Chapter 2: Getting a Divorce

Mandy’s POV

“I want a divorce, grandma. I can’t stand this any longer,” I heard Lucas’s voice echo again.

“You don’t mean that, Lucas. You are just upset about what happened,”

Grandma Claire said.

“No, I’m not Grandma. I know exactly what I’m saying.

I don’t want to be married to her anymore,” Lucas said.

My heart ached at that instant.

If this is a joke,Lucas , stop it now,”

Grandma Claire said with a firm voice.

“I’m not joking,Grandma. I’m done with this whole marriage.

“We wouldn’t be in this situation if you hadn’t bribed me with your power and company shares,” he said.

“Lucas, calm down-” Grandma said, though interrupted by Lucas who seemed to be hot-heated.

“Grandma, don't ask me to calm down!

After all she’s done to Mary and her unborn child- your great- grandchild you still defend her?

Lucas's anger boiled over as he continued.

“That child was my brother's and now he's gone because of her. She killed the heir to your legacy . Yet you take her side?”

I froze.

Mary’s child is dead?

Regardless of our differences, the child was an innocent soul.

“I know you’re upset but I need you to calm down,” grandma said.

“Then agree to my terms. I want a divorce. I'm done with her.” Lucas said.

Grandma Claire wasn't saying anything. I could tell she was deliberating the issue.

My heartbeat quickened as I awaited her response.

What would she say?

After a while, she finally gave her answer.

“Fine Lucas, I'll grant you your request,” she said.

I hadn't expected that as her response.

“Well, thank you,” Lucas said, sounding relieved.

“But have you thought about how this would affect Mandy? It will be difficult for her to survive in our social circle as a divorced billionaire's wife,” Grandma Claire said.

“I don't care, Grandma. She's your problem now. You take care of that,” Lucas replied spitefully.

My marriage lasted barely two months and now, it’s all over.

The thought of being mocked by everyone brought tears to my eyes.

“Fine. Here's what I'll do. I will send her abroad to give her a fresh start. What do you think?” Grandma Claire said.

The silence in the room almost made me assume Lucas wasn't there except for the fact that I was staring at him.

“Fine Grandma. Do it your way. As for me, I'm off to get the divorce proceedings started,” he finally replied.

And that was it.

I sneaked back into the room, heartbroken.

This was not how I anticipated this day would end.

Closing the door behind me, I burst into tears, thinking about everything that had happened.

When Lucas and I first got married, I thought he didn't like me until I saw him acting otherwise.

But right now, he had just confirmed my suspicions.

He never really liked me.

My mind went back to all those passionate nights we shared.

Memories of his soft kisses and tender touches on my skin.

Did all of that meant nothing to him?

Was I just an object for his sexual pleasure? I wondered.

Knowing what the answers were, more tears flowed down my cheeks.

Anyways, the deed has been done.

There's no need to cry over spilled milk, I thought.

As I wiped my tears, my gaze fell upon a framed picture on the dresser.

It was a picture of Lucas and I as little kids with Grandma Claire and my grandma, Amanda, when she was still alive.

The little versions of Lucas and I were in Grandma Claire’s arms while my grandma looked down at us with a smile on her face.

I smiled at the picture as memories came flooding back.

My grandma and Grandma Claire used to be very close friends when she was still alive.

Together, they built the biggest business empire in the city from scratch.

After my parents died as a little girl, my grandma Amanda took me in and raised me until her tragic car accident.

Then Grandma Claire took me in, showering me with so much love and affection.

She'd call me her “cute pumpkin” and say I was perfect for Lucas, her business successor.

As a kid, I had a huge crush on Lucas and Grandma Claire made it grow stronger by always talking about how good we'd be together.

She always spoke about us getting married and soon, I found myself envisioning it.

When we became adults, I became very possessive of him, pushing away other women that tried to get close to him.

Lucas would tease me about being jealous but I didn't care.

He was mine and that was all I could think of.

Suddenly, a knock on the door pulled me out of my happy memories, reminding me of my sad reality.

I quickly wiped the tears on my face when I saw the door was being opened.

“Can I come in, Mandie-pie?” Grandma Claire asked.

I simply nodded in response and she made her way into the room.

She sat on the bed beside me.

“You’ve been crying,” she said.

“No, I haven’t,” I lied.

I didn't want her to be worried.

“Don’t lie to me. I can see it,” she said.

At this point, I couldn’t hold it any longer.

I broke down in tears and she comforted me.

After a while, I calmed down.

“I know this may not be the right time to say this but Lucas and I spoke and he wants a divorce. I tried to talk him out of it,” she said.

“I know. I heard your conversation,” I replied sadly.

“I'm sorry it came to this but my hands are tied,” she said.

“I understand,” I said.

There was a brief moment of silence before she continued.

“I know it's going to be hard for you to stay back here after the divorce so what do you think about going abroad?

You’ve always wanted to study abroad. I can make arrangements for that to happen if you're still interested,” she said.

It's true that I've always wanted to study abroad but not in this context.

Anyways, there was nothing I could do but to accept the situation.

“I'll take the offer. Thank you,” I said.

Another brief silence followed and I was starting to become uncomfortable.

Soon she broke the silence,

She sighed, “You know what, Mandie-pie? You shouldn't have hurt Mary at the party. She's your sister-in-law and would never hurt your marriage. You have to learn to tone down your jealousy.”

I was speechless.

Up till now, she still believed I hurt Mary.

Standing up, she said,

“Well, what's done is done. Abroad is the best for now. I'll bring you back once you've learnt your lesson.”

With that, she left the room.

A wave of nausea hit me immediately, causing me to believe it was as a result of the day's events.

But the feeling hit stronger and I ran into the bathroom to vomit.

What's wrong with me? I wondered.