Something fishy

Jessica had been dreading the moment where she would have to meet up with Ethan again. She had stayed up all night wondering what he could probably want at a time like this, when the only thing they needed to finalize their divorce was his signature. It was obvious that they was no form of love between them, so why pretend when the truth was known. Yet here she was, sitting at a café that they man who had just destroyed her life had chosen.

Her parents had tried their best to convince her that they was no need in going to see him, but nothing worked.

“What’s the point of this meeting? He is a grown man who has made his choice to be with that woman so let him be, Jess.” He had said when she announced to them that she would be going over to meet with Ethan.

“I know, dad. But deep down I just want to hear him out and leave Los Angeles knowing there’s nothing holding me back here.” Jessica had answered, trying to ensure that her emotions were in check.

Her mother had not even tried to join in on the conversation as she knew that Jessica was too strong-willed. When she decides to do something, there was no going back on it.

She looked at the different doors in the café, wondering where Ethan was going to come in from. The place was busy as different individuals were involved in conversations or just having a meal by themselves. She felt alone as waited, wondering what he really wanted to say. At the back of her mind, she knew that surely he wasn’t going to come in here to beg her to take him back. No, it was impossible.

After an hour of sitting and waiting, Ethan finally walked through the front door looking confident and composed as ever. Never did she expect tha Ethan’s present will make her sick in her stomach but she was ready to try her best not to show any emotion or vulnerability in front of him.

“Oh hey, sorry I’m late. Olivia wouldn’t let me leave the house because she would miss me.” Ethan announced, welcoming himself and ignoring the look of dismay on Jessica’s face.

“It’s fine, I didn’t have any other choice than to wait. So what did you want to speak about before signing the documents.” Jessica asked, totally ignoring his statement and going straight to the point.

“I wanted to talk to you about the divorce. I know we didn’t always have the best marriage but the rest of the world doesn’t need to know that. I’d like it if you could keep mute to the press about anything concerning our marriage.” He leaned back into his sit, smirking as he tried to bribe Jessica.

“Are you kidding me, Ethan? You dragged me out here for that?” she inquired, confused because she had shut down her plans for packing for the day and other activities.

“Yes, my family has a reputation to maintain and I cannot let you ruin it with your words. You’re a loose end that I need clean up before I begin a fresh life with Olivia.

There it was, the real reason why he was there to talk to her. It wasn’t to apologize or say something meaningful. He was just making sure that nothing stood in the way of his perfect new life with Olivia while still ensuring that the company’s name was not dragged into the mud.

“Wow. Did I ever matter to you? You haven’t even tried to find out how I’m holding up but you want to make sure that I remain silent.” Jessica sighed, beginning to get annoyed as she stared at Ethan.

“Holding up? You brought this upon yourself and I wouldn’t apologize for that. Stop being dramatic and leave this victim game behind you.” He scoffed at her.

“Victim game? You cheated on me, asshole! How is this a game that I am playing?” Jessica’s blood began to boil, knowing that he just come here to gaslight into doing his bidding.

“Call me whatever you need to if it makes you feel better about yourself. I’m just glad I was finally able to end things with you, Jessica.” Ethan said coldly, not caring about her feelings at this point.

“So that’s all you had to say to me? Insult me and ensure that I keep silent of all the things you did to me? Sign the goddamn papers, Ethan, and let’s be done with this.” Jessica requested while clenching her hand on the table so he wouldn’t see how much impact his words had on her.

“Keep your mouth shut and we wouldn’t have any problems. I’ll send the papers over.” He commanded, narrowing his eyes so she would know how serious he was.

She stared at him with a blank expression on her face. He had no idea that she was pregnant as he spoke to her. The thought of giving an egoistic person news that he was the father of child, made her sick to her stomach. He didn’t deserve to know, at least for now.

“Fine. When it’s done, I don’t want to hear from you again.” she said gently, letting it his hurtful words go to the wind.

“I wouldn’t have any use for you again, I have to take care of a child soon. Goodbye, Jessica.” Ethan answered, a smug look on his face.

Jessica’s chest tightened as he mentioned their child. The child he would be having with Olivia while he remained unaware that Jessica was pregnant. She wanted to scream the news at the top of her voice, throw it harshly in his face. But she knew it wasn’t going to benefit her at all.

She turned to walk out of the café, desperate to leave immediately when Ethan’s voice stopped her.

“You’re hiding something from me.” Ethan called out to her, suspicious that something was happening.

“Leave me alone, Ethan. What are you talking about?” Jessica froze, her heart pounding heavily in her chest.

“You’ve been acting strange and calm. There’s something you’re not telling me and I’d find out soon.” Ethan stood up, studying her body language intensely.

“Gosh, you’re just imagining things. There’s nothing to say.” Jessica answered while trying to keep her face neutral even though her pulse was racing.

“If you say so. You’ve never been good at hiding things so I’ll let you be for now.” He stepped closer, causing panic to surge through Jessica’s body.