CHAPTER TWO

002

JOANA’S POV

“I need you to sign these…” He growled in a low tone as he hurled a stack of documents that he was holding at me.

The cold and disgusted expression on his face made me even more nervous than I already was. I didn't have a good feeling at all.

“Divorce papers?” I screeched, my voice high-pitched and unpleasant even to my ears as I read the content of the document.

My heart suddenly started beating erratically as I felt lightheaded, my vision turned blurry. The pounding headache I felt made me wonder if I was about to experience a heart attack.

“Sign them and leave the rest of the official processes for me to handle. I already signed my part.” Clinton coldly preseed, folding his hands across his chest as he leaned unbothered again at the kitchen counter.

“What's wrong with you? Why will you ask for a divorce today of all days?” I shouted, my voice breaking midway as I felt a sharp pain in my belly.

He stepped closer, his deadly gaze boring into mine. “And what's so special about today? Did you really think I would have continued putting up with you?

Since you want to act like you didn't t know what this sham of a marriage was; let me make things clear.

I was only with you because of the company and the benefits my superficial cooperation with your family's group would bring to me.”

His words cut me as though someone had pierced a dagger into my heart. Why would he say such a cruel thing?

“What… what are you talking about?”I asked, my voice betraying me as it broke in despair.

“Clinton, please. I have worked so hard to make our marriage succeed. Just give me some more time, and we will be able to work things out. Let's not give up on our marriage. Clinton…” I whispered, rushing to hold his arms as tears welled up in my eyes.

He quickly avoided my grasp and moved away from me. The intensity with which ge Gad avoided me one will think I was a plaque or some sort.

“It's useless, your fake tears no longer move me. Ever since you killed my sister, the only feeling in my heart for you is hate, deeper than the abyss of hell. I'm just being nice because you're from the Henshaw family.”

“I didn't kill your sister! She was like a sister to me. How could I have…” I retorted in dismay going over the same accusation for the millionth time.

“I don't wanna have this conversation. It's over, sign it, and let's end things peacefully.

And oh… Don't worry, I will give you generous compensation for your time. How does ten million dollars sound?”

The mention of money made my blood boil. What does he think? That I’m a gold digger what? Does he think money can pay me for all the years I dedicated my life to him? Such a joke!

Wiping the tears off my face, I glared at him with bloodshot eyes and said, “I'm sure you are very wealthy now. That's why you think you can discard me like an old rag. You want to give me ten million as what? Are you richer than my family? Every moment you open your mouth, you keep disappointing me, stabbing deep into my heart with your acidic words. I can't believe I loved you so much all these years when you have been nothing but cruel to me. You know what? Go to hell!” I roared, letting loose all my anger and frustration on him.

I scribbled my signature on the indicated spaces and threw it at him, ready to storm out of the house.

“And one more thing, you have to keep the news of our divorce a secret. My family can't know, especially my grandmother. If you give her a heart attack by telling her about the divorce, I will never forgive you.”

My feet halted of their own accord. I couldn't help but scoff.

“You're afraid of being found out but not afraid of committing the crime. If you're so terrified of our family finding out that you have been ignoring me and probably cheating on me all these years if you're terrified of them discovering the divorce, why to do it then? You coward.”

I heard him hiss in anger and impatience, but I couldn't care less. I was too angry and hurt to notice his feelings.

He grabbed my collar from behind, making my heart jump in fright.

“I will find a good way to tell them, soon enough. But till then, keep your mouth shut and don't compound the problem. If grandma suffers a heart attack because you told her something she doesn't like, I will never forgive you. Know your place and don't piss me off.” Clinton growled and pushed me away.

I clenched my fists and quickly left before the floodgates of my eyes could open. I won't let him witness my tears, ever again.

****TWO WEEKS LATER *****

“Ma'am, the boss is home,” Alba whispered to me, causing me to jump up in surprise.

“Clinton Gates is home?” I whispered in disbelief. He had not returned home after the day he made me sign the divorce documents. That was two weeks ago, coming home now was unexpected.

Before I could say more, he walked into the sitting room where I was sitting down, reading a fashion magazine. The butler had taken his briefcase and jacket at the door, something I used to do every time he came home. That was in the past though, no more.

As he passed the sofa where I was sitting, he stopped and looked at me.

“Tomorrow is the official banquet of the Gates group to celebrate the new milestone we achieved. Dress well and don't be late. The entire family will be there, don't cause any trouble.” He whispered in his characteristic cold voice and threw an invitation at me.

I scoffed, trying my best not to show how disappointed I was. What was I expecting? That he came home because he missed me? I should have known he was only here to ensure I kept playing the loving wife to reassure his grandma and investors. The only reason he didn't throw me out of the house is definitely because he still found me useful.

“Clinton, how shameless can you be? You already divorced me, yet you want me to continue acting the part of the obedient and supportive wife. You don't want me, but you want to keep using me. What the fuck do you take me for?” I muttered, clenching my fists.

His steps halted for a while, letting me know he heard my words. However, he continued on his way as if my words were nothing more than a dog's bark.

And once again, the tears I swore would never let out came falling down as my eyes turned bloodshot.