Chapter 212
Sharon was probably still waiting outside the courthouse.
That thought drifted quietly through Carter’s mind.
He remembered a time they’d agreed to visit a bridal shop to try on wedding outfits. But Kelly had suddenly fallen ill. It was an emergency-he dropped everything and forgot about the fitting entirely.
His phone had run out of battery that day.
By the time he remembered, it was already night. He called Sharon, only to find out she had waited for him the entire day at the shop. From morning until night.
Back then, when he heard about it, he just thought she was being foolish.
He hadn’t shown up. She couldn’t reach him. So why didn’t she just leave? Why waste her time standing around?
But now, that feeling-it was different.
It felt like… no matter when he showed up, someone would always be waiting for him, right where they’d agreed to meet.
It wasn’t too late yet. He could still make it in the afternoon.
“Carter? Carter, are you listening?”
Kelly’s voice pulled him back to the present.
He turned to look at her. Up close, he noticed her face was still tinged with an unhealthy pallor.
“Yeah. I heard you.”
Kelly felt a chill sink into her chest. If he had no intention of leaving, he wouldn’t have needed to say he heard her. He was still thinking about that date with Sharon.
She shot a glance at Nate. He caught her cue immediately and gave her a subtle, reassuring nod.
Then he stepped behind Carter. “Carter, stay here and keep Kelly company for a bit. I’ll go ask the doctor how stable her condition is.”
Carter responded with a quiet “Mm.”
About ten minutes later, Nate returned with a doctor. The doctor’s expression was serious.
“There seem to be some abnormalities in Kelly’s medical readings. We’ll need to run more detailed tests.”
Carter’s brows furrowed. “What kind of abnormalities?”
“Some of the results from her physical exam don’t look right. We’ll need to recheck them before we can confirm anything.
“Then let’s do it,” Nate said, turning to Carter. “Didn’t you say you’re taking Kelly to see that alternative medicine specialist tomorrow? If we bring the full test results, that stubborn old man might be able to make a faster, more accurate diagnosis.”
It made sense. Carter gave a slight nod in agreement. 1
On the other side of town, Sharon stared at her phone, the call having ended abruptly. Her face was pale with restrained emotion.
Why did Kelly’s condition have to flare up today of all days?
1/2
Not earlier. Not later. Today.
Was it just coincidence… or was it deliberate?
If it was on purpose, it didn’t quite make sense. After all, no one wanted her and Carter to get divorced more than Kelly did.
From what she’d overheard, Kelly had already pulled through the emergency. She was out of danger.
Even if they couldn’t finalize the divorce in the morning, the afternoon would work just as well.
She just needed to reschedule the rehearsal with John.
Sharon gave John a quick call, then found a nearby café-one with a clear view of the courthouse entrance. She sat down and
waited for Carter.
She could’ve gone off to do other things. There was still time.
If Carter really came and couldn’t find her, he’d call.
But she was too eager-too desperate-to end this marriage today.
What if she left, and he showed up just then, couldn’t find her, and walked away?
Better to just stay put.
Noon came. There was still no sign of him.
No texts. No missed calls.
She stared at her silent phone, her fingers twitching slightly before she redialed Carter’s number.
This time, no one picked up.
He often didn’t answer when he was dealing with Kelly’s issues.
Still, Sharon wasn’t upset. She just kept trying. Patiently. Quietly. Over and over again.
She had already agreed to leave the marriage with nothing. Today, no matter what-it had to be done.
She didn’t know how many times she called. Eventually, after endless rings and silence, the call was finally picked up.
2/2
