Chapter 14
Adanys
agreement to the divorce blindsided Dolores, though it was the very freedom she’d been secretly pining for
Aviciitismus sumirk touched her lips as she whispered. “Th und stormed out of that golfisrsaken place.
for making it happen, Mr. Walcott, Without waiting for a reply, she decisively turned
Later that night, Dolores readied all the documents she’ll need for the following morning. Hut as her eyes landed on their names intertwined on the numiage license, she passes, lost in thought.
I wauthe only keepsake from their three–year union, Staring at the sterile words, she felt
bur pain begin to swell in her heart.
At last, this draming marriage is drawing to a close. No more lonely nights waiting for his return, no more heart–flattering hopes dashed into sheer enqtiness, she thought bitterly.
Dolores cast one final glaner at the marriage license, tucked it into her bag, and sealed away her past.
The next lay, she woke up way too early, after a night of fitful sleep.
standing in front of the bathroom mirror, she looked at her pale, gaunt reflection marked by dark circles. To look somewhat alive, she applied a heavy layer of makeup
setting out early to
close this chapter.
y to avoid traffic, she arrived at city hall with an hour to spare, as if fate too was eager for her to e The sun was mercilessly
by bot at 8 AM. Dolores found a spot in the shade to wait.
Just then, her WhatsApp chimed–a message from Gail: Hey Dolores, want me to con
me to conte with you?]
She smiled and replied. No need, it’s just a divorce, not a bar fight. I can handle it | Right after seisding the message, her phone rang a call from the Walcott family estate. She guessed
d it had to be Ann, probably something abo
Reluctantly. Dolores considered ignoring it. She was so close to cutting ties; she didn’t need any last–minute bullshit. The call ended, and she exhaled in achef, but then Argi was on the line again.
With a frown Dolores picked up, preparing for the worst, “What’s wrong,
. Ant
“Ms Sherry, Mrs Walcott just fainted while eating! You need to rush over to the hospital; the doctors need a family member’s signature!” Ann’s soder was nearly breaking
Dolores’s expression tightened. She quickly
by hailed a cab, responding. “Alright, hold on, I’m on my way!”
Halfan
hour later. Dolores burst into the emergency room.
caught a chill, and now
Ann was alrearly there, clinching Yard’s shawl, her face enhed with concern. “Mrs. Walcott fell asleep in the bath Last night, cau
i fever,” Annexplained, her voice laden with worry.
Dolores kurs all too wellalioul Yara’s fragile health. Since giving birth to Adaus, she had been like a peach–any small mishap could send her spetraling. Ivenia manor fever was a major ondral for her.
Prolines steadied herself, salding the sweat from her forehead. “Did you call Adam yet?” she asked with a touch of impatience.
sungly alsook her head in response
Dolores aunt taken aback. Adam was always buried in work, and Ann had gotten used to laypassing him and dealing directly
with her.
with divate jaar dings on the horizont, Dolores realized the importance of Adam taking the reins more often.
“A. you nee
call Adam right now-
calours furst open. A doctor rushral out,
anning the room. “Who’s here for Vära
Before she could fun he sent they
Dolores stejjel forward, bær locar punting Tam Doctor, law’s my mom doing!“
her eyes with a mix of compassion and seriousness. “She’s stable for now but still unconscious. I recommend we schedule a thorough–check–up immedutely for safety”
The doct
Dolores anxiety spiked. She glanced at Ann, who was already striding into the ER. her back receding quickly.
Turning back to the doctor. Dolores pressed. “Is it something serious?”
“We’ll know more after the tests. It’s best to be proactive, the doctor replied, his tone hinting at underlying concerns before he walked away.
Later, as Vara was transferred to a regular room, Dolores sat by her bed, while Ann went home to prepare some healing broth
Dolores sat beside her, combing her fingers through Yara’s tangled hair, feeling a mix of tenderness and reluctance. To Dolores, Yara was more than her mother–in–law, she was a mother figure. In her mind, whatever the future held with Adam, this bond would endure.
Caught up in her thoughts. Dolores barely noticed Yara’s eyes fluttering open.
Accustomed to faunting spells from low blood pressure, Yara looked up at Dolores gratefully. “Dolores, you’ve worried too much over me again.” Dolores quickly clasped her hand. Yara, don’t talk like that. How do you feel? Should I get the doctor?”
Vara smiled weakly, shaking her head. “It’s the usual trouble. I just need a couple of days to rest. Her eyes then landed on Dolores, made up more than usual “Dolores, you look stunning today. Got a hot date with Adam!”
..not f
Caught off guard by the remark, Dolores had indeed dressed up more for their meeting to discuss the divorce, avoid any discomfort for Yara, she remained silent, not correcting the misunderstanding.
for a romantic date. Wanting to
Yara, assuming her silence as affirmation, brightened up. “Go ahead, I’m fine. Ann will be here soon to take care of me.” Holding her hand, Dolores suggested softly. “Yara, let’s take this chance to get you a full check–up. It’ll ease both Adam’s mind and mine.”
Yet the mention of a check–up made Yara instinctively r flashed on the seperti
recoil. She was about to refuse when
Dolores‘ phone rang, interrupting her. Adam’s name
Dolores answered the call, but before she could speak, Adam’s voice, thick with suppressed anger, flooded in. “Dolores, what the fuck are you
