Chapter Two

  Aidan lunged forward, instinctively attempting to intercept his mother's impending strike aimed at Karina. Despite his swift reflexes, he was a fraction too late, watching helplessly as the slap landed with a resounding thud against Karina's cheek.

Karina recoiled slightly from the impact, her hand rising instinctively to the stinging mark left in its wake. Yet, to the astonishment of those gathered, a faint smile graced her lips, her expression one of disbelief and defiance.

Straightening her posture with a quiet resolve, Karina reached for the divorce papers, her movements deliberate as she swiftly signed them before returning them to Aidan with a measured calmness.

"You are now officially divorced, Aidan Algernon," Karina announced with a sense of formality, locking eyes with him in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. The room fell silent, everyone taken aback by Karina's unexpected acquiescence.

"Woah, you actually signed them?" Wally's incredulous remark punctuated the stunned silence. "I guess my mother's slap knocked some sense into your thick skull."

Cruzita, equally surprised by Karina's swift actions, couldn't help but voice her disbelief. "I can't believe you signed those papers so easily, after everything you've endured."

Karina's gaze shifted to Amira, who scrutinized the documents with a mixture of curiosity and concern. A chuckle escaped Karina's lips, laced with a hint of resignation.

"You know, you're a perfect match for Aidan," Karina remarked, her tone tinged with bitter irony. "I used to think he deserved me, but I was mistaken. I deserve better, and Aidan..." Her gaze bore into him, unwavering. "You deserve Amira. You two are cut from the same cloth."

Aidan's façade of indifference cracked momentarily, a flicker of emotion crossing his features before he masked it with a derisive smirk.

"Enough of your nonsense. Leave now," Wally interjected, moving to usher Karina out. But to everyone's astonishment, Karina seized Wally's arm in a vice-like grip, her eyes blazing with newfound determination.

"Don't you ever lay a hand on me again," Karina warned, her voice low but filled with conviction, as she deftly twisted Wally's arm behind her back, eliciting a cry of pain.

The room fell silent, the air thick with tension as Karina released Wally and stepped away, her actions leaving everyone stunned. This bold and defiant display was a stark departure from the submissive demeanor she had maintained for years, signaling a newfound strength and resolve within her.

"Let's hope our paths never cross again," Karina warned, staring directly at Aidan, her voice laced with a foreboding edge. "And the same goes for your family. Because if they do," she added in a chilling whisper, "it'll be a day you wil all regret."

Amira couldn't resist a jab. "He wouldn't want to come across a dog like you," she scoffed.

Aidan, attempting to diffuse the tension, produced a check from his pocket and extended it towards Karina. "Consider this compensation. Write in whatever amount you deem fit and cash it. It's the least I can do."

"Compensation, huh?” Karina accepted the check with a smirk, but her actions spoke louder than words. With a swift motion, she tore it to shreds before flinging the pieces at Aidan. "To hell with your compensation," she spat, her defiance palpable as she turned and strode away, leaving Aidan reeling.

As the door closed behind Karina, Aidan felt a sharp pang in his chest, a mix of relief and sorrow washing over him. The realization that Karina was now out of his life for good left him feeling oddly empty.

Without a word, Aidan excused himself from the stunned onlookers and retreated to his room, the weight of the moment bearing down on him.

Meanwhile, outside the house, Amira intercepted Karina with a sinister grin. "Leaving so soon, lowlife?" she taunted, relishing in Karina's discomfort. “You know, I have waited for this day when I get to walk you out of this house, and especially out of Aidan's life." 

Karina eyed Amira warily, her guard up as Amira leaned in, her voice dripping with malice. "Now you're out, let me share a little secret with you," she whispered. "I was the one who poisoned the porridge."

Shock registered on Karina's face, disbelief clouding her features. How could Amira have orchestrated such a devious scheme?

But Amira wasn't finished. "You're probably wondering how I managed it without even being at the mansion," she continued, a smug smirk playing on her lips. "Well, let's just say I have a knack for manipulation. I convinced a certain staff member in the Algernon mansion to do the dirty work for the right price. It was a flawless plan, really."

Karina's mind raced with questions, her thoughts swirling in confusion. How could she have fallen victim to such treachery?

Amira's laughter echoed in the air as she reveled in her victory. "I may have gone to great lengths to rid myself of you, but it was worth it. Now everyone sees you for who you truly are—a liability.”

"I always thought you were just arrogant, but now I see you're just as vile and heartless as Aidan. You two deserve each other," Karina spat, pushing past Amira and exiting.

In his room, Aidan paced restlessly, the weight of his actions bearing down on him. His mind rationalized his decision, but his heart rebelled, leaving him in turmoil.

"I did what had to be done. She couldn't have loved me, not after everything," Aidan muttered to himself, grappling with guilt and doubt. But as he considered Karina's lack of family or support, a pang of concern crept into his thoughts.

"She claimed to be an orphan, but... what if she wasn’t telling the truth to fool us?" Aidan pondered, his gaze drifting to the balcony where he caught sight of Karina walking away. His breath caught in his throat, and he hurriedly retreated indoors, closing the doors behind him.

Before he could process his emotions, Amira entered the room, her triumphant grin unsettling. "Karina's gone, and now it's just you and me," she declared, advancing towards him eagerly.

Aidan recoiled from her touch, his discomfort evident as she tried to initiate intimacy. "Stop, Amira," he pleaded, pushing her away.

Confusion clouded Amira's features. "What's wrong? Aren't you happy we're back together?"

"I am, but I just need some space," Aidan replied, his voice strained as he tried to maintain composure.

Disappointed but compliant, Amira relented and left, leaving Aidan alone with his thoughts. Despite his attempts to reassure himself, doubt lingered, casting a shadow over his supposed happiness.

Sinking onto the bed, Aidan attempted to quell his unease. "Everything will be fine now that my true love is back," he tried to convince himself, but uncertainty gnawed at him.

Was everything truly going to be okay from now on?