Chapter 4

AVERY WINTERS

"Now that you have signed the papers, everything will be finalized in a week time. You will also take over the company, and the remaining funds will be transferred to you first thing tomorrow morning.”

He went quiet for a moment, and then continued again. “It's late now, you should head back home and return tomorrow morning. Or better still, we can meet at Mr. Reed’s house. I will text you the address."

"His house?" I asked.

He nodded. “You will be meeting his Mom and sister tomorrow. He wants everything finalized as soon as possible," he added again.

"Ms. Winters...” he called, calmly. “I know I'm not in any position to ask you this, but are you really sure you're ready for this?" He asked, his tone laced with concern. "Trust me, it's not going to be easy."

Is this a heads up?— I thought, worriedly.

I looked up to meet his gaze and nodded resolutely. I might still have a lot on my mind, but I don't want to drag this.

Since I had already sign the papers, I don't think there's a way out again.

I'm in this already.

"I will be fine. I've been in a tougher situations before now, I’m sure I can over come this too. Besides, it's just for a year, right?"

"Yes, it is. But a lot can happen in that a year.”

Why do I have chills hearing him said that?

I nodded softly, picked my bag and stood up. "I should take my leave now. See you tomorrow, Mr. Theodore."

"Goodbye, Ms. Winters. Please, take good care of yourself.”

I nodded, passed him a small smile and walked out of the office. 

•

As I drove back to Caden’s house, I pulled into the compound, parked my car, and a heavy sigh escaped my lips before I stepped out of the car.

I know I’m not supposed to come back here, especially after our earlier altercation, but I need to do it the right way. I have to sign the divorce papers and pack up my stuff.

I headed inside and was met with Caden’s angry face. He looked so upset that I could feel his fury from where I stood.

"Where are you coming from?" He asked, his tone dripping with venom.

"What sort of a stupid question is that? I don't owe you an explanation," I replied, matching his tone as I tried to walk past him.

But he grasped my wrist, and slammed my back roughly against the wall.

I winced in pain, met his gaze, and his eyes were still burning with rage.

"I won't ask you again, Avery. Where the hell have you been?" He growled, his grip on my wrist tightening as his nails dug deep into my skin.

Tears instantly welled up in my eyes, but I clenched my fist instead, suppressing the pain.

I locked gazes with him as I said, “You’re hurting me, Caden. You need to let go.”

I thought he would let go, but his grip on my wrist tightened even more.

"You need to fucking answer me, Avery! Where the hell have you been? Have you been with your lover all this while?! Have you been cheating on me? Did he satisfy you down there like I always do?! Is that why you were so eager to divorce me?! You agreed to the divorce so quickly without blinking an eye!" He burst out angrily.

I furrowed my eyebrow confusedly.

What?

And despite the anger welling up inside me, a dry chuckle still found its way out of my lips. And with all the strength I had, I managed to push him away.

"Now, you're accusing me of what you've been doing? Caden, do I need to remind you that you’ve been the one fucking around with my stepsister? You flaunted your love for her in my face!” I burst out, my anger boiling over.

“You’re the one divorcing me for her! How dare you call me names when you’re the cheater here!” I lunged at him, my fist clenched, but he caught my wrist and shoved me roughly onto the couch.

Before I could get up, he pinned me down and squeezed my jaw tightly, making sure I feel the pain. "You don't have the-"

He began, but a familiar voice suddenly cut him off. "CADEN!!!"

We both turned and met his Mom’s shocked face. She rushed over to us, pushed Caden away from me, and helped me up, positioning herself between us to protect me.

Her eyes blazed with anger as she stared at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" She scolded.

"Mom, you stay out of this" he hissed. 

"Have you lost your mind, Caden? How dare you lay a hand on your wife? What has gotten into you because I never raised a monster?”

His face twisted in anger. "You shouldn’t direct that question to me. You should ask her where the hell she’s been and why she’s just returning now?!" He burst out, pointing an accusing finger at me, his eyes blazing with fury.

I stared at him, unbelieving, and the tears I had been trying so hard to hold back finally slipped down my cheeks freely.

I had made a promise to myself— not to shed tears in front of him again, but here I am, crying like a fool, which I hated.

He was the one who had brought in another woman, had sex with her in our matrimonial bedroom.

He had looked me in the face and thrown the divorce papers at me, told me he was tired of me, so why was he acting this way? Why was he acting like I had the one who cheated on him?

"Mom, it's not what you think, I promise. I can explain."

"Explain what?” He hissed, his eyes narrowing. “That you're a cheat?!"

"I'm not a cheater, Caden! And you know it!"

"I don't care! Listen... I'm leaving now, and before I return, I don't want to ever see you here again!" He said, his voice dripping with venom. "I want you gone. Forever! Sign the fucking papers and get out of my house!" He ordered, pointed his index finger at me, and then stormed out of the house angrily, slamming the door behind him. 

The loud bang made both his mom and I jolt in shock.

She slowly turned to me, her expression softening. She took my hand and guided me to sit beside her on the couch.

Even though a glint of accusation still lingered in her eyes, her tone was still gentle as she tried speaking.

“What papers is he talking about, Avery?” She asked. “Don’t tell me it’s not what I’m thinking?”

"Mom, please, stop giving me that look. You have to trust me, I didn't do anything. It was Caden who wanted the divorce and he was still the one who called me a barren after I caught him with another woman in our bedroom."

"What?!!"