CHAPTER TWO

Aria felt so much pain as she came to the conclusion that Jeffery had moved on and he really just wanted to get rid of her.

“You should sign those papers,” he nodded towards the table where the papers sat.

She collected the pen from him, and was about to sign but then she stopped.

This will ruin her. How will she continue with her life when the news spreads throughout the media. 

If what he said was true, what are her parents' plans for her?

She would have nowhere else to go.

She shook her head and took a step back. “No… no, I cannot sign this,” her voice was barely audible and she dropped the pen.

Tears glistened in her eyes as she tried to beg Jeffery. “Please, I am sure we can make this work. If it is because of the miscarriages we can try other options. I will ensure we are happy.”

“Stop stalling Aria. Sign the papers and everything will go back to the way it was. You will continue with whatever it is you wanted to do before you were thrown into my life and I will be with the woman I love.”

Aria knew now that Jeffery could never love her, but she still couldn't sign the papers.

How would her life continue without him.

Her voice broke as she sobbed. “No, I am sorry. I will not sign these papers.”

The turned to leave when he dragged her back roughly. “Where the hell do you think you are going?!”

“You don't have a choice, you must sign now!” He yelled.

“I said I will not!” she screamed back, just then their staff walked past.

“I will not let you leave me Jeffery, I don’t care if you are …”

“Don’t you dare continue. The staff is close and she is probably listening. I cannot afford a scandal right now I have a deal with Adrian Morelli”

“So, your deal with Adrian Morelli is more important than my well being right now.”

“Don’t start now… I will not let you drag this out. I will not let you ruin things for me. Sign it now!”

His grip tightened becoming painful.

She whimpered, nodding quickly and he took a step back from her as she moved to sign.

Her hands trembled as she held the pen and scribbled her signature.

He had never held her in such a threatening manner. It suddenly felt like he was another person.

As she finished signing, he smiled brightly.

She took deep breaths to control her sobs. 

“Thank you,” he picked up the papers and moved towards the door before he stopped to look at her.

Just then, Jeffery’s phone buzzed, Aria turned to look it and it was a message from Valerie.

V: Has she signed yet.

“You will be given 15 percent of my assets for all your troubles and…”

“I don't want anything from you!” She turned to face Jeffery.

“Better take whatever you can and what I am offering because you will need it.” He spoke like he knew what was to come.

She paused and thought about what he said. She didn't say anything.

“Good. You have until tomorrow evening to leave Valerie will be moving in.” He continued towards the door and paused again.

“Do you need anything else or have anything to say?” she shook her head not trusting herself to be able to make a sentence right now.

She stood there hugging herself as she sobbed hoping that the tighter she held herself, it would keep her from breaking but that was impossible.

Why was life like this to her? It never seemed to work in her favor. 

The tears she had been holding since he came back started flowing out rapidly as she mourned the life she had lost.

She was no longer his wife and she had no idea what she wanted to do. She couldn't go back to her father's house because he wouldn't want her there even though him and her step mother knew about this mess.

She knew they would still find a way to blame her and make it her fault.

She regretted ever agreeing to marry Jeffery and more importantly, falling in love with him.

She dropped to the floor and cried until she fell asleep. She prayed that when she woke up, it will all be a nightmare and she will still be Mrs. Watson.

****

Aria opened her eyes and was surprised to see Jeffery looking down at her. She stood up as fast as she could, making her heart beat faster.

‘Why is he here? Is he rethinking his decision?’ She thought.

“Good mornin…”

“Be ready in 15 minutes. Our presence is required in the family house.”

Her heart raced.

His family house? Are his parents already aware of the divorce? What will they say? What of his sisters? So many thoughts flashed through her mind as she ran to take a shower.

She came out dressed to the living room and he stood up walking to the door. He didn't even look up from his phone or say a word to her.

The drive to the family's estate was silent. Jeffery was typing away on his phone while Aria stared through the window and tried to keep her heart beating at a steady pace.

Her thoughts wandered as to why his parents would want to see her and when she couldn't take it anymore, she turned towards him. “Jeffery, why are we going to see your parents?”

He just glanced at her and back to his phone like she hadn't said anything substantial. 

The car finally stopped at the house driveway and Jeffery got out immediately.

Aria fumbled with her seat belt and chased after him when she got out of the car.

She took a deep breath when she spotted Mrs. Watson, Jeffery's mother.

“Jeffery!” His mother called out happily pulling him into a hug.

“Good morning everyone.” Aria greeted with a small smile but nobody responded. 

They all ignored her as usual. It wasn't always like this, it started when she got married to Jeffery in place of her sister.

“Mrs. Watson!” A cheerful voice called from behind her and her stomach twisted in dread.

She turned to see Valerie catwalking towards them smiling widely.

Jeffery's mother hugged her and his family members acknowledged her.

Her chest hurt even more when Jeffery hugged and kissed her. 

“How are you?” he asked her.

Three simple words but they stung because he had never asked her in their three years of being together.

She felt embarrassed and tried to cover it up with a smile but her face felt too stiff.

“Alright, it's time for breakfast everyone.” Mrs. Watson called out and they all moved the dining table.

Valerie stayed by Jeffery's side like she was his wife as everyone arranged themselves round the table. 

She moved to the end of the table and was about to sit down when Mrs. Watson spoke up. “Oh no. Why don't you bring in the dishes.”

“What?”