Chapter 4

The lights by the nightstand were switched on. A sudden snap of a branch of a tree accented the otherwise monotonous sounds of the rain. "Why?" Scott sat on the couch with his legs crossed. He looked at Naomi with his dark eyes. He was not angry, shocked, or surprised in any way. It was as if this was a small matter that he was not a bit worried about. Naomi looked at Scott. For the past three years, she never once saw him lose his composure. As if no matter what happened, he would be able to solve the problem calmly and sensibly. He treated his personal life just like his work. He was an extremely brilliant businessman and an even better partner to marry. At that moment, Naomi smiled gently. She looked at him tenderly. "A marriage requires feelings for it to last. You married me not because you liked me, but because you were obeying Grandma. I married you also because you were a suitable partner, not because I liked you. "But I was too naïve. Getting married only because of compatibility and listening to parents won't make a marriage last. We have no feelings for each other. We don't have children. A marriage like this lasting for three years is already at its limit. "I don't think we should continue going on like this. Getting a divorce is the best choice for either of us." Three years was long enough for her to understand him. A glance, a movement was all it took for her to know what he was about to say. He wanted to know her reason for getting a divorce, not because he was trying to make her stay, but because he only needed an answer. Everything she said to him was true, except the fact that she did not like him. Scott said nothing. He looked at Naomi intently. That was the first time in three years that he looked at her face properly. She had gentle facial features, like a flower that did not attract much attention. Even when she was talking about a divorce, she was still smiling a little. It was not mocking or complaining. It was just a resignation that things have turned out this way. "You've already made up your mind?" "Yes." "Hmm, I'm going to Las Vegras on a business trip tomorrow morning. We'll deal with the paperwork when I return." "Okay." The rain seemed to have gotten heavier. It was noisy, but the silence in the room was still louder. Naomi laid in bed as she listened to the rain. She secretly sighed. It has been three years. It was time to call it quits. … The next morning, after breakfast, those who were busy left Lawson Mansion, while those who had nothing to do stayed back to accompany Edith. Scott had to go on a business trip. His flight was at eight in the morning. Naomi got up much earlier to prepare his breakfast. When everyone was downstairs, Scott was already on his flight to Las Vegras It was a Saturday. Many of the family members were free. Naomi was a kindergarten teacher. Saturday was her off day, but she had to head back to pack. After her talk with Irene the night before, she gave it a long and deep thought. She wanted to do things properly. Since Scott has already agreed to a divorce, she was going to quit her job too. She was going to leave Willowstown and return to where she was from – Horizon City. She was not from Willowstown, but Horizon City. "Aunt Naomi, are you leaving already?" Maya looked at Naomi in surprise when she saw Naomi coming down the stairs with her luggage. She ran over to her. Naomi bent down and patted Maya on the head. "Yes, I have something to deal with. I can't play with you today." "Oh, no." Maya was disappointed. She still wanted to play with Naomi. Clara was a university professor. She did not need to work that day, so she stayed back at Lawson Mansion to be with Edith. Seeing what was happening, she walked over to Maya. "Aunt Naomi's busy. You can't keep bothering her." Naomi said with a smile, "I'll take you out to play next time." "Are you for real?" "Yes." "Pinky promise!" Maya raised her pinky finger at Naomi. Naomi hooked her pinky with Maya's. Maya said, "You pinky promised! You can't lie to me because liar, liar pants on fire!" "Haha!" Naomi bade farewell to the others. Other than Jasper and Margaret who had to work, the rest were still there. "Grandma, take care. I'll come and visit you soon." "Don't worry. You don't have to see me on purpose. I'm doing well." "Okay." "Naomi, are you leaving already?"