THE DIVORCE

BOOK 1 OF THE DESTINED LOVE SERIES: Little Alfred Plays Matchmaker: The Billionaire's Regret

***MIRABELLA’S POV***

I stared blankly at the file in my hand, still trying to wrap my head around it. It’s a divorce document sent to me by my beloved husband. At first, I thought he was joking when he first mentioned it to me, but now that it is in my possession, it is crystal clear that my husband meant it. He had already signed his part before having the documents sent to me.

How did we end this way?

After three years of marriage and three years of my consistent effort to get him to love me back, my efforts remained null and void. Was it wrong for me to want to be with the man I love? I know I forced Easton into this marriage, knowing fully well that he was dating someone else at that moment, but I only did it because of the love I have for him.

I’ve always been in love with Easton Grey, right from the day we first met. I was at a dinner party that my father had asked me to attend on his behalf, and just as I was about to take another glass of wine, my gaze locked with that of Easton’s. I was overwhelmed by the compelling, intimidating, and alluring aura he exuded. I felt drawn to him that instant, his hazel-green eyes held my gaze as I found my way to him. I still remember the words he uttered to me that night:

“Hello beautiful. To what do I owe this graceful encounter?” As his rich, mesmerizing voice reverberated in my ears, my heart lost control. The fact that he thought me to be beautiful, his voice, his charisma—it heightened my desire to be with him, and I knew then that I wanted to be a part of his life. We became friends thereafter, and even though I knew he only cared for me like a sister, I never stopped trying to win his heart.

I thought that by marrying him, he would finally see me as a woman and return my love, but the exact opposite happened.

Easton’s attitude toward me took a wild turn after our marriage, and he never once hid the fact that he hated being married to me. I tried to overlook it all with hopes of things getting better with time, but even after three years, nothing changed.

He has always had eyes for one woman, and she is none other than Nicole Freeman, his college girlfriend. Easton has never looked at me the way he looks at Nicole. He’s always a different man whenever he’s with her, and I envied that about her. I wanted to also experience that side of Easton, but it’s unfortunate that I never got that chance. Maybe this is for the best, maybe I pushed him too much with this marriage.

“If this is what you truly desire…” I let out a deep sigh. I knew I couldn’t have the happy ending I had planned for, even though it hurts so much to have to let go. After all these years, Easton hasn’t even touched me. After our wedding ceremony, which was the only occasion we shared a kiss, it seemed as though he had forgotten about me entirely. Never have I desired anything more than to be in his arms, to have his lips explore every inch of my body, and to feel his touch against my skin. I must at least obtain my closure before I sign these documents.

After making up my mind, I put the file down and picked up my phone. I texted Easton, asking him to come over to the house later that evening so we could go over the specifics of the papers. He barely comes home these days, and I hoped he would this time, if not for anything but to at least see him one last time before I disappear from his life like he always wanted.

I went into the room immediately after sending the text to prepare myself for his return. I searched the closet for the dress I had worn the first day we met. I kept it all these years because it meant a lot to me. It reminded me of the day I met the love of my life.

I took a bath, got dressed, put on the dress, put on minimal makeup, and looked in the mirror. My features would make any man—any man but Easton— ecstatic to have me as his wife. My dark, long, silky hair lay on one side of my neck, my crystal blue eyes glowed against the moonlight that shone directly on my smooth, rosy complexion, and the red silk-like garment adorned every inch of my body, enhancing my curves. But beauty is not helpful now. I mean, what’s it’s use if my husband hates me that much?

A while later, I heard the door creek open, and a familiar cologne filled my nostrils. He came! But instead of being excited about it, I only felt more heartbroken. The look on his face told me he had come solely for the signing process, and I tried my best not to show any emotions. He had made up his mind, and nothing I do now will change that.

“I’m here, let’s get this over with.” He said it coldly, taking a seat on the opposite couch. I felt a sharp pain in my chest as I brought out the papers from the file. I felt his gaze on me the whole time, but I tried not to look up. I’m sure he expected me to make a fuss about the situation, but my silence surprised him. Perhaps he felt sorry for me, perhaps I had become so pathetic trying to win his love that he stared at me with those pitiful gazes of his, which I avoided.

“Regarding the terms of this divorce, I don’t need your money. We both know I never married you for money.” I stated, trying my best to hide my pain. I waited for his response, and when I didn’t get any, I finally raised my head up, meeting his gaze. That was all it took to finally break me. For the first time in three years, Easton’s gaze wasn’t a hard glare but a soft stare—the ones I had fallen in love with.

I didn’t even realize I was crying until the tears escaped my eyes, wetting my hand. I immediately wiped my eyes, not wanting him to see me this way.

“Mirabella...” Easton’s soft voice echoed in the living room, and I immediately looked up at him. He has never spoken to me in such a tone before, and his soft gaze remained unchanged.

“We both know this marriage was a mistake from the start. I appreciate all you’ve done for me, starting with mending my relationship with my parents, and then saving the company...” He paused; his gaze lingered on my face as he tried to observe my every reaction.

“I don’t want anyone to manipulate my life anymore. We can still be friends after this, it doesn’t change how I feel about you-”

“And how do you feel about me, Easton?” I cut him off.

“You already know the answer, Mirabella.” Easton responded; his expression was the same as before. “I’ve always seen and cared for you like a sister-”

“And I’ve always wanted you to see me as a woman!” I snapped, unable to contain my emotions. How could he still say such to me after being married that long?

“We both know that would never be. Accept my simple terms Mirabella, you’ve had your way for three years. It’s time I have mine.” And with that, his expression turned cold and indecipherable.

My mind kept replaying his last sentence. ‘Had my way?’ When have I ever had my way? If I did then we wouldn’t be getting a divorce. I wanted to utter more protest, but his expression made it clear to me that he wasn’t going to entertain anymore discussion.

“Do you want a drink?” I asked, hoping he wouldn’t decline, and to my amazement, he didn’t.

“Sure.” He replied dryly, leaning back against the couch and crossing his legs. I immediately walked towards the wine I had earlier placed at the dinner. I poured it into two glasses, taking a deep breath. Easton might despise me even more for what I’m about to do, but I had to.

I returned to the living room shortly and handed Easton his drink. He kept his gaze on me while taking the drink, and I tried my best not to stare at the drink too much. What if he changes his mind and doesn’t drink it? He always refuses things I offer him, but again, to my amazement, he emptied the glass in one go, placing the empty glass on the table before adjusting his attire.

“Let’s proceed.” He said after, and I let out a sigh. I emptied my glass, also placing it on the table, but instead of proceeding to sign the document, I stood up and walked towards Easton. He gave me a questionable gaze and tried standing up but fell back on the couch like he had lost his strength and I sat on his lap immediately. I noticed his gaze was getting weaker, which is a result of the drug I had slipped into his drink.

“I will sign the papers, and I will leave just like you want me to.” I said this as I began to undo the buttons on his shirt. Knowing Easton, he would have pushed me off by now, but he couldn’t, thanks to my little help. “I will leave, but first…” I trailed off, running my hand through his chestnut-brown hair. I trailed my hand down to his sharp jawline end and then up to his lips as I slowly leaned in, capturing his lips in mine.