Chapter 2: Can I ask you something?

Graciella's Point of View:

As I stand in front of him, I recall numerous recollections I have of him. Everything about our relationship in more than a year, from the moment we met, which flipped my life upside down, to the day of our wedding, which I never imagined I would experience.

Everyone was raving about our wedding and how wonderful it was a year ago. I realize it was a hasty wedding, but given the circumstances, which included an unexpected pregnancy, I didn't have many options but to marry him.

Even though I knew it was all a ruse to avoid the embarrassment caused by their name, and even though I had long since given up hope that the two of us would ever have emotional touch or affection for one another, I will never forget that day. I was in a good mood, and I wished that my future family would be as well.

Because I grew up without parents, my grandmother was the only person in my life. When I asked my grandmother, Nana, where my parents were, she told me they had died in an airplane crash. Their bodies were not found at the location of the accident, and due to poverty, Nana could not locate them to bury them properly.

My grandma took care of all of my needs, including my education. Even though Nana was getting on in years, she could still work and provide for me financially. As a result, when I was in college, I looked for a part-time job to help her because I knew her age was making it difficult for her to work.

I opened my eyes and let out a long, deep sigh before turning to see my husband, Zachary.

"I have a question for you. May I?" I asked him with a smile on my face.

"Is there even a remote possibility that you had feelings for me?" My audacious inquiry.

"You already know the answer," he replied, furrowing his brows.

I understood what he meant, and I had suspected for some time that he had no feelings for me. It's going to hurt, but I need to hear it so I can finally face reality.

"I'm afraid I don't know the answer, Zach. Could you please inform me?" I pretended.

He continued, squinting his brows, "Graciella, are you trying to make a joke here? Sign this document now and put an end to this nonsense!" He yelled, but that didn't stop my sarcastic grin.

"If you don't answer me, I'll not sign this divorce paper," I replied.

He exhaled deeply and slowly. "I'm not sure what you're looking for, but that's fine. If you're interested in hearing it, I'll send it to you," He stated.

I mentally prepared myself for his response. I have lingering feelings because of him, and to snap out of them and face reality, I want to hear the facts directly from his mouth.

"Graciella, I didn't love you back then, and I won't love you forever! As a result, sign the divorce papers so we can each go our separate ways."

I felt like a thousand daggers were being driven into my chest. I was wrong about everything I assumed, even the belief that nothing hurts more than knowing he doesn't love me. I mistakenly believed I could tolerate the agony because I had been experiencing discomfort for a long time since we shared the same residence, but I was mistaken. I didn't expect to feel the way I do right now when the guy you love tells you he doesn't love you.

My tear ducts opened, and I began to cry, yet my smile remained intact.

"Graciella, please don't give me that look. I understand you're upset right now because your strategy failed!" He gave me a yell.

"What do you think of me? A woman like you will make a good wife for me? A lady who will do anything to improve her quality of life and avoid the challenges life throws her? Graciella, you chose the wrong person to take advantage of because I will never let you believe I am the man you seek! "He continued.

"You failed in deceiving me if you could fool my grandfather! But don't worry, I'll give you money so you won't accuse me of being cruel." He went on to say more.

He reached into his wallet and took out a card. He handed me the card, but I just stared at it. "Your birthday will be used as the card's password. It contains a total of twenty thousand dollars. That is enough for one year of your presence in my life."

In response, I stated, "There's no need, Zach. I don't require your money."

"Grab it!" He said this while handing me the card. I had no choice but to accept it.

"To get started, you must accept the money. I am aware of the difficulties you experience in life, as well as the fact that your grandmother is ill."

I took a look at the card he had handed me. He is correct; our lives are complicated, and my grandmother is diabetic. If we divorce, it will be difficult for me to give her the funds to purchase the medication she requires to treat her illness.

"You know what will happen if you continue to take it and sign the divorce papers. You will gain nothing from me because I will make every attempt to eradicate you from my life, "He stated. "So, take it and go into this place tomorrow!" he added.

I bowed my head as a result of what he said. I had no doubt Zachary could carry out his threat against me. He can do everything he wants because of his intelligence and broad network of connections.

"I'll get the envelope back tomorrow, and I hope you've already signed everything that needs to be signed. I'll give you over to the driver so you can visit your grandmother at her home," He told me about it.

I fixed my gaze on him. He looked at me for a time before turning and walking away.

When he left, I couldn't stop myself from kneeling on the floor; my eyes were like a faucet because of the amount of tears they were spilling; it felt like the world had collapsed on me; I was like a candle that was melting, and I appeared to be losing my strength. I had no idea how long I would remain in this situation before getting up from where I was kneeling and walking to my bedroom.

I sat on the bed and checked the brown packet I'd been carrying. I had no choice but to let Zachary go because there was no longer any purpose for me to be a part of his life.

I stood up to locate a seat and grabbed a pen. On the divorce papers, I signed my name. After signing it, I placed it on the table and continued my business. I prepared everything I planned to bring with me.

I packed my belongings and exited the room after arranging them how I wanted because I was going to see Grandma.

I got out of bed and left the room. As I left the mansion, I ran across Amelia, who had bandages on her wrists and face. Her husband, to my knowledge, was in an abusive relationship. Amelia accompanied her husband because her family's safety was in jeopardy. Still, the torture she endured at the hands of her husband drove her to run and seek help from Zachary. Zachary assisted Amelia in fleeing her husband.

Zachary demanded that Amelia's husband be held accountable for what happened, but Amelia insisted that Zachary not be harmed. Her husband is an influential figure, and Amelia claims he is the leader of a group that can destabilize everyone who comes paths with him. This claim is bolstered by the fact that her husband is a powerful man.

With a grin on her face, she said to Graciella, "I'm glad to hear you're leaving, Graciella!" she exclaimed to me with excitement in her voice.

"Amelia, you are correct. I am confident that you will keep an eye out for Zachary," I replied to her.

"Don't worry, Honey, I'll take care of him," she assured me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"If you like, I can arrange for a driver to take you home," she said.

I said with a kind grin, assuring her. "There's no need, Amelia. I'll be OK."

"Okay. I wish you all the happiness in the world, love," were her final words before entering her chamber with Zachary

Amelia let out a husky chuckle that I couldn't quite make out. I just ignored it and exited the mansion without looking back.