Chapter 5 A trace of regret flashed across Lawrence's eyes as he walked forward and cradled my injured palm. "I didn't know you were injured so badly. "Why didn't you tell me?" He picked up the bandages nearby and began tending to my wound. He seemed so gentle and attentive, which left me in a daze. This was the first time he had treated me with such care since our fights over Clarissa had begun. For so long, our relationship had been defined by either open arguments or veiled insults. Sudden care always easily shattered the defenses of an aggrieved person. I couldn't help but burst into tears. Lawrence held me in his arms, comforting me while patting my back gently. "There, there. Don't cry. Purchase completed "I know I've been neglecting you lately, and that's why you've been acting out. "I won't upset you anymore. After I come back from accompanying Clarissa to her mother's funeral in the country- side, we'll get married. Alright?" My cries ceased abruptly. So, this was the reason for his sudden concern. How foolish I was to imagine he had seen my pain or regretted his actions. This time, however, I didn't break down. "Alright." I nodded calmly. He released me, studying my face with apparent surprise. "That's my wife," he declared, pulling me into a tighter embrace. His hands traced along my legs, his rapid breathing next to my ear. Then he rolled over and pinned me down, closing his eyes while trying to kiss my lips. I tilted my face away. "I'm on my period." 0.0 % 08:17 Immediately, his interest vanished. He got out of bed, pulled on his pants, and headed for the door. "I'm going to take a shower. You should sleep." I didn't sleep a wink that night. Even through the walls, I could hear Clarissa's moans, sharp and grating. By the time I woke up the next day, they had already left. I knew they had gone to the countryside for Clarissa's mother's funeral. After packing my things, I left the key and my engagement ring on the coffee table. As I closed the door, I knew it was over between Lawrence and me-for good. At 1:00 p.m., I arrived at City Hall on time. A black Maybach pulled up smoothly in front of me, and a man in a dark gray suit stepped out. "Let's go. I only have ten minutes," Austin Chavez said. I nodded and turned to go inside. Suddenly, he shouted, "Watch out!" At the same moment, he pulled me into his embrace. A flower pot crashed to the ground only centimeters from me: Heart pounding, I looked up at Austin in shock. "Some things never change. You still never look where you're going," he remarked. After releasing me, he took my hand, and we walked into City Hall together. Within minutes, we had our marriage license. As Austin had an upcoming meeting, he had his driver take me back to his home. My gaze fell upon the document, and a sudden daze came over me. Just then, my phone rang. It was my father. 51.8 % 08:17