It was clear that he didn't love me. I was blind to it before. I had convinced myself that he had, but there was a tiny chance in hell. In reality, I was only blinded by how much he had to offer financially. I thought I could bear with it, but I couldn't anymore.

What would others back in Chicago say if you return after canceling your marriage? Don't you think this would be bad for him?

To be honest, I preferred my sanity over thoughts of what another person would say. As for James, it wouldn't be bad for him at all. I hate to say it, but it'd be very easy for him to find a replacement for me. Besides, I was yet to pick out a wedding dress and the wedding date. It had been almost three months could you still say there was a marriage happening?

I had had enough.

Olivia

“And here is my leave of absence. I mean my letter of resignation,” I said to the HR rep.

A woman in her sixties - and according to most of the nurses was the doctor who handled Lucas's delivery - stared at the letter and then back at me.

“Did something happen?” she asked. “Did James threaten you?”

“What? No. I'm doing this on my own volition,” I replied. “I'm quitting today.”

“I'm confused. You have talked with the nursing department at the children's ward, cross-checked the records for the financial department, helped me sort the database, and you've covered for another nurse who had to go on a lunch break.” She replayed my activities for the day to me. “And you still want to quit?”

“That's because I don't feel comfortable working here anymore,” I replied matter of factly.

“Oh, this is a you and Lucas problem.” The woman smiled like she was expecting me to say that I was having her grandkid soon.

“No, it isn't I just want to stop working here,” I insisted.

“Right and I understand that completely.” She was being sarcastic, “Tell you what? For resignations, except if you are fired we would have a one month's notice.”

“So, the best I can give you is a leave of absence; and if you don't return after a while, we can write you off as terminated,” she explained.

“In other words, you're leaving a branch out for me,” I concluded.

“We will miss having you around,” she said with a smile.

“Thank you, I guess…”

It wasn't what I wanted but at least it was something just in case I changed my mind.

Not that I was going to change my mind.

As I left her office I saw Lucas standing outside.

“Olivia I…”

I didn't give him a chance to say anything. I walked past him, and my heart started to ache. The look on his face almost made me give him a chance to explain. He looked sad and depressed. But it was too late for him.

Chapter twenty-four

Trouble Everywhere

Lucas

“You did what?” I yelled at Stella the head of HR.

“I gave her a leave of absence,’ she replied as she cleaned her ear with her index finger. “You really need to dial back on the way you yell.”

“Why wasn't I informed of this?” I asked.

“Because I'm HR, and I don't have to bother you about every little thing,” she replied.