Page 112 of Real Fake Husband

I sign where indicated and hand it back without hesitation. Cal does the same.

“Wonderful.” Vance is a little less cheerful this time. I catch him swiveling his gaze between me and Cal, likely feeling the strange energy in the room and wondering what the hell he’s stepped into. “And now for our final piece of business. As announced during my first visit, I took the liberty of drawing up annulment papers. We can have this all squared away and handled tonight, so you both can go your separate ways.”

“Divorce papers,” Cal says suddenly.

Vance frowns. “I’m sorry?”

Cal finally looks at Vance. He’s still standing, still hunched over the dining room chair. But now he straightens up, his face a smooth mask of indifference. “We’re going to need divorce papers,” he explains. “Considering the circumstances, and what I know about divorce versus annulment, this was a legitimate marriage we both entered into with personalandlegal consent, and it was later consummated. Legally, it would be more honest to go with a divorce.”

A look of understanding passes across Vance’s face, and needless to say, I’m embarrassed.

Why is Cal doing this? Does he want to drag the whole thing out because he thinks I’ll suddenly change my mind? Typical man. Typical Cal. Annulment or divorce makes no difference to me.

Vance lowers the new paperwork back into the briefcase. “I see,” he says slowly. “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. I will prepare the paperwork for you.”

I wouldn’t have been surprised if Vance had miraculously whipped out the divorce papers from his briefcase.

“Is there anything we need to do while we wait?” I ask to drive away the silence. “Anything you need from us?”

“No, no, I have all the information and can draft divorce papers with what I know. Besides, you don’t have any property or joint assets, and the wording in Mrs. Ashford’s will is quite clear and specific about who is entitled to what. You have nothing to worry about, Ms. Graham. I’ll get this all squared away as soon as I am able.”

He closes the briefcase with a snap and stands.

“In the meantime, with the terms of the will satisfied, and your inheritances squared away, you no longer have to live together.”

And just like that, it’s done.

Cal shows Vance to the door.

While he does, I take the time to go into the living room and gather my things. I’m sad. But “sad” doesn’t seem like a large enough word to describe my feelings.

Everything feels odd, and weird, and right, and wrong, at the same time.

This is always how it was meant to end.

We knew that going in.

Cal and Vance speak of his grandmother’s storage room, and Vance offers to bring spare keys the next day, but I’m too focused on what I’m doing to give it much thought. Instead, I request an Uber. I know Cal would drive me to my place if I asked, but I think it’s better this way.

The door opens and closes, and then I hear Cal’s footsteps coming my way. He stands in the doorway, watching me gather my things.

“So that’s it then,” he says. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes, I am.”

His expression is unreadable, his body language stiff. “You don’t have to go right this second.”

“I think it’s best if I do.”

More silence.

With a heavy sigh, I cross the room with my various bags, trying to stay strong and determined, even while looking like a damn pack mule. “I think a little space is a good idea,” I say when he doesn’t speak. “We both have a lot going on and this, whatever it is, is just too much. I’m sorry.”

Cal finally moves. Slowly, he reaches out, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, his hand caressing my cheek. “If this is really what you want.”

“It is.”

He nods, slipping his hand behind my neck and pulling me into one final, mind-numbing kiss. My bags drop from my hands. My knees buckle, and he holds me firmly. I indulge, fall into it because I desperately want it. One final kiss goodbye before we return to our lives.

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