Chapter 625

Werner knew this marriage was beyond court battle would make their divorce everyone’s business . He gave a bitter , self – mocking smile . “ Fine .
If that’s your decision , I’ll respect it . Whatever you want , I’ll go along with it . ”
Cathy turned around . “ I have just one wish – to get divorced . Let’s go register before it closes today , or we’ll have to wait through that 30 – day cooling off period . ”
Werner got into the car without a word . During the entire ride , he kept stealing glances at Cathy , struggling to find the right words . But everything he wanted to say just felt so hollow and futile . Soon , they arrived at the courthouse .
The clerk remained unfazed . These days , they’d seen couples of all ages filing for divorce .
“ Starting from today , there will be a 30 – day divorce cooling – off period . If either of you changes your mind during this time , you may come at any time to withdraw the divorce registration . ”
“ Got it , ” Cathy replied perfunctorily , but inside she was fuming , ‘ Thirty damn days of waiting . What torture ! Well , I still need to discuss the property division with Werner . ‘
Werner had given Liora $ 150,000 for her medical expenses , which she returned in full before passing away .
Cathy paused for a moment before saying , “ Why don’t you give that $ 150,000 to Sanford ? That poor boy has spent nearly thirty years searching for you . The least you can do is help him out a little . ”
Werner let out a weary sigh . “ What about Donald and Cheryl ? I did say I’d leave with nothing from this marriage … ” As he said this , his gaze shifted to Cathy . If Cathy wanted to sell the house , he wouldn’t object .
The problem was , the house they were living in wasn’t even bought by Werner himself , but by his father , Hayden . Werner essentially got a free ride . The house was entirely funded by his parents .
Even if Cathy took this to court , she couldn’t win because the house was a pre – marital asset . Back then , Hayden , worried that Werner might not live responsibly , had the title deed in his own name .
Even if they wanted to sell this house now , they’d still have to get Hayden’s permission first .
Werner kept shaking his head vehemently , clearly upset . “ My dad’s getting old , you know . He really can’t handle this kind of shock . If he finds out we’re getting divorced , the news will send his blood pressure soaring and land him in the hospital . ”
“ It’s not my fault . Don’t try to guilt – trip me with these roundabout tactics . You caused all of this , so if Hayden ends up in the hospital from shock , that’s on you . ”
Werner pressed his lips together , thinking to himself , ‘ Cathy’s become so sharp – tongued all of a sudden .
‘ Or maybe this is who she really is , a strong – willed woman who never backs down . All these years , she just put on a facade of kindness for my sake and for our family . ‘
Werner thought for a moment . “ How about this ? Out of the $ 150,000 , I’ll use $ 100,000 to buy Cheryl a car , and you keep the remaining $ 50,000 . As for this house , we’ve lived here most of our lives . You should keep it . ”
Werner was adamant . Under no circumstances could Hayden find out . For a moment , Cathy was at a loss for words , unsure how to respond .
Werner knew he had wronged Cathy far too much . In the end , they reached a settlement . He would even sell his owr Cathy . So , apart from this house , everything else would go to Cathy .
ith all the proceeds going to
After deducting the money for Cheryl’s car , Cathy was left with just under $ 150,000 , which she planned to set aside as Cheryl’s future wedding fund . She found it rather pathetic that Werner was neither devoted nor loaded .
Cathy said firmly , “ Donald and Cheryl must know about our divorce . I’ve already told them , and they’ll be back tomorrow . ”
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Werner said quietly , “ Alright . Thank you for giving
me a little time to prepare myself ”
Cathy didn’t say another word . She turned and walked away . At noon tomorrow , she’d return with Donald and Cheryl . After that , the courthouse would finalize the divorce , and then she’d finally be completely free .
Werner spent that night alone at home . Unable to sleep , he flipped through the family photo album – their wedding , Donald and Cheryl as toddlers , their first days at school , and that family sports day .
He hung his head in agony . He had no idea how things had come to this , or how his children would see him , especially Cheryl . She had always looked up to him , admired him . That night , he was doomed to lie awake until dawn .
The next day , Cheryl arrived home half an hour late to find everyone looking grim . “ Dad , Mom , ” Cheryl said cautiously as she set down her bag . “ I’m home . ”
“ Cheryl , ” Donald called out softly , his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he gazed at her .
Cheryl blinked and teased , “ Hey , Donald , you okay ? Got something in your eye ? ”
Donald resignedly wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes . He still couldn’t bring himself to say it .
Cheryl glanced around nervously . “ What the hell is going on here ? Why is the atmosphere so awkward ? ” She circled around to Cathy’s side , her small hands gently stroking her shoulders . “ Mom , is everything alright at home ? ”
Cathy didn’t say a word . She just shot Werner a cold , hard look from across the room . She insisted that Werner be the one to break the news to Cheryl himself .
Werner couldn’t bear to face Cheryl , especially with Donald and Jennifer sitting right there as witnesses ; his dignity was in tatters . “ Uh … I need to use the bathroom . ”
“ Are you running away again ? Can’t even tell your own child about this ? ” Cathy snapped , her disappointment deepening as Werner made to leave .
Cheryl quickly asked , “ What’s going on ? What happened ? ”
Cathy stated , each word distinct , “ Your father and I are divorced . ”
“ What ? ” Cheryl’s eyes widened in shock . “ Divorce ? This isn’t April Fools ‘ Day , is it ? You two aren’t ganging up to trick me , are you ? ”
Cathy shook her head and told Cheryl firmly , “ It’s true . ”
“ Why are you getting divorced ? Mom , you’re both getting on in years . What’s all this fuss about ? ”
“ Silly girl , there’s no law saying you can’t get divorced at any age . As for why your dad and I are splitting up , go ask him and see if he dares to tell you .”
Werner wouldn’t say a word , just hanging his head .
Tears instantly welled up in Cheryl’s eyes as she cried out , “ Dad , say something ! Why is Mom divorcing you ? ”
Werner clenched his fists tightly , utterly silent .
Cheryl’s gaze snapped to Jennifer , her eyes blazing with fury . She glared at Jennifer , her voice trembling with anger . parents again , didn’t you ? Now my family’s shattered , happy ? ”
new it ! You messed with my
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