Chapter 2:  Divorce

Gina's POV

Julian's eyes locked onto mine, his expression a mix of shock, guilt, shame, and indifference. The woman's face turned toward me, her lips still locked on Julian's.

Lily.

My stepsister.

His hands were wrapped around Lily's waist, his fingers digging into her skin.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, unable to breathe. The air was sucked out of the room, leaving only a suffocating silence.

Lily's gaze sparkled with malice, her smile twisting into a cruel grin. Julian's face contorted, guilt and shame mixing with defiance.

My eyes burned, tears welling up, but I couldn't look away. My husband and my stepsister.

Together.

My world crumbled, shattered by the betrayal.

“Alex, why? What did I do to deserve this?” I asked with ashaky voice, refusing to allow the tears drop.

“Enough of the drama! I'm sick and tired of this charade. Julian has always been mine from the beginning. You were used just for the mean time and that time has expired.” Lily sneered.

I stared at them in disbelief, still trying to process what she had just said.

“Julian, are you not going to say anything?” I asked.

“I'm actually surprised to see you back so soon. It seems that the drug wasn't too strong in your coffee. You are lucky that you didn't bleed to death.” Lily said with a smirk.

I remembered Rachel immediately. Scanning the room for any sign of her, I was about to scream her name when Lily interrupted me.

“Don't bother to look for her. I dismissed her. Her time in this house is over. I paid her for carrying out the task swiftly.”

“You poisoned me. You connived with my maid to make me loose my baby!” 

I charged towards her, landed a heavy slap on her face and began to pull her thick blonde hair, while screaming curses.

Several hands dragged me away from Lily, with Julian refraining me from behind.

“Let go of me, you Bastard. You connived with her too, didn't you? We just lost our baby! Yet, you have the guts to make out with a bitch!” I screamed on top of my voice, kicking frantically.

Julian released my hands and I slapped him almost immediately. If that is the only thing I can do to get this rage out of my chest.

He touched his left cheek bitterly before proceeding to show me the papers on the table.

“Sign this divorce papers, Gina. This marriage is over.” He said grimly.

“I will. But first, you must explain why you betrayed me like this.” 

“It is simply to get you out of the way.” A voice rang out from behind and it was Monica, Lily's Mother, my stepmom.

“When your father died, his will stated that the house would go to either you or Lily, whoever has an heir first. 

Did you really think that we would sit by and watch you have that baby peacefully and take all the inheritance to yourself?” Monica quizzed.

It all made sense now. They poisoned me just so that I wouldn't claim the inheritance.

“If you had told me that the money means so much to you, I would have left it for you, Lily. You didn't have to go extreme. Julian, why are you in support of this?”

“Enough of the questions, Gina. Just sign the papers and leave immediately. This is a cheque of one million dollars. 

You can use it to help yourself out for the meantime till you secure another life for yourself. Consider it as my compensation and parting gift to you.”

Julian handed the cheque and divorce papers to me, avoiding my gaze.

With a firm resolve, I signed on all the papers and flinged them on the table.

“As for this, I don't need it. You can give it to beggars.” I said, tearing the cheque into shreds and throwing it on Alex like confetti.

“And take back your stinking ring!” I forced the shiny metal out of my middle finger and threw it on the glass table.

“Lana, go upstairs and get my bags. I'm leaving this place immediately.” I ordered, stomping out of the house.

As Lana brought my bags, I took one last look at the one place I have lived in for the past five years. My marriage with Julian had not always been blissful but I never complained.

Julian had been my childhood crush even though Lily had eyes on him. He loved me and we were both happy. But now, it seems that tables have turned.

I am Gina Steven, twenty - eight years old and I came from a polygamous home. My mother died from cancer when I was Ten shortly after she learnt of my father's extra marital affairs with Monica. Lily was just two years old then.

After my mom's death, Monica and Lily moved in to live with us.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered the pains I have been through in the hands of my step family. I quickly wiped the tears, swearing under my breath to make them pay for this.

“Where are we headed, Ma'am?” Lana asked, shaking me out of my reverie.

“Lana, you are already relieved of your duties as my maid. I am no longer the woman of this household. Please you must not come with me.” I said, calmly.

“Ma'am, please don't dismiss me. I want to go with you. I have served you for years now and you have been so good to me. I can't leave you now, Ma. I can't remain here and serve those cruel people.” Lana pleaded.

“Alright, Lana. Let's go.”

The only destination I had in mind was my maternal home. My grandfather was still alive and strong. A smile crept on my lips as I remembered how happy he would be to see me.

I flagged down a cab right in front of me.

“Where are you headed, Ma'am?” The cab driver asked.

“Take us to Saxton Villa.”

“Ma’am, did you just say Saxton Villa? Is that not where the founders of “Saxton Luxury homes” live in? Will they allow us go in? Or do you know anyone there?” Lana asked.

“Don’t worry about that, Lana. My grandfather will welcome us with open arms.” I said with glee.

The cab glided through the city streets, carrying me away from the shattered remains of my marriage. 

Finally, we turned onto a private drive, lined with towering hedges and ornate lamps. The cab wound through the manicured landscape, revealing Saxton Villa in all its glory.

The villa's front exterior shone with light-colored stone, decorated with curved arches and balconies. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling, shining colorful lights onto the driveway through tall windows.

A majestic fountain danced in the center of the circular drive, surrounded by impeccably groomed gardens.

Lana's eyes widened as we stepped out of the cab. "Ma'am, this is... breathtaking."

I smiled, memories of my childhood flooding back. "Welcome to Saxton Villa, Lana."

A guard approached, his eyes locked on mine. "Miss Gina, welcome home."

Lana's jaw dropped as the guard bowed slightly, his voice dripping with deference.

"Your grandfather's staff has been notified of your arrival. We've prepared your usual suite."

I nodded, accustomed to the luxury and respect.

Lana's gaze darted between the guard and me, her expression awestruck. "Ma'am, who...who are you?"

I smiled, a hint of mystery playing on my lips.

The guard's expression remained neutral, but his eyes flickered with understanding.

"Shall I escort you to your quarters, Miss Gina?" he asked.

I nodded, and he led us toward the villa's grand entrance.

As we stepped into the opulent foyer, Lana whispered, "I had no idea that you are related to such a wealthy family, Ma'am."

I smiled.

No one did.