Evelyn: sighs heavily Mom, that man, Larry... you can't marry him. You know what he did to me.
if you got married to him you would be no better than him.
rolls her eyes Oh, so now you're an expert on relationships? Please, spare me the lecture.
I will leave the money for you two to do whatever you wanna do.
stands up abruptly Fine, Hayes. If you think I'm going to stay here and let you marry that monster, you're sorely mistaken.
we could get a divorce and split everything in half.
narrows her eyes You think it's that simple? Just because you want a quick fix doesn't mean things work that way.
I have a lawyer ready and everything.
slams her hand on the table This is ridiculous! You can't just go through life treating people like objects!
I’m not doing that I can let you keep the house if you want it.
grabs her bag and storms out I don't want your damn house! I want a life where I don't have to constantly look over my shoulder, wondering if Larry's gonna show up.
he hasn’t been able to find you for the past year, how is he gonna find you now.
pauses, takes a deep breath Fine. If you think you can just brush me off like one of your many conquests, then go ahead and file the papers.
walks back into the room, holding a stack of papers Fine, let's see how you handle this.
I’ll fill out the forms tonight and mail them in tomorrow.
throws the papers on the table Great, just perfect. You can't even handle a simple paperwork process without making it a mess.
there are instructions on how to fill them out online.
The divorce proceedings are lengthy and emotionally draining, but eventually, Evelyn and Hayes come to a settlement where they split the assets equally and both walk away with their own lives
and then I never see you again.
takes a deep breath, looking Hayes in the eye Yeah, yeah. You won't even have to worry about seeing me again.
There’s a good chance we’ll cross paths again in the next few years with how close my sister is to you. But I don’t want to see you again, so don’t look for me.
smirks Don't worry, Hayes. I wouldn't dream of wasting my time on someone like you.
leans in close, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, it was just wonderful knowing you too, Hayes.
rolls her eyes Yeah, sure. I'll make sure to take extra good care of myself since I'm no longer tied down to you.
scoffs Bye, Hayes. Have a great life. I'm sure you'll find someone else to bore in no time.
oh, I will. And I’ll be happy, unlike you.
pauses, her voice softens slightly Maybe. But remember, Hayes, happiness isn't always about finding the right person. Sometimes, it's about accepting yourself.
smiles faintly Maybe we'll cross paths again someday, Hayes. Who knows? Maybe I'll even be happy by then.
turns and walks away, leaving Hayes standing alone Goodbye, Hayes. Take care of yourself.
takes a deep breath, looking back one last time Goodbye, Hayes. And good luck finding your happiness.
whispers to herself Goodbye, Hayes. May you finally find what you've been searching for.
pauses, turns back towards Hayes Maybe you have, Hayes. Maybe you already have.
it’s not her, or things, or even experiences. It’s just…me.
nods slowly, her eyes filled with understanding Yes, Hayes. Happiness can come from within.
I hope you find the same.
pauses for a moment, then nods I hope I do too, Hayes. I really do.
As Evelyn walks away, Hayes watches her go, feeling a sense of closure and peace settle over him. He knows that the journey ahead won't be easy, but he feels a newfound sense of hope and determination to find his own happiness.
This story ended two chapters earlier than it was supposed to.
pauses, turns back towards Hayes You know what, Hayes? Maybe we both deserve a fresh start. Let's make a pact to spread our wings and embrace the unknown. Who knows what wonders await us out there?