CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: The Divorce

The divorce hearing is a mere few hours away, and the reality of facing Carter in the courtroom again sends a shiver down my spine.

For the past few days, I’ve found a small measure of peace in my communications with Marius. Our exchanges have been strictly about the legal matters of my divorce, nothing more. But, it feels like the rift between us, though not healed, has at least been bridged for the time being.

A knock on the door startles me from my reverie. Mr. Montgomery’s butler announces Marius’ arrival, and I leave Sammy in the care of one of my fellow maids.

“Ready?” Marius asks.

I nod, though I’m not really ready.

The drive to the capital is filled with a tense silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts.

As we approach the imposing structure of the courthouse, I can’t help but wonder what Carter will do this time. The last time we faced each other in court, he begged me not to proceed with our divorce. What more could he want from me? I made it clear that I’m willi