Corbin sent me a message, standing out among the flood of email notifications on my phone. The black text on the glowing screen couldn't be missed, signaling that Corbin had removed me from his block list. I couldn't help but think, somewhat sarcastically.

Corbin wanted me to come to his office the next day, Monday. He mentioned that the lawyers would finalize the agreement terms, and once both parties were satisfied, we would sign and then wait for the mandatory cooling-off period before the divorce was completed.

[Okay.]

On Monday, I arrived at Corbin's company as planned. I didn't have an appointment, so the receptionist made a call to confirm my arrival.

"A woman named West," she said.

After hanging up, she directed me to the CEO's floor, adding that a secretary would be ready to meet me. I thanked her and headed up to Corbin's office floor.

A young woman I didn't recognize greeted me. That was no surprise; I hadn't visited the office in over six months, not since Corbin and I separated. She must be new.

"Ms. West, please wait here. Mr. Murray is currently in a meeting," she informed me.

She clearly didn't know me, calling me Ms. West, and led me to a nearby reception area. In the past, I would have waited right in Corbin's office. His meetings often lasted at least an hour, and he knew I hated waiting, so he'd always make sure there were plenty of books and DVDs available for me.

"You can read or watch a movie, and if you're tired, you can rest in the lounge," he used to say.

But the last time I visited, everything of mine in Corbin's office had been replaced. Someone else now had access to his private lounge. Now, I found myself waiting in a generic reception room. At this point, I didn't have the energy or the inclination to fuss over such petty matters. So I waited patiently.

I had plenty of time, after all.

What caught me off guard was waiting for two hours without anyone letting me know when I could see Corbin.

"Excuse me, is Mr. Murray still in his meeting?" I finally asked the young woman who had initially led me to the reception area.

She hesitated, seemingly unsure, "Mr. Murray is still in the meeting..."

I frowned and was about to say something when I overheard laughter and conversation nearby.

"Let's hit that café for lunch."

"Sounds good."

These voices felt all too familiar, given that I'd heard them over the phone just last night.

Arianna was skipping along, holding a folder tight, and trailing closely beside Corbin. Her vivacity was palpable; she glowed with beauty and carried herself with an air of confidence and zest. Corbin inclined his head slightly, engrossed in whatever she was chattering about. I couldn't catch Arianna's words, but they must have been amusing, as Corbin’s smile widened noticeably.

“Hey…”

The young woman noticed me heading straight toward Corbin but didn't have the chance to stop me.

“Corbin.”

My voice drew their attention, and both turned to face me. I clearly saw surprise flit across Corbin’s face.

I asked whether Corbin had wrapped up his meeting. If he had, it was time to hash out our issues.

“I arrived at ten and have been waiting for you for two hours.”

“Who told you I was in a meeting?”

To my surprise, Corbin frowned and shot back a question. I was caught off guard and instinctively looked at him. The confusion in Corbin’s eyes seemed genuine, not an act. We both realized the misunderstanding almost simultaneously. I stayed quiet as Corbin scanned the office with a serious look. Everyone kept their heads down, avoiding eye contact. The young woman who had led me in shrank further, lowering her head. She quickly glanced at Arianna before dropping her gaze again.

Of course. Only someone like Arianna would dare pull such tricks in the office.

“I forgot to inform everyone that the meeting was canceled. It wasn’t intentional. I apologize, Mr. Murray.”

Arianna puckered her lips, giving Corbin an innocent look. Corbin, ever lenient towards her antics, chose not to reprimand her this time.

“Come in.”

He invited me, dismissing the incident. As I walked past Arianna, I noticed the pride and challenge shimmering in her eyes.

"Please, have a seat."

Entering the office, Corbin Murray greeted me as if I were a guest of honor. My eyes drifted to the sofa, which was overflowing with plush toys. The bookshelves had transformed into snack storage, and the door to the private lounge stood slightly ajar, revealing some disheveled women's clothing strewn across the floor. Corbin’s gaze, impossible to decipher, met mine, prompting me to avert my eyes, feeling somewhat out of place.

"Here's the paperwork."

Corbin handed me the divorce papers, watching intently as I went through them. "We've shared a long history; you won't be lacking. You can pick any of the cars or houses you prefer. If there's anything else on your mind, just say."

Was this meant to be some kind of recompense? That was the only thought that flashed through my mind, yet it didn’t affect my pace in reading. The agreement offered more than enough for a lifetime. Corbin had always been generous, never miserly in such matters.

"No need. Just this," I replied, "and the house I've been living in—that should suffice."

I signed the papers smoothly and handed them back to Corbin. He seemed ready to say more, his mouth opening only to shut again upon seeing my actions. He seemed shocked that we were done in less than five minutes.

I stood up.

"The divorce has a one-month grace period before it's final. I'll be in touch then."

With that, I turned to leave.

"Zainab."

"Yes?"

"Is that really all you have to say to me?" Corbin's brow furrowed, disbelief coloring his voice.

I looked at him, confused by the sincerity of his question. After a pause, I genuinely asked, "At this point, are you expecting me to wish you and Arianna a blissful and fulfilling life together?"

I've moved on, but not quite to that level.

"..."

Corbin was silent, his eyes revealing a depth of emotion. As I reached for the door handle, his voice found me once more.

"Zainab, in the end, I'm the one who failed you. I'll continue to take care of your mom's medical expenses."