Chapter 2

Clarissa Hart POV

Adrian went into the study.

I picked up my phone and called the lawyer back.

"He signed."

The lawyer on the other end was clearly surprised, then recovered his professional composure.

"That fast?" He paused. "Without expediting, it will take two months to complete all procedures and obtain the divorce decree. Regarding the division of joint assets, we can start drafting a detailed plan at any time."

"No need," I said. "I'm waiving all property claims. I just want the divorce."

"Miss Hart, are you sure? Based on your prenuptial agreement and the appreciation of your marital assets, you could at least-"

"I'm sure." I cut him off. "Just follow the standard process, Mr. Cooper."

"Alright."

That night, Adrian slept in the study.

Early the next morning, Adrian emerged from the study already dressed in a perfectly tailored custom suit.

"There's an urgent early meeting at the company today. I can't go with you to your prenatal checkup." He adjusted his tie as he spoke, his tone apologetic. "I'll bring you your favorite tiramisu tonight to make up for it."

I almost laughed out loud.

Prenatal checkup? The baby was gone. What hospital would I go to for a prenatal checkup?

On the day of the miscarriage, the doctor told me to stay on bed rest, but I checked myself out less than twenty-four hours after admission.

Adrian still didn't know about any of this.

But I just nodded.

Adrian finished tying his tie, examined himself in the mirror, and once everything looked perfect, he habitually pointed to his cheek, signaling for me to come over.

For four years of marriage, I'd kissed his cheek every morning before he left.

I didn't move.

"You're going to be late," I said.

Adrian paused, turned to look at me, and shook his head with a smile, thinking I was still upset about him sleeping in the study last night.

"I'm leaving then."

I went back to my room to change, then took a cab to MIT.

It was my alma mater, a place I'd been away from for four whole years.

Everything was the same as I remembered, yet somehow different.

When I arrived, a lecture in the auditorium had just ended.

I walked against the flow of people and heard students around me discussing excitedly and admiringly.

"Professor Hudson is incredible. No wonder he's the youngest tenured professor in the field."

"Yeah, he's even more handsome in person than in photos. That scholarly demeanor is just mesmerizing."

"During the Q&A, he cited literature I'd never even heard of. I need to go home and catch up on my reading."

I walked into the gradually emptying auditorium and immediately spotted the man surrounded by students and several instructors near the podium.

Callum Hudson.

He wore a simple white shirt and casual pants, patiently answering the last student's question.

Compared to his student days, he'd shed some youthfulness and gained the composure and confidence of a mature scholar.

I was about to leave and contact him later when he had time.

The moment I turned around, Callum looked up. His gaze cut through the crowd and found me instantly.

The joy in his eyes was unmistakable. He apologized to the students and colleagues around him, squeezed through the crowd, and walked quickly toward me.

"Clarissa? Is it really you?"

"Callum." I smiled.

After brief pleasantries, I got straight to the point.

"Callum, I want to join your research institute."

Callum was stunned, immense joy flooding his eyes.

"Of course! If you're willing to come back, our advisor will be thrilled."

He looked at me, his eyes full of undisguised regret and sympathy.

"You were the most gifted student in our department. Everyone thought you'd win the Nobel that year. Then your family forced you to give up your doctorate and walk away from condensed matter physics, all for business and an arranged marriage." His tone was bitter, indignant on my behalf.

"And now?" he asked with some concern. "Your family... will he agree to this?"

"I'm getting divorced," I said. "But it'll take two months to finalize everything. After that, I can report to the research institute abroad."

"Good." Callum smiled. "I'll wait for you."