Chapter 3 The Calm Before The Storm.

In a matter of seconds, Gadreel’s expression, once mixed with brief confusion, turned cold, entirely and he was left speechless.

A divorce agreement? Ivory dared to go through with her bite-less barks, rather than apologizing?!

His hold around the paper tightened and his eyes darkened.

She was really going to lengths, kicking up a fuss over petty nothing.

“Sir,” Ezekiel’s voice interrupted his thought at that moment. Tentatively, the secretary stepped closer, holding out a smaller envelope. “She…she also left this for you.”

He couldn't help but stutter after sensing the cloud of displeasure that hung around his boss.

Gadreel had always been an intimidating figure, be it in the business industry or personal life. And at this moment, he looked the most displeased, Ezekiel had ever seen him.

Like a storm waiting to break out.

But Gadreel, seemingly noticing that this little act of Ivory was riling him up- perhaps like she wanted- quickly composed himself and reached for the envelope.

However, his jaw clenched when he opened the envelope, and read the letter that came with it.

“Dear husband,” the note read, “If you’re reading this, then it means you’ve seen the document I sent. Don’t be arrogant, don’t make this harder than it has to be for any of us, and just sign those papers. Just in case you worry, I will not be taking anything, neither your assets nor money. The only thing I ask is for us to peacefully part ways. This is the least you can give me for all the years I wasted on you.

Sincerely, Your ex-wife.”

Gadreel was, quite frankly, dumbfounded by her words.

What the hell did she mean ‘for all the years she wasted on him?’

At once, he pulled out his phone and dialed Ivory’s number. It rang, and after the third ring, the line was answered.

“Hello?” Ivory’s voice filled his ear, sounding different, distant, if he was to put a finger on it.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Gadreel asked. “Is this another one of your cry for attention?”

“Far from that.” Ivory clarified, knowing by now, he’s been made aware of the divorce Agreement. “In fact, it’s exactly what it looks like. I told you I wanted a divorce, Gadreel.”

Hearing this, he clenched his jaw and clammed his eyes shut, trying his very best to not get riled up.

“Stop this nonsense, Ivory and come back right this instance.”

“And why should I do that?” She challenged. “Why should I listen to a man who wouldn’t even perform his duty as my husband?”

“Ivory-“ Gadreel started, his voice taking that dangerous tone it always did when he was getting angry.

But without waiting for him to complete what he wanted to say, Ivory cut in.

“I’m over you Gadreel. The title of your wife, I’ve gotten tired of holding that useless thing, now, I’m giving it back to its rightful owner. Don’t be a delusional dictator and sign those documents.”

And without another second to waste, the line was cut and Ivory was gone.

Gadreel didn’t speak, and neither did he move from his spot. He just stared at the lit fire place with a calmness in his eyes that didn’t look all that believable.

But Ezekiel knew, watching as the veins on his boss’s temple throbbed and as his jaw clenched and unclenched every now and then, that Gadreel was anything but calm.

In fact, he was the furthest from it.

Without a word uttered, Gadreel looked down at the paper he was still holding. His eyes scanned through it, seeing everything that had been documented and honestly, the divorce agreement, everything in it, was to his favor.

Something he would easily have signed and gotten over with, had he not spotted Ivory’s reason for filling for a divorce.

Irreconcilable difference and SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION.

Those words, much like the first two words on the paper top, were written in bold letters.

Bold letters that seemed to slap Gadreel right in the face, bruising his ego and dignity as a man.

Sexual dysfunction!

Who the fuck told her that something was wrong with his ability to perform in bed?!

Gadreel’s anger flared once again and it was taking a lot out of him, to not burn the document into flames at the very moment.

“Sir,” Ezekiel tried, once again.

This time, his voice was softer, more cautious, and Gadreel’s attention was on him almost instantly.

“Should I-“ He was interrupted immediately.

“Find her.” Gadreel growled.

Ezekiel gulped, his hands shaking. “S-Sir?”

“I said, find her!” He commanded and Ezekiel nearly jumped at the harsh and dangerous tone of his boss.

He nodded frantically, then, bowed his head, turned and left.

When he was gone, Gadreel looked at the fireplace and without hesitation, he threw the document into the burning fire.

The document instantly caught fire, but he didn’t leave, no, he stayed, watching the fire burn, a certain type of rage present in his eyes.

Ivory, it seems she needed to be taught how to be cautious with her words.

~•~

A Cosmetics Boutique

"You're finally free, Avery. I won't let you sit here mopping floors." Emm, Avery's only good friend, immediately drove to pick her up when she heard about her divorce.

After saying that, she rushed into the aisles, starting to look for a dress suitable for a nightclub for her friend.

"Uh, no thanks, I really don't want to go to a nightclub. You think the men in nightclubs aren't jerks?" Avery objected to Emma's idea of wanting her to meet new men.

"But are you in the mood to berate a jerk who never appreciated your efforts?" she said. "You know, why don't you go back to him and apologize for serving him the divorce papers. Doesn't that sound like a better idea?"

Emma's words were sharp but did work, making Avery realize within seconds that perhaps staying home mopping floors was wrong.

"Listen, Avery," Emma sighed, sitting next to her friend. "I know you're hurt, I know you're tired, but that doesn't mean you should keep hiding in your—my home, feeling miserable for someone unworthy of your love."

Emma reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "So, what do you think?"

Avery didn't think a bar could make the pain of the past three years go away, but she thought she could go meet more friends, she needed to find more possibilities for herself.

"Relax! Avery, we're going to the bar just to get men to rub our toes, not—get married." Emma quipped as usual.

Avery was amused by Emma, and she immediately took out a black card from her wallet. "You're right, I was too serious before, that's why everyone ignored me."

Emma smiled, glad to see Avery's transformation, and immediately instructed the staff to do Avery's makeup. "Young lady! I knew you wouldn't be easily defeated by divorce! You know? Women often think about their divorced husbands, reluctant to take their property."

"But men secretly mock women's stupidity."

When Avery's makeup was done, Emma immediately exclaimed. "Soon the whole of Paris will know who is the most beautiful, that jerk will definitely regret it. Now, get up!"