Seven Days Seven Nights

Nicholas Sallow was taking a shower inside the misty bathroom. Wrapped in a blanket, Nancy Cohen got up from her bed. Her mind drifted to everything that had happened last night, causing her cheeks to blush. Despite being married, she still felt incredibly shy whenever a romantic moment happened. The sound of water stopped, and Nicholas walked out wrapped in a towel. She handed him his clothes. “Breakfast is ready, I’ll wait for you downstairs.” “Alright!” As she came downstairs, Nancy carefully took a cake from the fridge and placed it in the center of the dining table. While holding a pregnancy test report, her heart raced rapidly. Today marked their second wedding anniversary. Nancy was both nervous and eager to tell Nicholas about her pregnancy. Nicholas had already come down after changing into a custom-made black suit that emphasized his elegance and charm, looking exceptionally handsome. After breakfast, Nancy tightened her grip on the test report. She took a deep breath and said nervously, “Nicholas, there’s something I want to tell you.” “Great, I’ve got something on my mind too,” he replied. “You go first.” Nicholas retrieved a file from the drawer, handing it slowly to Nancy. “Here is the divorce agreement. Take your time to review it.” Nancy was shocked, struggling to maintain her balance and prevent herself from falling. She took a deep breath. The air she inhaled felt like a knife slicing through her. ‘Did he just say divorce agreement?’ Her mind went blank. It took a while for Nancy to regain her voice. “You want to divorce me?” “Yes.” His voice was incredibly soft and shallow. Nancy held onto the pregnancy test report, wondering if there was no room for compromise. What if they have a baby? Would he reconsider? The next moment, he continued, “Madelline is coming back, so I want to end our marriage earlier. We had agreed on a three-year period, but circumstances have changed. Let’s end it now.” “I know this is all too sudden for you. Please take a look at this preliminary agreement. If you have any requests, feel free to mention them. As long as they’re not too unreasonable, I’ll try to fulfill them.” Nancy’s mind went blank as she responded, “Okay, I’ll take a look at it later.” She moved her hand to her back, gripping the pregnancy test report tightly. Her palm dampened with sweat. She understood that there was no longer any need to reveal it. “There’s one more thing I need to ask,” Nicholas said. Nancy clenched her hands firmly, attempting to lift her head. She responded with a smile, “Sure, go ahead. As long as I can help, I’ll do my best.” “I’d like you to bring up the divorce with Grandpa. He won’t agree if I do it,” Nicholas said. “Okay, I understand.” Nancy was an average girl. Her family was exceptionally ordinary, with a mother working as a nurse and a father with a gambling habit. With a background like this, there was no way she could ever reach the Sallows’ level. All the opportunities arose because Nicholas’ grandfather and father were targeted by business rivals, leading to a car accident and subsequent heart disease. Nancy’s mother happened to pass by and kindly rescued the two men. Years later, her mother was diagnosed with cancer, while her father continued his gambling habits. Concerned about her daughter’s welfare, Nancy’s mother reconnected with the Sallows after many years. She asked for their help to take care of her daughter before she passed away. Jacob Sallow, Nicholas’ grandfather, took the initiative and arranged her engagement immediately after graduation. During that time, Nicholas had said, “I can marry you, but my heart belongs to someone else. Our marriage will last for three years. After three years, you can request a divorce from my grandfather, and we go our separate ways.” She suppressed the bitterness within and concealed all her feelings of love. She replied with a light and casual tone, “I know, I have my heart elsewhere too. When the marriage ends, I’ll keep my promise and leave.” After marriage, Nicholas fulfilled all the responsibilities of a husband. He treated her exceptionally well. Among their friends, everyone knew she was the apple of Nicholas’ eye. It felt like going from heaven to hell instantly if she ever became upset. Everyone envied her for marrying such a wonderful man. However, only Nancy knew their marriage was not based on love. It was merely a contractual arrangement. He provided her with all the kindness, yet love was not a part of it. It was solely a matter of fulfilling a duty. If there was any love, the only thing he truly loved was her body. Nicholas treats her with an intense and almost obsessive tenderness. Initially, they had settled on a three-year arrangement. Now that the woman who held a special place in his heart had returned, it was time for Nancy to yield her place. Nancy bent down and picked up the divorce agreement from the table. She had already lost her appetite and was heading back to her room when Nicholas, looking somewhat annoyed, adjusted his tie and called her back. “When you mention the divorce, Grandpa will surely ask why. Remember, when we married, you mentioned someone you had loved for years, right? Now, I’m setting you free, so you can go to him. With this explanation, even if Grandpa disagrees, he won’t have a strong reason to refuse,” Nicholas said. Nancy nodded and replied, “Alright, I’ll tell Grandpa so.” After that, she couldn’t wait to go back. If she stayed any longer, Nancy thought she might regret it and reconsider her decision. Nicholas suddenly extended his hand. Fearful that he might spot what she was holding, Nancy immediately stepped back. Nicholas became increasingly concerned and insisted on holding her hand. “Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?” he asked. “No.” Nancy quickly withdrew her hand from his. “Being married for two years, do you think I can’t tell when you’re lying?” Nicholas’ eyes bore into her with intensity. Finally, Nancy admitted, “It’s nothing serious. I’m just on my period.” “Take some rest, then.” After that, Nicholas suddenly noticed her tightly gripped right hand. So, he asked in a hushed tone, “What are you holding so tightly in your hand?” Nancy immediately tossed it into the trash bin and forced a smile. “It’s nothing, just trash. I’ve had it in my hand and forgot to throw it away.” He wouldn’t know how much her heart was hurting. It was as if someone had taken an axe and brutally split her heart, leaving it bleeding and mangled. Each piece still bled, and she held that broken heart in excruciating pain. “Nicholas, Nicholas … ” Nancy softly whispered, “We were a fine couple. How did it come to an end?” At the beginning of their marriage, she took the plunge with almost a do-or-die determination. But now, the act of leaving felt too hasty and desolate. ‘Nancy, you’re such a fool. You were always gambling and you lost in the end. He never loved you, not even a bit.’ Seeing her body weaken and her unsteady steps, Nicholas didn’t even think twice. He immediately lifted her in his arms. Nancy was taken aback and quickly said, “Put me down. I can go back on my own.” “You’re so weak right now. Don’t be stubborn.” Nicholas’ voice was gentle, captivating, and sensually deep as he spoke near her ear. This voice had held her captive for a full two years. Now, suddenly, he was planning to depart from her life. Nancy blinked her eyes and couldn’t hold back her tears. Nicholas teased her, “You’re not a little girl anymore. Don’t cry just because of your period. I’ll have a doctor come and check on you in a while.” “I didn’t cry,” Nancy answered stubbornly. He was such an idiot. He had no idea what she was crying about. “Okay, okay, you didn’t cry!” Nicholas compromised. “Can you tell me who he is?” Suddenly, he asked without any clue. Nancy was confused. “What do you mean by ‘he’?” “Didn’t you say there is a man you have loved for many years? I’m curious. Who have you missed for so long?” Nicholas asked.