Chapter 5

Lessie's POV 

I left my husband's office, tears streaming down my face. Before I made my way there, countless thoughts had already run through my mind. What if he refused to listen? What if he threw me out? And he did exactly that.

Once again, he proved me wrong. Time and time again, I've been the fool, holding on to the hope that my husband would stay with me forever. I kept wishing for a small taste of sweetness in our marriage, but it never came, and now, it seems it never will.

Now, we're finally divorced. I've already signed the papers, and do I have any regrets? Not really. It’s more pain than regret.

It hurts, knowing I can't be with my husband anymore. It hurts even more, knowing he chose his ex over the wife who stood by him for two years.

I really can't help but want to tear up even more. The wetness on my face could barely explain how betrayed and hurt I'm feeling inside of me.

When I finally had enough of crying, 

I can't stay outside anymore, I have been outside since I was chased out of Freddie's office and now it was already night time. I picked up my bag and took a cab with the last cash with me.

When the cab dropped me, I looked at the house and went over to knock.

“Who's that?” I heard a voice approaching, and the door suddenly opened.

“Ah, Lessie you're here.” The voice gasps.

I didn't even have the time to speak, when I was gently pulled inside the house.

A nice rose smell struck my nose as I was hugged. I should be shocked and scared at the sudden pull and hug, but I didn't, since it was my friend Ella. 

I went over to her house since I had nowhere else to go.

“Lessie, why are you out so late? Shouldn’t you be at home?” Her voice was full of concern.

“I need to sit down first.” I didn’t answer her directly and went to take a seat.

Before Ella could start bombarding me with questions, I quickly began to explain everything. This time, I made sure not to cry.

“What the hell?” she shouted. “All of this happened, and you didn’t call me? And that b!tch had the nerve to ask you to sign the divorce papers, and you signed them?” she asked, frustrated.

“I signed them not because I was forced, but because it’s what Freddie wanted,” I sighed.

“Freddie’s gone too far. I’m going over there to teach both of them a lesson. When you told me his ex was causing trouble, I didn’t think it was this serious. If I had known, I would’ve come to you instead of going to work.”

I glanced at her, knowing what was going through her mind. Ella was already starting to blame herself for what had happened to me.

I quickly shook my head. “Don’t blame yourself. What will be, will be. Freddie would’ve divorced me regardless,” I sighed again.

Ella wanted to say more—she was clearly furious—but I saw her hold back.

“So, what are you going to do now?” she asked softly.

“Nothing, I guess. But I need to find a job.”

During my years of marriage to Freddie, I didn’t work, but now that we’re no longer together, I need to find work to keep my mind off the depression and to support myself.

Ella tried to cheer me up. “It’s settled, then. Let’s get some sleep, and tomorrow we’ll start calling around to see if there are any job openings.”

I nodded, and we both went to sleep in Ella’s room. She lives alone, so the house only has a living room and a bedroom.

Just like the previous night, I found it hard to sleep. But I forced myself to rest; I didn’t want to wake up with puffy eyes.

...

“Can you please check again? You just said there was an opening, so what changed?”

“Oh, thank goodness, that’s a relief…” But her relief was short-lived. “What? No opening again?”

“You found a vacancy? That’s great! Can we come today? No, it’s already taken?”

“Please, can you double-check? You agreed to give us the job, so why aren’t you keeping your word?”

I watched as Ella kept calling different places. Her usual lively face was now clouded with frustration. When we woke up, she was so hopeful about finding me a job, but every place we called had no openings. Even the ones that initially accepted me turned me down after hearing my name.

“Ella, what do we do now?” I asked, my face tense.

“I’m not sure.” Ella sighed, still scrolling through her phone.

I wanted to reassure her, but then I noticed the troubled expression on her face.

A sense of dread crept over me, and I instinctively moved closer to check her phone.

“THE BILLIONAIRE FREDDIE GREEN HAS DIVORCED HIS WIFE LESSIE GREEN.” I gasped.

My legs wobbled as I stepped back, my face blank with shock.

“Lessie, I think the reason we’re having trouble finding you a job is because your divorce is all over the news,” Ella said, clearly frustrated.

“But how did your divorce become public? Freddie should’ve known this would make it hard for you to get help now that you’re no longer with him.” There was a sharp edge of anger and annoyance in her voice.

I stood there, frozen, even as Ella continued to vent. Freddie really did me dirty. It wasn’t enough that he divorced me; now he wants to ruin my entire life.

I never wanted to feel this way, but now all I have for Freddie is hatred. With everyone knowing about our divorce, I won’t be able to live happily here. Finding a job in my situation will be nearly impossible.

I turned to Ella with a smile. “Don’t worry about finding me a job. I’ll move somewhere else, where no one can find me and I will start over. I just need to borrow some money from you.”

“But where exactly will you go? Will you be alright?” Ella asked, her face filled with concern.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Trust me, I’ll come out stronger than I am here.”

“Alright, I trust you.” Ella pulled me into a hug, and I finally let out the tears I had been holding back. Thee next morning, Ella helped me gather a few things, and we headed to the bus station.