Chapter 246
Sharon glanced at Carter, her voice flat. “Let’s go.”
She had known he would show up. Anything-anyone-he might let slip from his attention, but not her. Especially not when Nate’s letter of forgiveness was still in her hands.
They walked into the courthouse, one ahead of the other.
There weren’t many people getting married that day, but the divorce counters were lined with couples.
Some wore vacant, numb expressions. Some were locked in arguments, voices sharp with accusation. Others cried, begging their partners to reconsider. And there were those who looked eager, even elated-relief written across their faces.
As soon as Sharon and Carter entered, an attendant approached them.
“Mr. Biggs, this way, please.”
It was clear Carter had made arrangements ahead of time. Of course. If he wanted something done, it got done.
A private room. A dedicated clerk. No waiting.
As they sat in silence, waiting for the paperwork to be processed, Carter suddenly spoke.
“Sharon, if you say you regret it now, it’s not too late.”
She responded with a cold, mocking laugh.
His eyes darkened. The chill in them sharpened. “Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance when you finally regret this.”
Sharon’s patience thinned, her voice edged with irritation. “Carter, when did you get so long-winded? Do you still want Nate’s
letter or not?”
He went silent after that.
Roughly ten minutes later, the clerk completed the paperwork for the cooling-off period.
“You can still revoke the divorce within this month,” the clerk explained. “If you wish to proceed, come back after thirty days to
finalize it.”
Sharon took the documents and offered a polite thank-you.
As they stepped out of the private room and into the main hall, the place had erupted in chaos.
“What the hell is this?! I’ve been lining up before the holidays, and every damn time, they tell me today’s slots are full! I can’t get a spot online, can’t get one in person-how the hell am I supposed to get divorced?!”
A burly man was shouting at a staff member, rage boiling over.
Several other couples, also turned away, joined in.
“Yeah! I’ve been trying for a month, and it’s always full. You can only book a month in advance… Is there really that many people getting divorced?”
“Why don’t you limit weddings like this, huh? Why just divorces?”
“I’ll pay a hundred dollars-anyone willing to sell me their appointment slot?”
“Ahundred? Please. I’ll pay three!”
“I’ll pay five hundred! I don’t believe I can’t get divorced!”
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“I’ll pay one thousand!” a woman cried out. “I just can’t live with this abusive man anymore. He finally agreed to a divorce. If this keeps dragging out, he’ll change his mind I know he will. My life’s worth more than money. I’ll pay whatever it takes.”
Someone scoffed. “If it’s domestic abuse, sue him. Why are you crowding in here with everyone else?”
Tears spilled down the woman’s face.
“I already did. Took me almost eight months to finish that case. He told the judge we still had feelings. Said he wanted to give our child a complete home. He refused to divorce me-said hitting me was a momentary lapse, promised it wouldn’t happen again.
“He said everything so sweetly in court, begged for another chance. But the moment we got home, he went right back to beating
me.”
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