Chapter 6
Every brick, every tile, and every blade of grass in this garden was chosen by me and Benson together–including the large lemon tree in the backyard. That tree had been transplanted from the park next to our old basement unit.
Back when we had no money, our greatest form of entertainment was taking walks in that little park.
Benson had said, “Let this tree stand in honor of the ten hard years you spent with me, Yvonne. As long as the tree remains, so does my promise: I will never let you
down.”
Spring hadn’t arrived yet. The lemon tree stood dry and lifeless with not a hint of green on its branches. Just like the last ten years between me and Benson, it was
lifeless.
I went to the storage room and took out an electric saw, then called the neighbor’s husband to help me cut it down.
The neighbor’s wife looked startled. “Every autumn when the leaves turn gold and flutter down, my husband and I would see you two from our rooftop terrace. You’d sit under that tree with a table and two chairs, reading and sipping tea.
“That must’ve been going on for ten years, right? You really want to cut it down now? Are you and your husband sure about this?”
I took a sip of tea and smiled lightly. “Life rises and falls. Rivers shift, and mountains erode. In the end, nothing is truly hard to let go of.”
She fell silent and said no more.
Just like that, the ten–year–old lemon tree fell to the ground in the garden. My heart ached, but oddly enough, I also felt relieved.
I called someone to come and haúl it away.
The neighbor and his wife were drenched in sweat from the work. To thank them, I gifted them a tea set that had been treasured in my home for years.
That tea set was bought by Benson at an auction he took me to after our first real success. He gave it to me as a gift, and I had treasured it ever since.
I began sorting through the gifts Benson had given me over the years. They were all expensive, from bracelets and gold necklaces to a custom–made veil. Then came a slew of designer handbags, lavish but thoughtlessly chosen.
It was alright. I wouldn’t use them
anyway.
I arranged for them all to be sold off at a low price: Along with the half of our assets I would receive per the divorce agreement, it was enough to live the rest of my life comfortably.
By the time I was done, I realized there was nothing I truly wanted to take with me.
I took a shower and changed my clothes. Thankfully, I had always taken good care of my skin and health. At 39, I looked no older than 29.
I could
wear delicate pearl earrings and pull off a bold, elegant bracelet. That was something to be proud of.
I slipped on low heels, grabbed a bag, and left the house.
Unlike before, I didn’t take the house key with me. I left the key behind. And along with it, I left behind 20 years of marriage and affection.
From that moment on, I would never return.
After settling Yara and Stellan, Benson drove home. His brows furrowed together. He was unable to shake the growing irritation and restlessness inside him. He didn’t know what was wrong with him lately.
Today, seeing Stellan in that state, he completely lost control. He had struck Yvonne for the first time in his life He thought back to how Yvonne had looked at him in the hospital while holding the signed divorce agreement. Her eyes had been calm, devoid of emotion.
and without even giving her a chance to explain. “Damn it!”
He slammed a fist against the steering wheel, pulled over to the side of the road, and rolled the window down to let the cold night air hit his face.
All these years of comfort and refinement had smoothed his edges. It had been a long time since he lost control like this. He felt just like a hot–headed kid in his
teens or twenties.
He let out a short laugh. It reminded him of those early years when their startup struggled. He had been just as quick–tempered and volatile back then.
