001

“The cooling-off period is five days as always.”

“If both of you wish to proceed with the divorce after these five days, it will be finalized.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, glancing at the file.

I wasn’t sure whether I was avoiding her bored gaze or the fact that my husband, Asher had filed for divorce ninety-nine times

“Wake up already,” A gasp escaped my lips as he grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. “This time, I am definitely not withdrawing my application this time.”

He shot me a nasty glare before storming out of the office.

My chest tightened as I blinked away tears.

“They come here every two business days like it’s a market or something.” one of the staff spoke up.

“I heard the last time he filed for divorce because she didn’t iron his shirt well.” Another chimed in, shaking her head.

She leaned against the counter, “And the time before that was because he didn’t like the flowers she bought.”

My stomach twisted, my fingers curling around my dress.

“It's the same old story,” The staff continued, arranging some files.. “Just like before, she’ll beg and they’ll return to withdraw the application.”

My eyes stung with fresh tears as they spoke, tiny droplets landed on my dress, forming wet spots.

My fingers dug into my dress as I thought about the last ninety-nine times Asher filed for a divorce.

Every single time, I humbled myself and apologised.

I’d even gotten on my knees countless times, begging Asher to give me one more chance.

I was so convinced I could make him love me and for once, choose me.

But no matter how many times I apologized, I found myself at the office again and again.

I glanced around, my bottom lip quivering.

And Asher? He always ended up with my stepsister, Lovie.

He didn’t love me at all. Maybe he never did.

This time, I wouldn’t hold on to someone who didn’t love me anymore.

And definitely not someone who let me down ninety-nine times.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I realised —It was all truly over.

I wasn’t playing the divorce game with Asher anymore.

I let out a sigh and walked out of the office, pulling my hand close when it trembled slightly, pain shooting up my arm.

My heart sank as I recognized Asher’s friends standing by the hallway.

I held my breath as they approached me, narrowing their eyes.

“Look, the cripple has finally returned!” Jace, Asher’s best friend, laughed.

“Not just any cripple,” Bruce sneered, “The cripple who thinks she’s worthy of someone like Asher,”

I avoided their gaze, blinking away tears as my hand shook.

“Watching her hand tremble makes me want to puke, it's disgusting.” Jace gagged.

“Hats off to you, Asher. You tolerated her for so long,” Bruce continued, crossing his arms. “And you, get your bad luck away from Asher. He belongs with a classy, intelligent woman like Lovie.”

“More like one who's a real woman and not a half woman.” they high five each other before my eyes landed on Asher.

I waited for him to say something — do anything.

But my heart sank into my stomach as he smiled.

“Don’t pull the pity card now. It won't get you anywhere."He spat. “I’ve tolerated you enough.No matter what, I’m not taking back the divorce application..”

“Besides,” our eyes locked. “I’m curious to see what tricks you have up your sleeve this time, Loren”

He brushed past me, his footsteps fading as he walked off with his friends.

I reached up to wipe my tears, taking deep breaths.

No matter how many times I wiped them, more tears just kept rolling.

No more. I’d cried enough for Asher.

It was time to do what was needed.

I pulled out my phone, dialing a familiar number.

The man on the other end picked up on the first ring.

“I’m getting divorced in five days.” I said, “If you still want to invest in my mother's project as you said earlier, I’m ready to marry you in five days.”

Silence.

“Is this real?” he asked.

The memory of Asher’s friends mocking me while he stood by flashed before my eyes.

The times I’d pleaded and sold my self-respect, only to repeat the cycle and end up at the office…

No more. “Yes,” I answered. “This time, I’m certain.”

He paused, “Alright, I’ll see you in five days.”

I ended the call, leaning against the wall.

Five days.

That was all the time I had left. After five days, I would be freed from this relationship and most importantly…

I would finally be able to focus on my Mother’s unfinished projects. It was my responsibility and this time, I would ensure to focus only on it.

I had to retrieve her documents and fulfil her dying wish.

It was the least I could do.

I stood straight and hailed a cab, growing restless until one finally pulled up.

I entered and just as the driver started the trip, my phone beeped.

It was a message from Jace.

After I opened the message, a lump grew in my throat, making it almost impossible to breathe.

It was a photo of Asher and Lovie at the Hilton bar.

He had his arms wrapped protectively around her while she grinned at the camera

But I wasn’t so livid because they were flaunting their affair. That was old news.

I even knew the bar they were in, I’d picked Asher from there countless times when he had drunk to stupor.

My skin was burning because of something else — the brooch sitting around Lovie’s neck.

It was my mother's keepsake.

Every fiber of my being stung. This time, they had crossed the line.

“Turn around,” I spoke up.

“Excuse me?” The driver glanced back. “We are almost at your destination.”

“Turn around right now!” I barked, “Take me to the Hilton bar, drive fast!”