The Broken contract

Chapter 3

I sat in the cold, sterile hospital room, waiting. My fingers trembled as I clutched my phone, rereading the message Jason’s lawyer had sent earlier. “We’ll be arriving in an hour to finalize the divorce proceedings.” The words felt like knives cutting through what little remained of my heart.

A knock on the door startled me. My chest tightened when Jason walked in, followed by a man in a sharp suit—his lawyer. Jason looked as indifferent as ever, his face devoid of any emotion, as though the last fifteen years of our lives meant nothing.

“Good afternoon, Andrea,” the lawyer greeted, setting a thick folder on the small table beside my bed.

Jason didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Let’s make this quick,” he said, his tone cold and dismissive.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my hands clenched tightly under the blanket. “Quick?” I echoed, my voice barely audible.

The lawyer pulled out a pen and slid the folder toward me. “These are the divorce papers. We’ve outlined the terms. You’re to leave the house within a week and take only your personal belongings. Mr. Whitman has generously agreed to provide a small financial settlement to help you get back on your feet.”

“A small settlement?” I repeated, my voice breaking. My eyes shifted to Jason, who stood with his arms crossed, avoiding my gaze. “Is that all I’m worth to you now?”

Jason shrugged. “You’re not worth anything to me anymore, Andrea. Especially now that you’re…” He hesitated, but his next words cut deep. “I heard you’re a barren woman.”

My breath caught, and tears spilled down my cheeks, soaking the corner of the divorce papers. I tried to hold it together, but his cruelty was too much.

“You’re a monster,” I whispered, wiping my face with trembling hands. “After everything I gave up for you, after all we built together, this is how you repay me?”

Jason smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. “Built together? Let’s be honest, Andrea—you rode on my coattails. I did the hard work. You were just there, playing house.”

Those words ignited a fire within me. I slammed my hand on the table, my tears drying as rage took over. “Then give me my share of your company,” I demanded.

Jason’s smirk vanished, replaced by a look of disbelief. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me,” I snapped. “I’m entitled to half of your company. I sacrificed my inheritance, my dreams, and my life for you, Jason. I didn’t just sit around—I helped you build that empire.”

Jason let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “You must be joking, Andrea. You think you have a claim to my company? You’re delusional.”

“I’m not joking,” I said firmly, meeting his icy stare. “If you and your family think you can discard me like I’m nothing, you’re wrong. I’ll take what’s rightfully mine.”

Jason stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. “You have no proof, no leverage. You’re a nobody, Andrea. Just sign the papers and move on.”

I stood my ground, refusing to let him intimidate me. “You think you can silence me? You think I’ll let you and your family walk all over me?” I pointed at the papers. “I’ll sign those if—and only if—you give me my share of the company.”

The lawyer glanced nervously between us, clearly uncomfortable. Jason, however, scoffed, crossing his arms again. “Fine,” he said after a tense silence. “You want a fight? You’ll get one. But don’t come crying when you lose.”

“Set the date,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “I’ll meet with your family, and we’ll settle this.”

Jason smirked again, his confidence returning. “You’re going to regret this.”

“No, Jason,” I said, my voice cold. “You’re the one who’s going to regret ever underestimating me.”

He turned and motioned for his lawyer to pack up. “We’ll be in touch,” Jason said over his shoulder as he walked out, leaving me alone with my fury and determination.

As the door slammed shut behind him, I whispered to myself, “This isn’t over, Jason. Not by a long shot.”