From Debt Collector to Husband

Sunlight filtered through the windowpanes, falling onto the old sofa in the living room, dust motes drifting in the shafts of light. I looked at the man opposite me—both strange and familiar. He was no longer the foolish Bruce who would follow me around shouting "Hannah" and snatch the candy from my hand; in his eyes there was a coldness and distance I had never seen before. "Hannah Scott, let's get a divorce." He spoke, his voice low, carrying a rehearsed calm. My hand holding the glass stilled as I raised my eyes to him. "I am Jimmy Lewis, not the Bruce you call me." He added, tapping his fingers on the documents on the table, "Those past days were an abnormal state after my brain developed a pathological issue; they don't count." I tugged at the corner of my mouth, not daring to ask whether the years we spent together counted. "I understand the reason." I said. Jimmy Lewis pushed over a divorce agreement and a property deed. "This villa is yours, as compensation for your time." I glanced at the address on the property deed; it felt unfamiliar. "Why this villa?" I asked. "This is the only property I can immediately transfer under my name." He avoided my gaze, his tone edged with a hint of impatience, "You just sign; I'll have someone handle the paperwork." I picked up the pen, the tip hesitating on the paper for two seconds. "I'll sign." I said. Jimmy Lewis's eyes flashed with a trace of surprise, as if he hadn't expected me to be so decisive. "No need to reconsider?" He asked, his voice devoid of warmth. "No need." I signed my name and slid the agreement back. "From now on, it's clean between us. You live your life, and I'll live mine." He took the agreement and examined it once more, then nodded with approval. "The transfer will be processed in three days. I'll have someone get in touch with you." After speaking, he stood up, adjusted his suit jacket, and left without looking back. The moment the door closed, I finally exhaled slowly; the cup of water in my hand had long since gone cold.