I slowly opened my eyes; the bright hospital lights pierced through my brain, making me wince. But as my gaze fell upon the familiar face beside me, my pain and discomfort melted away. Chris, my childhood friend, my confidant, my protector, was sitting next to me, his eyes filled with concern and care.
I tried to sit up, but a wave of weakness washed over me, forcing me back onto the pillow. Chris quickly reached out and helped me, his strong hands gentle as he supported my back.
"You're here?" I exclaimed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't believe I'm meeting you like this, Chris."
Chris smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Rose, I have the same reaction. Thank God you weren't hurt worse. I was so nervous when I saw you lying on the road."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at Chris. It had been so long since we'd last seen each other, and yet, here he was, by my side, taking care of me.
"How much time has passed since we met?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Chris glanced at his wristwatch before responding, "4 years, 3 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, and 7 minutes." He smiled, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"You were counting," I teased, my heart feeling lighter.
Chris chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Maybe a little, Rose."
I felt a pang of sadness wash over me as I thought about our past. "Sorry, I came here without meeting you, Chris," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was so caught up in my own problems."
Chris's expression turned serious, and he reached out, holding my hand in his. "No problem, Rose. At least we met now. But what were you doing alone on that street, especially at night? You know you don't like walking in the dark, and it's winter..."
His words trailed off, but I knew what he was getting at. The memories of that fateful night, the night I walked away from Alexander's mansion, came flooding back. The pain, the heartache, the feeling of being lost and alone... it all came rushing back, threatening to consume me once more.
I gazed up at Chris, his eyes filled with genuine concern, and for the first time in three years, I felt someone truly care for me. The dam broke, and tears streamed down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably. Chris enveloped me in a warm hug, his hands caressing my back in a soothing motion.
"It's okay, Rose, I'm with you," he whispered. "You know I consider you more of a sister than a friend."
I clung to him, releasing all the pent-up emotions I had held inside for so long. I cried for nearly half an hour, finally allowing myself to let go of the sadness and heartache. I vowed that this would be the last time I shed tears for Alexander.
I calmed down. Chris handed me a tissue, his eyes still filled with compassion. I took a deep breath and began to recount everything.
"Chris, I was married to Alexander Valtor, but it was a nightmare. He and his family treated me like a maid, not a wife. They humiliated me, belittled me, and made me feel worthless. I tried to hold on to our love, but it was all a lie. He never loved me, and I was just a trophy to him."I finally found the courage to leave him, but the pain and heartache are still fresh. I feel like I've lost myself, like I'm just a shadow of who I used to be. But seeing you, Chris, knowing that you care gives me the strength to keep going.
"I want to file for divorce to officially end this toxic chapter of my life. But I'm scared, Chris. I'm scared of what Alexander might do and of how he'll react. That's why I need your help and your support. Will you be with me, Chris? Will you help me through this?"
Chris listened intently, his jaw clenched in restraint, but he controlled himself at my request.
"Tell me, Rose, what can I do for you?"
I smiled weakly. "You're with me; that's enough for me. Now, I need to file for divorce."
Chris nodded resolutely. "Don't worry, my lawyer will take care of everything. She'll handle Alexander and ensure you get what you deserve."
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, knowing I had Chris's support. Together, we would face this new chapter in my life, and I was determined to emerge stronger and wiser.
Alexander slowly opened his eyes, groggily lifting his head from the study table. He had fallen asleep there last night, unable to shake off the sting of Roselyn's words. His mobile rang incessantly, piercing through his foggy mind."What is it?" Alexander growled, his voice laced with irritation.
"Alexander, you're asking me after missing two important meetings?" Liam's voice was laced with annoyance. "Do you even know what time it is? And for God's sake, did you see your mobile? I've been calling you since morning."
Alexander rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the impending headache. He hadn't slept well, his mind racing with thoughts of Roselyn and her declaration of divorce. He had tried to focus on work, but his concentration was shot.
"Yelling at me could be your last mistake, Liam," Alexander warned, his tone dripping with menace. "I'll be there in 10 minutes. Reschedule the meeting."
He hung up the call, tossing his mobile onto the table. Alexander ran a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to shake off the fatigue. He couldn't believe he had slept in the study room again, but Roselyn's words had left him reeling.
He stood up, and Alexander caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His eyes looked sunken, his face pale. He needed to get his act together to show the world that he was still in control.
But the memory of Roselyn's tears and her accusations lingered in his mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he was losing everything—his wife, his reputation, his grip on reality.
Alexander took a deep breath, steeling himself for the day ahead. He would face Liam, reschedule the meetings, and pretend that everything was fine. But deep down, he knew it wasn't.
*****************************************
Alexander stormed out of the study room, his anger simmering just below the surface. "Why the hell didn't she wake me up?" he muttered to himself, his mind racing with thoughts of Roselyn and her defiance.He marched towards their bedroom, expecting to find her lounging on the bed or perhaps in the bathroom, getting ready for the day. But upon entering the room, he was met with an eerie silence. Roselyn was nowhere to be found.His eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the empty space beside him on the bed. He felt a twinge of unease, his mind racing with possibilities. Where could she be?He searched every nook and cranny of the mansion, his anger giving way to concern. But there was no sign of Roselyn. It was if she had vanished into thin air.Getting ready for the office, his thoughts were consumed by Roselyn's absence. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Had she really meant it when she said she wanted a divorce?The thought sent a shiver down his spin
I stood before the altar, my heart racing with anticipation. I gazed into Alexander Valtor's eyes, searching for a glimmer of love, of warmth. But his piercing gaze was cold, detached, like a winter's night without a flame to warm the soul.The priest's words echoed through the silence, a solemn cadence that bound us together in matrimony."Alexander Valtor, take Roselyn Carson's right hand, and declare your consent before God and his Church."Alexander's voice was flat, devoid of emotion, as he recited his vows. "I, Alexander Valtor, take you, Roselyn Carson, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."I, Roselyn Carson, spoke from the heart, my words trembling with sincerity. "I, Roselyn Carson, take you, Alexander Valtor, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
My gaze drifted to my phone, its incessant ringing piercing the air. I hesitated, my heart sinking as I glanced at the screen. My husband's name flashed before me, taunting me like a cruel reminder of past hurts.No, I refused to answer. I wouldn't let him draw me back into the vortex of pain and tears. The memories still lingered, fresh and raw. This time, I'd face him on my terms, with divorce papers in hand.On the other side, Alexander's irritation echoed through the room: "What's your problem? Pick up the phone, stupid woman!"Tyler's calm voice intervened, "You need to control your anger, Alexander."Alexander's face darkened, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "You don't have to deal with that woman, so it's easier for you. Okay, go away and leave me alone!"Tyler's expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. He turned to leave, his footsteps silent on the plush carpet.As he reached for the door handle, a sudden presence blocked his path. Ruby, Alex
Tyler's expression turned serious as he approached Alexander's desk. "It's been two days. Did you call her again?"Alexander's eyes narrowed, his tone laced with irritation. "I don't care, Tyler. Why are you so worried about my wife?"Tyler's voice remained calm, but his words carried weight. "Because you're the one who hurt your wife, Alexander. She's not what you and your family think of her."Alexander's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "And can you be so damn sure, huh?"Tyler's conviction was unwavering. "I know her, Alexander. I've seen the way she's treated around here. I don't understand why, if you hate her that much and always wanted to get rid of her, you're so upset now."Alexander's anger simmered just below the surface. "I am not upset; I am just... angry."Tyler's eyes locked onto Alexander's. "Angry for what?"Alexander's pride and ego fueled his response. "I should be the first one to ask for a divorce, not her."Tyler's laughter was unexpected, and it cut through the
Tyler's face reddened with rage as he confronted Alexander. "You fucking signed it; why? Are you insane? You fucking bastard!"Alexander's expression turned icy, his voice low and menacing. "Language, Tyler! I warned you last time."Tyler's sarcasm dripped like venom. "Oh, yes, sure, the great Alexander Valtor. How dare I forget?"Alexander's glare intensified, his eyes flashing with anger.Tyler continued, undeterred. "Your mountain-like ego, couldn't you throw it out the window for a while? Couldn't you talk to her calmly and softly for a few moments?"Alexander's silence was palpable, his jaw clenched.Tyler's voice softened, taking on a tone of disappointment. "You messed everything up, Alexander."Alexander's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's changed, Tyler. She no longer has old Roslyn in her. That softness and care are no longer visible in her eyes."Tyler's gaze bore into Alexander's soul. "And who is responsible for this, Alexander?"The silence that foll
Alexander's eyes narrowed, his grip on the phone tightening as he listened to Vincent's words."Sir, that man used to be Ms. Carson's friend during college time," Vincent explained, his tone cautious.Alexander's brow furrowed, his expression darkening. "Wait, you're referring to my wife as Ms. Carson?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of irritation.Vincent hesitated, sensing the undercurrent of tension. "I apologize, sir. I didn't mean to—"Alexander's interruption was swift, his tone firm. "The divorce procedure is still pending. She's still Mrs. Valtor."Vincent swiftly corrected himself. "Sorry, sir. I'll make sure to address her correctly."Alexander's expression remained stern, his voice still firm. "Continue."Vincent cleared his throat before proceeding. "As I was saying, sir, this man was Mrs. Valtor's friend during college. After she married you, there's no record of them meeting again."Alexander's gaze intensified, his focus sharpening. "Who is that man?" he asked, h
Rose walked away; Victoria's venomous words followed, infuriating Alexander."Mother, please stop," Alexander intervened, his tone firm but laced with irritation.But Victoria continued, her malice unchecked. "She's a manipulative, selfish woman who only cares about herself."Alexander's patience snapped. "We've signed the divorce agreement, Mother. She'll soon be out of our lives. Let her be."Victoria's eyes sparkled with malice. "Ah, then this is a celebration! We should party, considering the unwanted daughter-in-law will soon be out of our lives."Alexander's anger boiled over. "There's nothing to celebrate, Mother. And I won't join in your twisted jubilation."His voice rose. "I have urgent work to attend to. I'll leave you to your... celebration."With that, Alexander stormed out of Bellavista, his anger and frustration simmering.Outside, he scanned the area, searching for Rose, but she was gone.Alexander's anger shifted to self-directed frustration. Why had he let his family
Roslyn stood outside the court, her eyes fixed intently on the entrance, waiting for Alexander to arrive, her mind consumed by the impending divorce that would soon sever the fragile threads that still bound them together.She had deliberately come earlier, 9:30 sharp, eager to expedite the procedure and put an end to the lingering ties that had once represented a love-filled marriage, now reduced to a mere formality.Glancing at her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, her patience began to fray, worn thin by the agonizing minutes that ticked by with excruciating slowness."Where is he?" she thought, her mind growing restless, her thoughts swirling with a mix of anxiety and frustration.She knew Alexander's punctuality; he was always on time, arriving with precision, yet today, every passing minute felt like an eternity, stretching her nerves to the breaking point.Roslyn's eyes scanned the surrounding area, her gaze lingering on couples holding hands, their love and affectio