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."
The priest's questions followed, his voice a gentle prompt. "Alexander Valtor, do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?"
Alexander's response was curt, his voice devoid of emotion. "I do."
The priest turned to me, his eyes warm with encouragement. "Roselyn Carson, do you take Alexander Valtor to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, through sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?"
My voice was barely above a whisper, but my heart spoke volumes. "I do."
The priest's final words hung in the air like a challenge. "You may now kiss the bride."
I turned to Alexander, my heart pounding in my chest, my lips parted in anticipation. But he merely touched my cheek, his palm cold, his eyes distant. He kissed me lightly, a mere whisper of his lips near mine, as if he feared contamination.
I felt a pang of disappointment, of sadness. This was not the kiss I had dreamed of—the kiss that would seal our love forever. It was a kiss of obligation, of duty, not passion.
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I will never forget the first night of our marriage when his words cut my heart into pieces.
Alexander's words cut through the silence like a knife, slicing through my heart, leaving me bleeding and vulnerable. "Look, you gold digger, I know your intentions. Stay away from me. We're husband and wife only in name, only on paper. You'll never have a place in my heart, because you don't deserve it."
I sat on the floor, tears streaming down my face, wondering what I had done wrong. Was it my fault that he didn't love me? Was I not worthy of his affection? The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, pulling me under and drowning me in a sea of despair.
I sat on the floor; my tears fell like rain, soaking the expensive silk of my wedding gown. I felt like a fool, a pawn in Alexander's game of power and control. I had thought that marrying him would bring me love, security, and happiness, but now I realize that I had made a terrible mistake.
Alexander's words echoed in my mind, a cruel mantra that I couldn't shake. "Gold digger...stay away from me. You'll never have a place in my heart." I felt like I'd been punched in the gut; my breath knocked out of me.
I thought of my grandfather, who had raised me after my parents' deaths. He had always been my rock, my confidant. I wondered what he would say if he knew how I was feeling now. Would he tell me to leave Alexander to find someone who truly loved me? Or would he encourage me to stay, to make the best of a bad situation?
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Unwillingly, the tears fell from my eyes once again, courtesy of the man who had become a constant source of pain in my life. My gaze drifted towards my phone, which was ringing incessantly, the screen illuminating the dimly lit room. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the name flashing on the screen—Alexander Valtor, my husband. No, I corrected myself, not my husband, not anymore.
I felt a surge of determination course through my veins. I was done crying over him, done shedding tears for a man who didn't deserve them. I was done being a victim of his cruelty and indifference. I knew exactly what I had to do.
With a newfound sense of purpose, I silenced the phone and made my way to the drawer where I kept the divorce papers. I had been hesitant to take this step, but now I knew it was the only way to free myself from the toxic marriage.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I would go to him, but not as his submissive wife. I would go to him as a strong, independent woman, armed with the divorce papers and a fierce determination to take back control of my life.
No more tears, no more pain. It was time for me to rise from the ashes and reclaim my happiness.
I held the divorce papers in my hand. I felt a sense of liberation wash over me. I was finally taking control of my life, finally standing up for myself. I thought of all the times Alexander had belittled me, all the times he had made me feel small and insignificant. But now I was the one calling the shots.
I straightened my shoulders, a newfound confidence coursing through my veins. I would go to him, and I would tell him that it was over. That I deserved better than a loveless marriage, better than a man who didn't cherish me.
I took a deep breath, the papers clutched tightly in my hand. It was time to face Alexander, to show him that I was no longer the timid, vulnerable woman he thought I was. I was a force to be reckoned with, and I would not be silenced.
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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
I stood beside Roslyn, hosting the success party for the biggest deal of my company. We presented a united front, a perfect couple to the world. But behind closed doors, we were nothing more than two strangers sharing a facade.It had been a year of marriage, and I hadn't touched my wife yet. Not because I was repulsed by her—Roslyn was stunning—but because I vowed never to force myself on any woman. I wanted passion, not obligation.But tonight, Roslyn looked breathtaking, her beauty radiating like a beacon, drawing every male eye in the room. I hated it. Resented the way they ogled her, their gazes lingering on her curves.Then, to my dismay, one of my business partners, James, approached Roslyn, requesting a dance. She should have refused and sent him packing with a polite smile. But that stupid woman accepted, her eyes sparkling with amusement.Without wasting another moment, they glided onto the dance floor, lost in the swirling lights and pulsating music. Everyone around me was
Judge Reynolds' eyes scanned the room, his voice a gentle prompt. "Okay, let's move on. Is there any joint property or demand for compensation?"Roslyn's gaze drifted to Alexander, her voice laced with a mix of sadness and resolve. "I only expected some respect and care from this man during our three years together, which he has failed to give me."Her eyes locked onto Alexander's, and for an instant, the air was charged with unspoken emotions."So, now I don't want anything from him," Roslyn continued, her voice steady. "I don't want to make his bitter lies come true—that I'm just a gold digger, interested only in his wealth."Alexander's expression remained impassive, but his eyes flickered, a hint of guilt dancing in their depths.Roslyn's gaze never wavered. "I want nothing, Alexander. No money, no property. Just my freedom from this loveless marriage."The courtroom fell silent, the only sound being the soft scratching of pens on paper.Judge Reynolds nodded thoughtfully. "I unde