Chapter 11

Nelson's remark was like a slap to Sabrina's face. She froze as a hush fell across the room. Abigail was the first to snap out of it. "Fuck you, Nelso—" Ronaldo hurriedly covered her mouth to avoid any trouble. Sabrina collected herself and flashed a nonchalant smile at everyone. She explained calmly, "Mrs. Tucker is my godmother. He is indeed my brother." At this point, she had braced herself mentally for such situations. She wouldn't feel sad over it. Still, everyone was doubtful of her remark. Ronaldo, who thought Nelson was too much, refused to salvage Nelson's relationship. He sided with Sabrina instead. "The Tuckers will host a party on Saturday. Those who are single are welcome to attend." Gerald looked delighted upon learning the news. "Nelson, I'm confident in winning over Sabrina as long as you're not my competitor." Nelson took a drag. His expression was shrouded behind the smoke. He mumbled, "Is that so?" "Of course!" Then, Gerald ran over to Sabrina and beamed at her. "Sabrina, what's your type?" "Uh…" She hesitated. "She needs someone who's responsive, attentive to her mood, and just nice to her overall," Abigail rattled off between gritted teeth while staring at Sabrina. Gerald nodded. "I can do that." The music resumed, covering their conversations. Sabrina, her gaze lowered, chatted with Gerald while sipping on the glass of milk on the table. She might come across as pretentious for drinking milk at a club, but everything about her was beautifully paradoxical. Her open-back sweater that revealed her tiny waist accentuated her innocence and sexiness. Justin Cromwell, Nelson's childhood friend, noticed Nelson staring at Sabrina with an increasingly deep scowl. He came up to Nelson and remarked, "Why? Do you finally care to pay attention to that lovely wife of yours?" Nelson glanced at him. "That's impossible." "Why did you keep staring at her, then?" … After half an hour, Sabrina was ready to leave. The Tuckers' attorney had efficiently set up an appointment with her tomorrow to sign the divorce papers. She added Gerald's number. Then, she wanted to check if Nelson was free tomorrow to get the divorce finalized in the courthouse. However, Nelson scrolled his phone on the couch, showing no interest in her at all. She texted him on WhatsApp after stepping out of the lounge. "Shall we visit the courthouse tomorrow afternoon?" "Okay." His reply came almost instantly. In the past, he had never replied to any of her texts, yet she would pathetically find excuses for his lack of response. Inhaling deeply, she felt grateful for seeing it for what it was. She'd never put in futile efforts anymore. She replied, "Let's do 2:00 pm tomorrow." … The divorce attorney met with Sabrina on Wednesday morning to sign the papers. After she filed for the divorce in the courthouse, she and Nelson would be free from each other. She arrived at 2:00 pm sharp at the entrance of the courthouse. She waited for another 30 minutes, but Nelson did not show up. He did not reply to WhatsApp texts or pick up her calls. Perplexed by his action, she had no choice but to wait in the car, where she watched people—happy and sad ones—come and go. Some couples emerged from the courthouse and eagerly went separate ways. The sun went down and the courthouse closed for the day. Nelson was nowhere to be seen. On Sabrina's way home, she answered a call from Abigail. Abigail exclaimed, "What, did he go missing? Is he regretting the decision?" "How is that possible?" "Why, then?" Abigail was stumped. "I bet something came up with Pamela. He probably got distracted." Sabrina couldn't think of a better reason otherwise.