Ch. 12- An Ending (of sorts)

Gold was feeling very content. Besides appreciating lunch with a beautiful woman, he also enjoyed laughing and swapping funny stories of living in this realm. Mahveen insisted in paying Red and Red squealed at the $40 tip she got. She hugged Mahveen and practically danced out of the shop and back to the diner.

The cake was a surprise. It's a well-known fact that Gold has a sweet tooth, but he doesn't normally share. It was different with Mahveen-he thinks he spent more time watching her relish the cake then actually eating it himself. Gold's pretty sure he had a bite or two, but he got distracted and was shocked to find out that sharing dessert could be, well, sensual. He hadn't felt this uncomfortable in a long while and struggled to remember the last time he felt like this. At 2PM exactly, Regina came in carrying some documents and looking every inch the Mayor.

"Gold, have you spoken to Belle or did you do paperwork?" Regina was never one to beat around the bush.

Gold had worked on the divorce settlement paperwork after lunch, making sure Belle was left well off. It hurt to write these papers, but deep down, it was for the best. He didn't want to hurt Belle anymore and she deserved to be happy.

"Paperwork," he stated. "I've also drawn up a settlement amount so Belle doesn't have to worry about money. It's the right thing to do. She deserves better."

Regina nodded once and looked over everything. Her eyes widened not only once she spied the amount Gold was giving to Ms. French, but that her father's massive loan was forgiven in full.

"Wow, Gold. That's more than generous. She's still the town's librarian and I've made sure she's getting a salary for that. This is-wow-above and beyond what I would havce expected from you." Regina stated, clearly awed by Gold's generosity. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Regina glanced over at Mahveen, who was sitting behind the counter, polishing and cataloging some jewlellry. Mahveen was clearly ignoring the conversation.

"Yes Regina, "Gold replied. "I've hurt her too many times and I need to let her go so she can get on with her life."

"So be it," Regina spoke. "Henry will be coming here after school. Seems his uncle was colicky last night. I'll be here at 5PM to pick him up."

"Excellent," Gold replied. "I believe I have some jam biscuits he can have as a snack."

"Mahveen" Regina nodded as she was leaving.

"Nice to see you again Mayor," Mahveen chimed. "I'll make sure Henry at least starts his homework."

And with that, Regina sailed out of the shop and the tragedy that was Gold's marriage to Belle was done. Gold took a deep breath and relaxed. Mahveen looked at him out of the corner of her eye, noticing that Gold took out his cell phone from his pocket. He stared at it for a long time, at war with himself as he had an internal struggle regarding a decision he was on the verge of making. Gold's hands shook as he flipped open the phone and dialed an all too familiar number. Belle didn't answer, so Gold left a brief, but simple message-"Be happy."

With that, Gold hung up and deleted Belle's number from his list of contacts. His heart pained him, but he also felt free, as if a great weight had been lifted.