Chapter 19 One last time.

Sitting in the Civil Affairs Bureau, Arwen really wanted to give herself a pat on the back. She was truly brave to come here today to sign the marriage certificates when, just a day prior, she knew her fiancé was taking another woman out on a date. Gianna was right to say she has gone crazy –to be indifferent and ignorant towards the situation she was going to trap herself in for the future. A loveless marriage might seem like a simple concept, but it's the name of the suffering that ends only with you –or maybe even follows you beyond that. "It's fine, Arwen. Since you have already made the decision, take this last chance as well. A last opportunity given wouldn't make you lose more than you have already lost," she mumbled to herself as she waited in the office's waiting area. Time ticked by slowly, and with every passing second, Arwen's anxiety grew worse. Her heart acted strangely, making her feel uncomfortable, and her hands turned sweaty. She felt an overwhelming urge to run far away to a place where no one would be able to find her. "Miss, may I ask you your name?" Suddenly, a polite voice interrupted Arwen, making her turn her head. Her brows furrowed slightly without her realizing it. She was not confused, but since she had been deep in thought before the interruption, the transition took her some time. When the man saw her puzzled expression, he quickly explained, "Actually, I was looking for Ms. Quinn." "I am Arwen Quinn. Please tell me, what it is?" Arwen introduced herself, getting up from her seat. The man looked at her, and his eyes sparkled. When he first spoke to her, she had only turned her head slightly, not giving him the full picture of herself. But now that she was standing and facing him directly, he could not help but be momentarily dazzled. "Ms. Quinn!" he addressed her, a little flustered. "Hey, Daniel. I just called to ask if you reminded Ryan about today," she asked, trying to sound unbothered, though Daniel could see through it. "Yes, I did," he replied, continuing, "Yesterday, just after you hung up, I went to his office and reminded him about going to the Civil Affairs Bureau today. I even told him it was the most important appointment for the week and that he couldn't miss it. What happened? Hasn't he shown up yet?" Arwen hummed in disapproval. "No, he hasn't, Daniel, and I can't reach him on his phone. Could you please help check on him? Someone from the office has already informed me that it's our turn soon." "Oh okay, Arwen. Give me some time; I will go and check. I thought he would have already left," Daniel said, sounding quite confused and surprised. Arwen frowned, "Why? Is he not at the office?" she asked. Ryan was never late to the office. Even if he is sick, he would take his medicines and go to the company to complete his work. He was a workaholic. "Uh –I am not sure, Arwen. I haven't checked. How about I will get back to you in a bit. Let me see if he is caught up with some work. You know how he is; he must be here in the office," Daniel said. Even though he said that, Arwen could tell he was hiding something from her. She could hear the rush in his voice and could easily tell he was running somewhere. It was not hard to guess where he was headed –he was probably looking for Ryan. Daniel was trying to cover for him. Arwen understood, but humming, she disconnected the call. 'Just this one time, Arwen. This would be the last time,' she muttered to herself, detaching herself already from the hope that she once held very dearly.