Half an hour later, Xavier finished his shower and came into the room.
I was at my desk, reprinting the divorce agreement.
He came up behind me, draping his arms around my shoulders, a diamond necklace dangling from his fingers.
"Serena, I got this for our anniversary. Do you like it?"
I took it and tossed it onto the table.
I noticed tonight that Loretta was wearing the same style of necklace.
Xavier had carelessly bought two identical gifts.
Instead of being upset by my lack of enthusiasm, he smiled softly.
He gently kissed my earlobe.
"You don't like it? Let's go pick out something else together tomorrow..."
"No need."
I pushed him away and handed him the freshly printed divorce agreement.
"When are you free to finalize the divorce?"
He crumpled the thin paper into a ball, his face emotionless.
"Stop it. If your mother knew, she would..."
I looked up, fighting back tears.
"It doesn’t matter. My mom...she’s no longer with us."
Half a month ago, Xavier called me after work to say he had an appointment and that I shouldn’t wait up.
But then I saw Loretta’s latest social media post. In it, there was a beautiful birthday cake, and Xavier was placing a birthday hat on her head.