Waylen's body exhibited a subtle rigidity, betraying his inner tension.

He had anticipated this topic to arise today, yet he was unwilling to relinquish her easily.

He clung to the hope of stalling the inevitable, harboring aspirations to salvage their fractured union.

He maintained a prolonged silence before hoarsely uttering, “Let us bide our time a Little longer."

With that, Rena emancipated herself from his grasp, severing the physical connection.

She pivoted, her gaze fixed upon him, as within her heart, she had already passed a judgment of condemnation. She was resolute in her decision to part ways.

“Why persist?" she queried in a husky tone.

“Let us dissolve this union expeditiously. Each of us must embark on a new journey. This marriage, initially borne of Alexis' existence, has now lost its purpose. With her absence, we..."

Waylen interjected, interrupting her train of thought.

His gaze, profound and unwavering, bore into her as he cautiously inquired in a subdued and humble manner, "If Alexis was still alive, would you return to me also?”

He skillfully phrased his query, tactfully avoiding a direct inquiry about divorce.

He queried, "Will you come back to me?"

Unaware of his subtle manipulation of words, Rena failed to grasp the underlying intention.

Gazing at the pallid sky, she murmured softly, "Regrettably, there is no ‘if’ Left between us."

Waylen advanced once more, enveloping her in a gradual embrace. Before she could extract herself from his clutches, he whispered, "I will comply, Rena... Permit me to hold you for a while Longer."

Silent and tender, he clung to her.

In that moment, Waylen remained uncertain about the length of their impending separation. It could span years-two or three or perhaps an entire lifetime.

Regardless of the duration, he resolved to convince himself.

He ought to liberate her.

Studying her intently, he proposed, “Let us revisit our former abode for a meal. I will request Jazlyn to deliver the divorce papers there subsequently."

Eventually, Rena succeeded in freeing herself from his grasp.

A faint smile graced her lips as she responded, “It is unnecessary."