CALLING MY LAWYER

ARIA POV:

The Morning sunlight passed through the open window of my Childhood bedroom, where my best friend Samantha and I spent almost the entire night talking and crying.

I woke up first as my eyes were still red and puffy from hours of crying last night. The weight of the betrayal still weighed on my chest.

“Samantha?” I finally mustered, gently tapping her as she wrapped herself deep inside the bedspread.

Samantha finally slowly opens her eyes and still feels dizzy. “Good morning sweetie, you are awake already.”

I sat on the bed as I stared at Samantha. “Good morning….. I still feel empty despite trying hard to forget everything that happened, and so so angry.” I yelled

Samantha finally got up from the bed she moved to where I was and she wrapped her hand around my shoulders. “I know that what they did…… it’s unforgivable, but you have to let go finally and stop finally holding up to the past.”

We both sat in silence for minutes before I finally spoke to Samantha again, my voice still trembling even though the incident happened three days ago. “I think… I think I need to give my lawyer a call today, I want to file for divorce from Michael.” I Murmured

“I think you have started thinking now, that’s the only solution to this Aria, you deserve so much better than this,” Samantha said as she squeezed my shoulders playfully

“But it’s kinda scary, you know,” I admitted, tears gathering in my eyes as I was about to cry. “My whole life…… Everything is going to change for good.. it just seems am starting afresh again”

“Hey, look at me.” Samantha said as she turned to face me, “I know you are strong and more brilliant than this, you get through this with time, and I will be right here till you finalize your divorce proceedings okay.”

I managed to let out a weak smile. “Okay, what can I do without my best friend? I love you.”

“Probably make the court proceedings fast so I don’t waste time.” Samantha teased, which made me smile a bit. “Now let me go and get some hot coffee as you make that call, hope you have a good lawyer to make Michael pay right?”

“Yes, am just getting a divorce not that am getting into a battle with him.” I laughed as I found a tiny spark of hope, ignite within me, with Samantha on my side I knew this was gonna be a bit.

My trembling hands hovered over the phone as Samantha gave me my coffee and an encouraging nod from across the bed, taking a deep breath, I dialed the number of my long-time lawyer, Ashley Blake.

After the phone rang for a while, a voice finally answered, “Ashley Blake speaking.”

“Ashley, it’s me Aria. Aria Campbell,” I said almost instantly

“Aria? Is everything okay? You sound nervous,” Ashley replied, her tone of concern was clear.

I swallowed hard. “No, everything is not okay. I….I need to file for divorce.”

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone. “I see. I am so sorry to hear that Aria, do you mind telling me what happened?” Ashley asked

Struggling to stay cool and keep my composure, I finally recalled everything that happened the day of the event, catching my husband Michael in bed with my sister Jessica, I also recalled fleeing to my mother's house, and my decision to end the marriage.

Ashley listened Attentively, repeating and asking for clarification. When I finally finished, my lawyer’s voice was filled with quiet determination. “Aria, I want you to know that I am here for you. We are going to handle this pretty carefully so your interest will be protected.”

“Thank you,” I whispered as I let out a sigh of relief.

“Now, given Michael’s status and resources and the intense nature of the situation, we need to act quickly.” Ashley continued. “I would love you to come over to my office this afternoon if possible. We will go over your options and start preparing the necessary documents.”

I nodded forgetting I was on the phone as soon as I remembered I quickly replied. “Yes, I can do that.”

“Good, and secondly Aria? I wouldn't mind if you stopped communicating with Michael and Jessica without consulting me first. Anything you say could potentially be used against you in the proceedings.” Ashley said sternly

“Understood,” I replied feeling a mix of sadness

As I ended the call, Samantha reached across the bed and squeezed my hand. “You did it, girl. The first step towards your new life.”

I managed to let out a small smile. This wasn’t the birthday I ever imagined, but it was the beginning of something new.

After ending the call with Ashley, I sat at the mini chair in my room as I stared blankly at my phone.

“Alright, We have to go work before your 2 pm appointment,” Samantha said as she grabbed a notepad and pen. “We need to gather all your important documents and information Ashley might need.”

I nodded in agreement while still processing what Samantha said. “So where do we start?”

“Firstly, we need copies of your marriage certificate, prenuptial agreement if you have and signed one, and any other joint financial statement.” Samantha listed as she was jotting them down. “Do you have it here or still at Michael's house?”

“Some are safe in my room at Michael's house,” I replied almost immediately. “I…I can’t go there right now.”

“No problem, but we have to figure out a way to get it because Ashley might need it for the divorce,” Samantha said as she squeezed my shoulder.

As we brainstormed, I began to focus, my mind sharpening with each item where added to the list. I pulled out my laptop so I could access my online account and print some important and relevant documents.

We spent hours compiling documents, making lists, and discussing potential events. I felt a bit of grief and determination as we continued to work. The reality of my situation sank in with each passing minute.

“Make sure you don’t forget about your valuables.” Samantha reminded me, “Hope you made a list for it already Aria?”

“Yeah, I can’t forget about that,” I replied

As we prepared to leave for Ashley’s office, Samantha handed me a notebook. “I want you to write down any questions that you have in mind to ask, and maybe Ashley can help you out because it is important to feel in control of this process.”

I took the notebook and I began to smile. “Thank you, Samantha, I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“That’s why we are best friends so we can help each other,” Samantha said as she hugged me. “Now let’s go get you divorced from that cheating bastard.”

With a deep breath, I grabbed my purse and the folder of documents I arranged earlier.

“Alright, Let’s Go,” I said sternly