Winter Sullivan spent most of her time at the research institute, so she had very few belongings at home. She opened her closet, only to find there was almost nothing to pack.
So, she closed the closet door, slung her usual bag over her shoulder, and turned to leave.
Julian reached out and grabbed her by the hand. "Winter, what do you think you’re doing?"
"I want a divorce," Winter said slowly. "But it’s too late today; the Civil Affairs Bureau is already closed. I can’t stand to be in this house a moment longer, so I’m going to my parents’ place for now. I’ll contact you tomorrow to set a time for us to go to the bureau together."
"Have you lost your mind?" Julian’s face was flushed with anger. "A divorce? I will never agree to it!"
Winter gave a faint smile. "That’s fine. As long as you’re not afraid of the humiliation, I don’t mind suing you. Also, you’d better let go of me right now, or I will hit you."
Julian knew her temperament. If she said she would get physical, she meant it.
He seethed with anger and looked at her. "You went to see Vera Xavier today, didn’t you? This is all her doing, isn’t it?"
Winter looked at him in disbelief. "First of all, yes, I went to see Vera after I was discharged from the hospital. Secondly, this is my decision. It has absolutely nothing to do with Vera."
As she spoke, something occurred to her. "Did Susan say something to you?"
"So Susan was right," Julian said, finally letting go of Winter’s hand. "This really is about Vera! Winter, you’re an adult. How can you be so incapable of telling right from wrong? Susan is our daughter! How can you not believe her, and instead trust an outsider like Vera?!"
Winter laughed. "Julian, I could say the exact same thing to you. You believe every word Susan says just because she’s your daughter. Are you even using your brain?"
With that, she turned and walked out. She had always been blunt and unyielding, and when she decided to confront someone, she was a force to be reckoned with.
Julian was still seething, so he didn’t try to stop her.
As for her, she couldn’t wait to leave. She didn’t want to stay in that house for a second longer.
Sheldon Caldwell was just coming back inside after parking the car when he saw her emerge with her bag. "Mom, where are you going?" he asked, curious.
"I’m going to my parents’ house. You’re driving me," Winter said in a cold tone. The moment the words left her mouth, tears welled up in her eyes.
She had managed to act completely calm in front of Julian, but how could any woman remain truly composed when facing a divorce?
Even though her relationship with Julian had fractured eighteen years ago, and even though she had spent the years since then preferring to research weapons at the institute rather than come home, he was still the man she had once deeply loved. And this was her home.
But she was too strong-willed to ever show weakness in front of Julian.
But now, seeing her own son, she could no longer control her emotions.
It was the first time Sheldon had ever seen his mother in such a state. He was startled, and though a million questions flooded his mind, he chose not to ask any of them. Instead, he simply drove her to the Sullivan family home.
Before she got out, Sheldon said softly, "Mom, if you go back like this... I’m just afraid Grandpa and Grandma will be really worried..."