It no longer mattered to me whether Chris remarried me or not.
After she left, I packed my bags overnight. I also returned the bracelets, quietly slipping them into Gemma’s luggage.
...
The next day, I finalized the divorce.
When Chris’s mother noticed my bare wrists, she looked startled.
“Nadine, why aren’t you wearing the bracelets?” she asked, her voice trembling. “It’s all my fault for being so useless. When we reach the city, I’ll pick up trash and sell it if necessary, but I’ll get you an even better bracelet.”
So that was it.
Now I finally understood where Chris inherited his habit of making sweet promises.
So I pretended nothing had happened and said, “Mom, I still have two days of farm work left. I was worried I’d damage them. I’ll wear them once I get to the city.”
Gemma accepted the explanation without hesitation and didn’t say another word.
After I saw their whole family off, my phone rang. It was Professor Pearson.
“Nadine, the overseas specialists rescheduled. Pack your things. I’m coming right now to pick you and Matty up.”
“Alright, Professor.”
I hung up and glanced around the old house one last time.
There was nothing left here worth holding onto.