Chapter 8 The plane touched down in Charleston , two thousand miles away . This was my hometown - a warm , humid Southern city . [] I dragged my suitcase to the familiar yet strange doorstep and gathered my courage before pressing the doorbell Mom opened the door . She froze for a moment , then her eyes immediately welled up . ] " You finally remembered you have a home! " Dad came out from the living room at the sound , his voice stern , but his trembling hands betrayed his emotions . I hung my head , my voice choking : " Mom , Dad ... I'm sorry ... " They'd never approved of Jason and me from the start . I was the one who insisted on marrying him , ignoring all their warnings . [ " You've been hurt , haven't you , sweet girl ? " Mom lovingly took my hands , looking me up and down . " You've lost weight . " " Haven't you been eating properly all these years ? " || * I'll make your favorite mac and cheese . " Looking at the gray hair at my parents ' temples , my eyes grew hot . [ ] Fighting with family over some man was just so stupid . ] Thank God it wasn't too late . In the days that followed . I went grocery shopping with Mom , listening to her chatter about which vendors had the freshest produce . ] I went fishing with Dad by the river , mostly just sitting quietly beside him watching the water ripple . [ ] The warmth of home slowly healed the desolation in my heart . As Chinese New Year approached , my parents kept looking at me like they wanted to say something , until finally they couldn't hold back . " Lydia ... you and Jason , are you really going to keep this up ? " Mom asked carefully . " He hasn't even called ? Hasn't said he's coming to get you ? " ] Dad huffed , but his tone was probing : " Married couples don't hold grudges overnight . Fight or not , life has to go on . " " After all , you chose him . If he sincerely apologizes , don't be too stubborn . " ] Seeing their worried but hesitant expressions , I knew I couldn't keep hiding the truth . I set down the orange I was peeling and said calmly : " Mom , Dad , this isn't just a fight . " " I came back because I've decided to divorce Jason . " The living room fell dead silent . [ ] I kept it light , not mentioning Yvonne's disgusting behavior , just saying : " We have fundamental problems . We're incompatible , and being together is exhausting . I was too naive before , but now I see clearly . " Mom stared for a long time , then sighed with tears in her eyes , gently patting my hand . " Well , as long as you're home , as long as you're home ... This will always be your home . " ] Dad silently finished his cigarette and nodded heavily A few days later , Mom tentatively mentioned that the neighbor Mrs. Grant's son Ryan had been transferred back from overseas . " You used to play together as kids , remember ? He heard you were back and wanted to grab dinner - just as a welcome home. thing . " " Don't overthink it , just friends catching up . " I nodded . Seeing an old friend would be good . I needed to get out and embrace a new life . The restaurant was lovely . Ryan was nothing like the skinny boy from my memories - he'd become composed and refined . ] His manner was polished without being intimidating We talked about childhood embarrassments , how Charleston had changed , and funny stories from his work abroad . ] He was perfectly tactful , never mentioning my marriage , just skillfully guiding the conversation to keep things light and pleasant . I hadn't laughed so freely with anyone in ages Just as we were about to pay and leave , a server rushed over , apologetically telling Ryan : ] " Sir . I'm so sorry , but someone accidentally hit your car in the parking lot . Could you ... " We followed the server outside . [ ] The moment we reached the parking lot , I saw that familiar car And Jason , leaning against it , his face dark as a thundercloud . ] ] " Lydia , we're not divorced yet . " He emphasized those words , glaring at Ryan with open hostility . " Are you that desperate to go on dates with other men ? " " What the hell do you take me for ? " ] Ryan's brow furrowed slightly , like he wanted to explain our relationship . ] I caught his eye and stepped forward . ] " Jason , don't you think that's hilarious coming from you ? " ] " Am I not allowed to have male friends ? Not allowed to eat dinner with people ? " Jason let out a cold laugh : " The way he looks at you - you're going to tell me he's just a regular friend ? " With that , he grabbed my wrist roughly His grip was so tight it hurt down to the bone . [ ] I yanked away from him , laughing mockingly : " What about you and Yvonne ? " " You two acting like a couple , you bringing her into the company to replace me , making eyes at each other at work and parties - what did you take me for then ? " " Is this a case of ' do as I say , not as I do , Mr. Locke ? " Jason opened his mouth , trying to defend himself : " She and I aren't- " 0 " Whether you are or aren't doesn't concern me anymore . " My voice turned ice cold as I completely broke free from his grip . ] " Sign the divorce papers . If you think it's embarrassing and won't sign , fine . " " Two separation , and I can sue . " Jason , the e one thing I have plenty of now is time . I'm not afraid of a war of attrition . " ] He looked completely wounded by my words , his voice hoarse : ] Chapter 8 " Why do you have to get divorced ? " ] " Just because of Yvonne ? " ] " I told you , there's really nothing between us . If there was , it's over . " [ ] " If you really can't stand it , I can cut ties with her completely . That should work , right ? 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