She was probably still waiting outside the courthouse, Alexander thought with detached amusement.

The memory surfaced unexpectedly. They had scheduled an appointment at the bridal boutique last year, but then Victoria had collapsed suddenly. In the hospital chaos, the dress fitting had completely slipped his mind. His phone battery had chosen that exact moment to die.

When he finally remembered, the sun was already setting. He'd called Amy only to discover she'd waited at the boutique the entire day. Back then, he'd thought her foolish. Why wait when he was clearly unreachable?

Now, the thought warmed him strangely. Knowing someone would wait indefinitely... The morning was still young. He could always go in the afternoon.

"Alex? Alex!" Victoria's voice shattered his reverie.

He turned to see her pale face, the sickly pallor still evident beneath the harsh hospital lights.

"Yeah," he murmured. "I know."

Victoria's heart clenched. If Alexander truly intended to stay, he wouldn't have answered so vaguely. She caught Nathan's eye across the room.

Nathan stepped forward smoothly. "Why don't you stay with Victoria? I'll consult with the doctors."

Alexander nodded absently. Ten minutes later, Nathan returned with the physician.

The doctor's expression was grave. "Ms. Langley's readings are concerning. We need additional tests."

Alexander frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Initial results are inconsistent. Further diagnostics are necessary."

"It's for the best," Nathan interjected. "You're seeing that specialist tomorrow, right? More data means better treatment."

The logic was sound. Alexander agreed.

Across town, Amy stared at her silent phone. Of all days for Victoria's condition to worsen—was it calculated or just cosmic irony?

If intentional, it made no sense. No one wanted this divorce more than Victoria.

The hospital gossip said Victoria was stable after emergency treatment. Morning or afternoon, it didn't matter—she'd reschedule her rehearsal with Benjamin. This ended today.

She settled into the courthouse café, sipping espresso instead of pacing. She could've run errands, but determination anchored her. If Alexander came and found her gone, he might leave.

Noon came and went. No calls. No texts. She redialed relentlessly. She'd agreed to walk away with nothing. Today. No matter what.

The phone rang endlessly until—finally—a click.