A few days later, Alice sat alone in Daniel’s quiet home, the late morning sunlight filtering gently through the curtains. The house — Daniel’s house — had become her sanctuary since the day she walked out of the Sanders’ mansion. It wasn’t grand or imposing like the mansion, but it was warm, lived-in, and filled with a calming peace she hadn’t realized she needed.
Though Daniel was often out during the day, he had gone above and beyond to make her feel welcome. From preparing meals to redecorating the guest room for her comfort, his quiet gestures gradually helped dissolve the lingering tension that had clung to her after leaving Kelvin. She was beginning to breathe again, to move about without fear of being watched or judged. Slowly, she was adjusting to this new life. Still, the shadow of the Sanders loomed in the corners of her mind. No matter how much she tried to push it away, the incident haunted her. Every time the house fell into silence, her thoughts drifted back to Grandma Janet. Had she told her parents already? Alice doubted it, but she knew it was only a matter of time — if it hadn’t happened already. Once the divorce was finalized, there would be no stopping the news from spreading. The mere thought of it sent a weight crashing down on her chest. Facing her parents again — facing her entire village — was a daunting thought. She could already hear their accusations, their disdain. In their eyes, she would be the wife who failed, the woman who brought shame. The pressure of it all threatened to crush the fragile strength she was holding onto. She had told herself she would be strong, that she would not bend, but this particular battle — one with her roots and heritage — felt like a mountain too steep to climb. To cope, Alice had thrown herself into something meaningful — her blog. It had started as an idea while she was on the cruise, but now, in that moment of rebirth, it had become her lifeline. She poured herself into every word, writing about women’s experiences, their lifestyles, struggles in relationships, and the ever-present issue of gender inequality. Her voice, once silenced by judgment and expectations, was finding power on the page. Daniel supported her every step of the way. He taught her how to use the laptop and helped her with the technical side — setting up the platform, designing the layout, proofreading when she asked, even encouraging her when doubt crept in. He never overstepped, never tried to take control. He let her lead. And that, more than anything, reminded her of the freedom she had almost forgotten she was allowed to have. Writing was beginning to give her clarity and strength. Even as the storm of her past lingered on the horizon, she began to feel something new stir inside her — hope. She was using the laptop as Daniel to write when she heard a knock on the door. She left the laptop and went to check. She opened the door to see Kimberly, who wore a huge smile on seeing her. Kimberly had heard everything. The confrontation at the mansion, Alice’s departure, Grandma Janet’s hurt and disappointment — Daniel had filled her in when they spoke over the phone earlier that day. She didn’t wait long before heading over to Daniel’s house. She needed to see Alice. "Kim" Alice called out, obviously surprised to see her. “Alice,” Kimberly called gently. “I wasn’t expecting you,” Alice said, her voice soft. "Well, I'm here. Will you let me in, or keep me standing out here all day?" Kimberly replied, still smiling. "I'm sorry" Alice said and stepped aside for her to come in. Then she closed the door. "How did you know I was here?" Alice asked her. Kimberly turned back and looked at her. "Daniel. He's the one who told me about everything that had happened.” Alice nodded, slowly, "Let me guess. You're very disappointed in me too?" "Of course not," Kimberly said, "Kelvin never loved you. He was clearly out to use you to get his inheritance after which he would dump you." She paused a bit then added, "I'm happy that you've found someone who really loves you like you deserve" Alice sighed and took a seat on the couch. Kimberly took a seat beside her. “Grandma didn't see it that way. She believes that I'm characterless. My family will think the same thing too.” Alice confessed. “Then let them think whatever they want to,” Kimberly said firmly, reaching for her hand. "The society will always castigate women who take the stand for themselves. Don't bother yourself over them. I've been ostracized by my family for divorcing my unfaithful husband and I really don't care about it. It's my life and I choose to be happy. And so have you too.” Alice looked away, “But I still can't help but feel like a disappointment to everyone who had high hopes in me.” Kimberly scoffed, cutting her off. “You're not a disappointment. The real disappointment is Kelvin and when Grandma Janet will realize that, she would bury her head in shame and deep regret” Alice stayed quiet. Kimberly softened her tone before asking, “Why didn't you explain everything to Grandma Janet? Why did you just accept the entire blame?.” "I was tired of having to live as Kelvin's wife." Alice began, "Three years seemed too long for me to endure and so I saw that as an opportunity to set myself free." She paused briefly then continued, "And if I had told Grandma the truth, She would definitely have a heart attack. Being betrayed by her own grandson would shock her so much more than being betrayed by me" "Well, I'm glad you made the decision to be happy. So be happy and don't let thoughts about your family and the society make you depressed. Daniel makes you happy, Alice. That should matter. That does matter. So damn the rest of them. Damn what people say. You deserve to be loved. Genuinely loved and not tolerated, not controlled and not used to claim an inheritance.” Alice sighed, relieved "Thank you, Kim" "You're most welcome, Alice. What are best friends for?" Kimberly smiled at her. They had a warm and meaningful time together afterward, sitting comfortably in the cozy living room as the sun filtered through the windows. The conversation flowed easily, filled with light laughter and genuine interest. They spoke about the future — specifically, Alice and Daniel’s plan to get married once the divorce was finalized and to build a peaceful life together, free from the entanglements of the past. For the first time in a long while, Alice spoke about her future with a spark of hope in her eyes. She also took the opportunity to share her blog with Kimberly. Leading Kimberly to the laptop and with a shy smile, Alice scrolled through the posts she had written with Daniel’s help — each one reflecting her thoughts, growth, and healing. Kimberly read with admiration, impressed by the honesty and strength behind Alice’s words. Her joy for Alice was evident, and she didn’t hesitate to offer her help, already suggesting ways to expand the blog’s reach and visibility. Alice then opened up about another dream she and Daniel had been nurturing. With the money both of them had managed to save during their time with the Sanders, they were planning to launch a business together. She spoke about it with excitement and cautious optimism, outlining their shared desire to create something of their own — something that belonged to them and reflected their values. Later that evening, when Daniel returned home, the conversation seamlessly shifted into planning mode. The three of them sat together, tossing around ideas, scribbling thoughts onto paper, and exploring various options. After much deliberation, they finally settled on opening a fast-food business — a venture they felt confident would thrive given their vision and effort. Kimberly didn’t hesitate to pledge her full support. She was eager to be part of the journey, not just as a friend, but as someone who believed in their vision. Her presence that day didn’t just bring comfort — it strengthened Alice’s resolve and added momentum to the dreams beginning to take root. _______ At last, the divorce between Kelvin and Alice was finalized. Alice received the official confirmation through a simple email sent to her, from the Sander family lawyer, notifying her that the divorce was legally complete together with an online copy of the divorce certificate. She stared at the email for a long moment, her heart still, her face unreadable. Then, slowly, she let out a breath she had not realized she had been holding. It was done. She was no longer Alice Sanders, Kelvin's wife. She was just Alice. A woman no longer tethered to a man who saw her as an irritating inconvenience, a man who thought to manage her for three years till he would get his inheritance and then throw her out. The legal bond that once tied her to Kelvin, to the Sanders legacy, to the mansion filled with silences and staged affection — was gone. She thought she would feel free, lighter or even triumphant. But what came was silence. There was no joy or years. Just a hollow, aching stillness that settled deep in her chest. The whole thing felt surreal. That chapter of her life was over. A chapter filled with confusion, pain, a few flickers of wonder — and now, regret. Not for leaving, but for how much of herself she had given away trying to belong in a world that never truly welcomed her. Regret for never telling grandma Janet the truth. Now, the old woman felt that she was mannerless, characterless and a pretender. And when her parents would hear of the divorce, her father would disown her instantly. Alice drew in a deep breath and allowed herself to exhale slowly. She was going to be strong. Kelvin was unfair to her. He pretended to have wanted her only to use to just to claim his inheritance after which he would cast her out of the marriage to still face the same humiliation and disgrace before her people. She was still going to face the same thing after three years so it was better it had happened that moment. She would just take Kimberly's advice and ignore all of them. She had Daniel and Kimberly strongly with her. They were going to be her new family and she was going to start a new life. ____ The divorce spread silent among the staff and social circle of the Sanders and they silently murmured about it, cursing and blaming Alice for being a shame. Also, Grandma Janet, without hesitation, had picked up the phone and informed Alice's family in the village of the finalized divorce and the event that had led to it. She expressed hey disappointment in Alice and in the family for making her believe that Alice was a decent woman, properly brought up with their values and culture. Alice's father had explained that they did their best in raising Alice and that they all boasted of her well behaved manner. But Grandma Janet was tied to the proof she had seen and Alice acceptance of it all. After the call Alice's father was hurt and disappointed. He passed the information to his wife and younger daughter who were equally hurt by it. They knew that their family would be ridiculed by the society if they ever learn of the matter. So, the decision was to keep mute about the matter. They can not be mocked if the matter was concealed. Yet, they kept calling Alice - to scold her and reprimand her for her waywardness. Alice's phone kept ringing continually. But she made up her mind not to answer it. She wasn't ready to hear their baised judgement. She already knew that being a woman already makes her the offender and no amount of the truth would change that. It is an age-old belief that a woman must endure — must hold on, even if unloved, even if unseen till her day of death. But Alice will not go through such a life, enduring emotional hurt and pain for the rest of her life. She choose to be happy even if it meant being ostracized. Maybe later, when the heat of the matter would be long over, she would talk to them, but for that moment, she won't.
