Since She Met Lucian

Amelia couldn't muster the will to say anything. Pain was swelling in her heart as she stared at her coffee.

"I'll sign the divorce papers," she finally said. She knew how terrible the whole situation was and it only made her decision more firm.

Shelly's lips contorted to a big smirk. She beamed as if she was just declared champion of a competition. "You know I've never thought much of you. But today, I'm actually impressed you made this decision."

Amelia tried to keep her face expressionless despite her growing discomfort. She wished Shelly would stop talking. She was only rubbing salt on Amelia's gaping wounds.

It hadn't been long since Amelia and Lucian found love in each other, and yet it seemed as if their relationship had already run its course. It surprised Amelia to realize that it was she who had to end it.

"But you know Lucian better than I do. Things like divorce papers won't instantly bend his will. It's better to do something that would make him actually hate you," Shelly reminded Amelia. With that she collected her bag and left Amelia to stew in her own feelings.

Amelia stayed in the coffee shop for hours. She couldn't muster the courage to walk out and find her way home. She merely sat there, the warm light of the shop illuminating her face, and yet Amelia only felt cold.

Nothing could ease her pain, not even the gentle music playing in the background. She was so lost in her thoughts that only the coffee aroma in the shop kept her grounded. She wished with all of her heart that Lucian would walk in, take the seat opposite hers, and give her a comforting smile.

It was already midnight when Amelia got back to SJ Garden. Lily had apparently been waiting for her but fell asleep on the sofa. With a light tap on the shoulder, Amelia woke her up so she could sleep more comfortably in her room. Sleepily, Lily asked, "Mrs. Amelia, is it true what they said in the news? Is Zhan Group really going bankrupt?"

Since leaving the coffee shop, Amelia had been trying keep her head clear of anything related to Zhan Group and Lucian, but Lily's question instantly brought them all back to mind. She replied flatly, "Not everything on the news is true, Lily. There was no mention of it when I went to the office earlier."

"Ah, of course! It must be a slow day in the news room. Those journalists are trying to make an issue out of nothing. Mr. Lucian is a great CEO. He could never let anything like that happen," Lily agreed. After ensuring that Amelia had already eaten, Lily wished her a good night and retired to her room.

Amelia decided that there was nothing else for her to do but sleep as well. She went up to her room but leaned heavily on the railing as she ascended. Her chest felt so tight, she could barely breathe.

Once in her room, Amelia pulled out the divorce papers she had printed earlier in Lucian's study. She read every word, until finally, with hands trembling, she signed her name on the document.

She laid on her bed and recalled the time she and Lucian registered for marriage. She also had mixed feelings signing her name on their marriage contract. At the time, she already knew that their married life would not be smooth-sailing, but it never occurred to her that she would have to make this kind of decision.

Amelia's eyes began to well up.

Seeing the word divorce in print only made it clear to her that she would have to live the rest of her life without Lucian. Without holding back, Amelia finally let herself cry.

She didn't know how Lucian would react once he saw the signed papers, but she hoped that he would take it better than she did.

Amelia cried and cried until she could do no more. And as sleep felt impossible, she settled on packing up her things.

prepared a small bag. She packed the few clothes she already had

for four months, but it felt to her that they had loved each other for

falling in love, Amelia never thought that she would have to leave Lucian,

was up about two hours earlier than usual and found that Lily was still in bed. Amelia wrote Lily

way. She kept walking until about half an hour later, when she

stood on the pavement with nowhere to go. Mo mansion was her only option but it was never really a place where she felt welcome. She decided to look

also not an option, considering everything that Courtney was going through. She thought it would be best to

Amelia had roughly five

unassuming neighborhood within the city outskirts. It was a quiet place situated a good distance from SJ Garden. Should Lucian

Lucian really look for her, Amelia wondered, but

own balcony decorated with small potted plants. The rent was affordable and the landlady was a retired old woman who had a kind smile on her face. She paid the deposit

unpacked her things as soon as she had the room to herself. She decided to do a bit of grocery shopping and was about to leave the house when her phone

it was Lucian, and yet she desperately wanted to

out her phone, it was Jonny's

was dejected. "Yes? What can I do for

asked. Amelia thought Jonny's voice

wondered whether Jonny already knew that she

shopping." It wasn't a lie. She was really about

just at SJ Garden looking for you, but your maid told me that you

holiday. She counted on Lucian

she? I... I just wanted to buy some snacks." Amelia kept on stuttering. Lying

I'm going

I want to

to take her words seriously. Tell me where you are." It occurred to Amelia that Jonny knew everything. He even knew that she had a

even if it came with a personal cost. If

not meant to be together. If you care about me, please help Lucian get through this,"

rented was ancient. It came with a huge backyard that housed several potted plants. The stones in the laundry area was covered in moss. The place looked old and a bit run-down, but

was enjoying the peace staying in the garden afforded her when

up in her rented room for a whole week, during which she mostly kept to her journal and ate instant noodles whenever she got hungry. The kind landlady would bring her home-cooked meals. One time, the

had said the same thing