Chapter 5: GOODBYE, KAIRO

Laura's Point of View

"Are you really sure about this?" my best friend, Jamaica Raven, asks. "Maybe you're just hurt and making a quick decision."

"There's no way I'm rushing this after everything I've been through, Jam. And..." I place my hand on my stomach and smile. “If I stay, I might lose myself and my twins. They're my reason to keep on going.”

Jamaica sits on the bed and holds my hand, smiling at me. "Well, if that's what you want, you know I'll always support you.”

"Thank you, Jam. For not leaving me," I reply tearfully and hug her.

As we hug, we both glance at the side table. My phone rings.

Unknown number calling…

Even though I deleted the number from my contacts, I still know who it is.

Without hesitation, I answer, "What do you want, Kairo?”

"Stop it already. Aren't you tired of this? You're just wasting my time acting like a baby," Kairo says, sounding frustrated.

"A waste of time for you, maybe, but not for me!" I snap back. "If you don't want to waste your time, then just sign the divorce papers.”

“I won't sign it. Just come home and we will talk about it. I'll give you everything you want!”

"What I want is for you to sign the damn papers!" I shout.

“Look, I know there's a reason you're acting like this. Just tell me what you really want." His voice drips with arrogance.

I sarcastically laugh and reply with disdain, "Do you really want to know what I want?”

"Yes, so we can finally put an end to this. This is just a waste of time and energy, Laura!”

“Okay, fine. I used to want your love. Or at least a bit of sympathy. That would've been enough for me,” I pause, trying to hold back my tears.

"But things have changed. I don't need those things anymore,” I say firmly. “What I need is to move on with my life. If you still want to talk about the divorce, call my lawyer and handle it with him.”

Without waiting for his reply, I hung up.

********************************

It's been three days since Kairo last called me. I feel a sense of peace, but part of me wonders if he's really given up or if he's planning something to stop the divorce.

Now, I'm sitting in Attorney Gomez's office, feeling dizzy from the morning sickness. Good thing Jamaica is here with me.

"Good news, Miss William. Mr. Jackson signed the divorce papers and included something extra," Attorney Gomez says, handing me the signed documents along with a bank card. "This card contains two million as compensation for your separation.”

I stare at the check, my jaw tightening as I take it. This money feels like an insult, a slap in the face after everything I've been through.

"Please give it back and tell him I don't want his charity,” I say coldly. Taking it would be a mistake. It would just prove to Kairo I really can't live without him.

"But Miss William, why? Wouldn't it help to accept this and start fresh?" the attorney asks.

"She's right, Laura. If you keep dwelling on the past, you'll make things harder," Jamaica adds. "Didn't you say you want to go back to college and start a career?”

"Yes, but I don't want his — "

"Laura, listen," Jamaica interrupts. "Think of this money as payment for all the pain you went through during your marriage. Why not use it to chase your dreams? Go abroad, study, start over.”

"Miss William, this money can really help you. You can focus on your studies without worrying about finances," the attorney says, handing me the bank card. "Don't worry, I'll handle the rest.”

"Studying abroad does sound promising," I admit. I look at the bank card in my hand, and my worries start to fade away.

I tighten my grip on the bank card. Looking at Attorney Gomez and Jamaica, I make a decision.

"Alright, I'll take it. I'll study abroad and make the most of my life.”

********************************

In the following days, Jamaica helps me gather all my documents, including my school records, to get ready for the transfer. She also helps me with the whole departure process.

"So, once you're in Europe, what are you going to study?" Jamaica asks with a smile as she helps me pack.

I pause and look at her. "Hotel Management. You know we used to own a nice hotel, but we went bankrupt. My parents had to sell it to pay off debts." My voice trails off, the memories still painful.

My past with Kairo hurts, and so does losing my family's business. Everything that happened here in the US has been a nightmare for me.

“Oh, you want a career in the hospitality industry?” Jamaica asks.

I nod. “Someday, I want to manage a family hotel like my dad. Maybe it's a way to keep our family’s legacy alive.”

“Well, I wish you the best, my friend,” Jamaica says.

“Thanks so much, Jam. I really appreciate everything you've done for me. I'll keep you updated once I'm in Europe."

She hugs me tightly and pats my back. "Take care over there, Laura. Let me know if you need anything, and I'll do whatever I can to help."

I hug her back just as tightly. I'm not sure how long I'll be gone, and even though my time here hasn't been great, it still feels like home — my safe haven.

After a few moments, they call my flight. As I walk away, tears start to fall.

So long, America…

Goodbye, Kairo…