Chapter 40
Chapter 40
The word “stop” sparked a familiar Initation in Maxine.
But it quickly faded, replaced by exhaustion. Maxine closed her eyes briefly, unwilling to argue.
Soon, Maxine looked him straight in the eyes, her tone serious. “Sebastian, I’ve said it so many times I’m not throwing a tantrum. For just tired,
“What makes you think this is me being dramatic? You’re not stupid. Can’t you tell the difference between someone sulking and someone who really wants out?”
Sebastian’s hands clenched. That hollow in his chest felt even colder. He didn’t know the answer. He didn’t understand.
Sebastian usually understood everything. But right now–he just didn’t get it.
Even when thinking clearly, Sebastian had told himself Maxine truly wanted to leave.
Yet standing here, Sebastian didn’t want to accept that.
Almost frantically, Sebastian lowered his eyes and said, his voice raspy, “If you’re willing to withdraw the divorce papers, I can revise the prenup The properties, the company shares–we can discuss everything. Whatever you want, if it’s within my ability, I’ll give it to you.”
Maxine frowned, about to say something, but Sebastian quickly cut her off. He continued, “This is my offer of good faith. I don’t want Brian growing up in a broken home.
“I hope you’ll think it through. We’re parents now. We’re too old to act on impulse.
“You don’t have to answer right away. Just take your time. I’ll wait for your decision once you’ve really thought it over.”
With that, Sebastian turned and headed for the door.
Maxine watched his back. Something suddenly became very clear in her heart.
It was ridiculous, even laughable, and Maxine didn’t want to dig too deep into it. She didn’t want to point it out to him either.
If Sebastian couldn’t figure it out himself, then so be it.
“Sebastian, wait.” Maxine called out.
A flicker of hope lit up in Sebastian’s eyes as he turned around.
Maxine walked into the kitchen, packed the leftover tomato basil soup into a thermos, and handed it to him..
Maxine added, “Take this back for Brian. He got hurt earlier and I didn’t get a chance to visit or help take care of him. That’s on me.”
The light in Sebastian’s eyes dimmed, replaced by disappointment. He asked, “That’s all you wanted to say?”
Maxine nodded calmly. “Yeah. That’s it. Oh–one more thing. I might get really busy soon. And since we’re going to sign the papers soon, I won’t be able to cook for Brian anymore. I think he really liked this soup.
“You could ask Thalia to try making it. She’s a great cook. I’m sure she can recreate the taste.”
Maxine paused for a beat and said, “That’s all. I’ve got nothing else to say. You can go now.”
Sebastian’s gaze turned cold little by little. In the end, he grabbed the thermos and walked to the door without looking back.
At the entryway, Sebastian suddenly stopped. With his head slightly turned and voice low, he said, “You’re not thinking clearly right now. What I said still
stands.
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Chapter 40
“I hope you’ll give me a real answer after you’ve really thought it through.”
Then Sebastian left, shutting the door behind him.
Maxine watched until he was gone, then let out a small, helpless smile.
After more than ten years of marriage, no joke, Maxine sometimes understood Sebastian better than he understood himself.
Maxine used to want to talk to him, to find the right way to express herself so Sebastian wouldn’t what she felt.
her away so he would actually fisten and accept
But now, Maxine didn’t care anymore. She didn’t want him to know what she was thinking.
Their relationship had already reached the end.
Whether or not Sebastian would ever understand what tonight really meant that was something he’d have to figure out on his own
AD
