Chapter 2: Signing the Divorce

Chapter 2

Signing the divorce 

Lila sat on the bed, with a towel still tied around her chest. She reached for her handbag on the bedside table and carried the divorce papers.

She was still reading the papers when the door flung open.

"Com'on, girl, how often will you keep staring at those papers? This is a new phase of life you need to face. What you should be doing now is figuring out how to rebrand yourself and move on while you plan on your revenge, not sticking to old pains.” Eucharia said as she dragged the papers from her friend's hands.

“I'm not taking any revenge. Even though I'm heartbroken by the way he served me the divorce, it will do more good than harm to me. At least I'm free from bondage.”

“Bondage? What do you mean by bondage? I thought you said earlier that you've never suspected him of having an affair.” Eucharia said. 

“Even though I never suspected him of that, I've never been happy in my marriage.”

Lila instantly became mute, recalling the torment she passed through, not only from her husband but from his family as well. She was just bearing the title of a woman, but she has never been in control of her home.

She had to contend with her mother-in-law choosing what to cook and what not to cook in the house. What to wear was also decided by her mother-in-law.

Many times, she complained of not being comfortable with his mother's interference in her marriage; the only response she could get was that his mother's choice supercedes all.

Waving her hands at her face, Charia shouted, “Ha, what are you still thinking?”

She was about to answer when a call cut her response short. She carried her phone and checked, only to see her soon-to-be official ex-husband calling.

“Once you're done signing the papers, you can come and get your valuables tomorrow at the house by 4:00 p.m." He hung up, not giving her even a second to say a word.

“Girl, ensure you go through the conditions of the divorce first before signing,” Eucharia advised.

“Like seriously? Is he trying to buy your silence? Oh no! I can't believe you ended up with an ingrate like this. I'm sorry you might feel bad. I'm disregarding your husband, but girl, this is too much.” Eucharia exclaimed.

Lila became silent for some moments. If anyone had told Lila that Grey would one day betray her, that person would have been her worst enemy. Their relationship was envied by many, and he gave her a shoulder to lean on. Despite the frustration and hatred she gets from her family, he is always there for her. Lila believed that Grey was the perfect partner for her, and she wasted no time saying ‘yes’ when he went to the ground with one knee and popped the long-awaited question to her in the most romantic manner she ever expected—at her friend's engagement party! But now, here she is holding her divorce papers just after three years of marriage with the same man who portrayed himself as her perfect match in a seven-year relationship.

Not only divorce but leaving her with nothing compared to her investment in the marriage. Lila wept the moment his conditions of divorce flashed through her brain.

“How could he be so wicked as to give her only the uncompleted duplex and only one car out of the four cars? Not even a share in the company she bought for him out of love with the only treasure her late mother left for her.” Her mind was preoccupied with several thoughts and questions.

“Charia, I'll just sign the papers to gain my freedom. Let's just forget about his condition. I'll avail myself at the house tomorrow by 4:00 p.m. and carry my things for good,” Lila concluded after a long gaze at the papers.

“Any decision you take, just know that you have my full support,” Charia replied, patting Lila on the back. 

Lila made sure she availed herself at the house at exactly 4:00 p.m. She can't believe that the home she had planned to spend eternity with is no longer hers.

"Welcome, ma, please let me call my boss and inform him that someone is here to see him,” the maid who was cleaning the compound said.

"No, my dear, no need to stress yourself. He's aware of my coming already. I'll just go in and wait for him,” Lila responded.

“Someone? I can't believe that I'm now addressed as a stranger in my own home. Only for two days, and he has employed the services of a maid?” Lila was lost in thoughts, seeing the way things had changed around the house within the twinkle of an eye.

She stepped into the living room but only saw a movie display on the television with no one watching.

“She has finally gotten what she wanted. Well, I don't see a need for me to go to her room to check on her. Let me just go up and start getting my things before he returns.” Lila mumbled, referring to her mother-in-law. 

She ascended the staircase, heading to the master bedroom to get her things before Grey came back and she handed him the divorce.

Getting closer to the door, she dipped her hands into her back to bring out her key and unlock the door. She heard something awful that made her put a halt to her steps. She stood at the door for a few seconds and heard the sounds of moaning, loud and slow. After twenty minutes, the sound stopped, and she began hearing voices.

“Aw, thank you, my one in a million. I can't wait to have the signed divorce papers from that foolish woman so that I can boldly plan my forever with you.” That, for sure, was her husband's voice.

She listened keenly to the sound of

the woman’s voice to respond but didn't hear any.