After a long pause, Chris spoke softly, “Mom, I’m getting a divorce.”

He silently lowered his head, tears streaming from his eyes, and only the tombstone heard his whisper, “If only we had never gotten married.”

On the way back, he went to the law firm to pick up the divorce papers he had prepared long ago.

He had already made preparations when he first mentioned it to his mother-in-law.

He thought, since Jessica had no feelings for him, separating was for the best, and it wouldn’t delay her reconciling with Michael.

There weren’t many of his belongings at home, as if from the very beginning he had anticipated this day, so he deliberately left no personal traces in the house.

After an afternoon of packing, he was left with only a small suitcase.

If he hadn’t truly lived in that home for five years, anyone would have thought he was just a guest.

That evening, Jessica unexpectedly returned home early.

When she opened the door, it wasn’t the familiar warmth that greeted her, nor the sight of Chris busying himself in the kitchen.

The inexplicable silence made her heart skip a beat, and she instinctively reached for her phone to call Chris.

Elsewhere, at the University of Askaton’s medical school, Chris’s former mentor, Jonathan Reed, was shocked by his changes.

Just five years of married life had turned a once high-spirited young man into someone worn down and defeated—he had been the mentor’s most outstanding student!

He had also been the most promising genius.

Back then, even before he graduated from medical school, Ivy Board universities abroad had offered him full scholarships, and countless hospitals had extended invitations.

Everyone thought he would choose the best path for himself, but unexpectedly, he went and got married.

And it didn’t even turn out well.

“Chris, why…” Jonathan, with trembling hands covered in wrinkles, held his hand tightly. “If you’re truly unhappy, then choose a different path. Do you know how many people are waiting for you to return to the operating table?”

As a student, he had been the only one allowed to perform surgery alongside top surgeons before graduating, his precision flawless, with no one in the field able to fault him.

Chris gave a soft laugh and gently patted the teacher’s hand in reassurance. “The divorce is almost finalized. I came today to ask for your help in reinstating my student status. I’ll handle the paperwork soon.”

When he heard this, the mentor’s eyes lit up.

“Really?”

“Yes.” Chris felt a sense of clarity and relief. He said softly, “Five years—we’re even now. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways. I’m signing the divorce papers tonight. I remembered you had mentioned an exchange opportunity at a medical school in Desland … I’m wondering if I still have a chance.”

“Of course!” Jonathan hurriedly rummaged through drawers and pulled out the application form Chris had left. “Look, I already signed my part. It just needs your signature now.”

So the mentor had been concerned about him all along.

Just as he stepped out of the office, his phone rang.

When he pulled it out and saw the caller ID, it was Jessica.

He couldn’t even remember the last time they had talked on the phone.

When he occasionally called to ask if she would be home for dinner, it was always her secretary who answered.

“Where are you?” On the other end of the line, there was a rustling sound—she had just taken off a coat.

He paused, then said, “At the university. My mentor called me back for some questions.”

Jessica frowned. “You’ve been graduated for so long. What’s there to ask? Hurry up and come back home.”

“Okay.” His voice was as calm as ever, giving away nothing. Yet deep down, a faint sense of anticipation stirred.

His packed suitcase was in the living room; Jessica would notice it if she paid any attention.

The fingerprint lock unlocked with a beep, and when he pushed the door open, silence greeted him.

Chris glanced at the suitcase in the corner—it was still there, untouched.

What exactly was he expecting?

“I know, I’m on my way. Don’t worry.”

Jessica seemed freshly bathed, her hair still damp, her face slightly anxious.

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