I made the choices that Shane had failed to make on this behalf.
Over the years, I had built my own business and now owned a fairly successful company. Although my in–laws said that they were leaving everything they owned to me, I had no interest in fighting with Shane over the inheritance.
His parents were gone. He was pitiful enough without all that.
I didn’t need to fight an orphan for anything, anyway.
I chose to leave with nothing and coordinated the details with my lawyer in the following days.
The last thing to do was getting Shane to agree with it.
I went to the funeral home, where the air reeked of cigarette smoke.
Craig seemed to have aged decades overnight. There were dark circles under his eyes. When he saw me, he lunged at me like I was his savior.
“Nat, I knew you wouldn’t give up on Shane!” he cried. “He’s inside. Please talk to him.”
I got a bad feeling from that. Quickly, I hurried into the funeral home.
As soon as I stepped in, I tripped over something–or rather, someone, slumped on the ground lifelessly.
“Shane?” I gasped in shock, staring at him in disbelief.
Shane’s eyes were dull, and his hair had turned gray overnight. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought that he was the one who had died
“Nat?” Shane struggled upright. His expensive clothes were filthy, with several cigarette butts stuck to the sleeves. “You’re here. You’re finally here. Thank goodness you’re here. I still have you…”
I looked down at him and said coldly, “You’re mistaken. I’m here to finalize our divorce.”
He looked incredulous and grabbed the cuff of my sleeve. “No, that’s impossible. You still love me. Right?
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have cheated on you with Hailey. I shouldn’t have upset you. Hailey hasn’t even come to visit me these days. You’re the only one who cares about me.”
His expression turned vicious. “All of our relatives flocked to us when my parents were still alive. Now that they’re dead, they can’t even be bothered to attend their funeral. They’re all just waiting to pounce on the inheritance.”
“This has nothing to do with me,” I said coldly. I just need you to sign the divorce agreement.”
Trembling, Shane picked up a pen and signed his name, seemingly exhausting all of his energy to write down his name.
I didn’t take him to the hospital.
I turned and walked away.