, so I let her crash in the guest room tonight."

He kept his eyes on me, like he was afraid I would take it the wrong way.

I nodded, playing it off. "It's fine. I'll stay at Mom's place tonight."

Kyle froze, like he hadn't expected me to agree that easily.

Ruby didn't give me a second to reconsider. With a smug expression, she turned and hurried back into the room.

I wheeled my suitcase to the door.

Kyle was still rooted to the spot in the living room. His lips were pressed into a hard line, and he wouldn't let go of my hand, the guilt in his eyes growing by the second.

Finally, with Ruby nudging him, he said, "After we get married tomorrow, we'll go see Florence."

…

By morning, I had everything boxed up and went to the office to complete the handover.

The moment I stepped in, people gave me that sideways look. As I walked past them, they broke out in whispers, and even a few fingers were pointed at me.

I didn't understand why the atmosphere felt so off until I saw Ruby sitting at my desk. Everyone kept their faces turned to their screens, but their gaze kept darting toward the drama unfolding at my desk.

Noticing me, Ruby shot me a high-and-mighty look. "It's my first day at work. I'm taking this desk. You can move."

I met her eyes and nodded calmly. "Fine. I'll pack my stuff."

Our voices never rose.

Seeing me back down, people thought I'd lost in front of Ruby, Kyle's legal wife. But with both of us in the room, they stayed quiet, their fingers clicking on the keys while their disdainful comments flooded the team group chat.

I wanted to set the record straight, but I had no idea where to start. Ruby was, after all, Kyle's wife on paper. If I said anything more, I would just look foolish.

I'd just finished packing and was about to head out when Kyle walked over. He took in the armful of things I was carrying, and his jaw tightened.

"Where are you going?"

"I—"

Ruby cut in. "She's giving me this desk. I like this spot."

Seeing that I was about to leave, Kyle grabbed my arm. "No. This desk is yours. No one can—"

I cut him off. "If she likes it, let her have it."

I'd already resigned. Who ended up at that desk had nothing to do with me now.

Kyle stayed frozen, his expression unreadable. He didn't snap out of it until I was already gone with the box in my arms.

He shoved Ruby, who was humming while tidying the desk, and, right there in front of everyone, he slapped her across the face.

"Did our sham marriage make you think you could cross the line? Did you forget? I warned you not to mess with Holly."

After I left the office, Kyle texted me, "Tomorrow, I'll wait for you outside the city hall. The specialist I hired for Florence will arrive tomorrow. After we get married, we'll go see Florence together."

I smiled, and a little bitterness rose out of nowhere. I wasn't going to see him again. I grabbed my bags and headed for the airport.

…

The next day, Kyle was outside the city hall, a freshly issued divorce decree in his hand.