Divorce

“Why not pay your husband a visit at work tomorrow? He has a surprise for you, be there at 2:00 pm.” Alessa read the text over and over again. It was an anonymous text, she got the text before going to bed last night.  

She read it again and got lost in thoughts, what could the surprise be? Who sent the text? Is this something good? 

The elevator doors opened snapping her out of her thoughts, she stepped out and walked down the hallway.  

She was about to find out what the surprise could be, she was at her husband’s office already. She opened the door as she got to it. 

Alessa froze at the sight in front of her, a lady was seated on her husband’s lap wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.  

They noticed her presence and pulled away from each other, Alessa’s eyes widened in shock seeing who the lady was. His ex-girlfriend and first love. Lydia.  

“Bryan, who is she?” Lydia asked, pretending not to know who Alessa was. 

Bryan sighed and nodded at Lydia, she stood up and he walked to Alessa who was still in shock.

“What are you doing here?” He asked but Alessa didn't give him a response. She was too stunned to speak.

“You… you are cheating on me.” She stuttered as she glanced at Lydia.

“Why are you here?” He asked again.

“Is this why you have been missing dinner for the past two months?” She asked with tears welling up in her eyes.

“Go home Alessa, we will talk later.” 

“Bryan, I... “

“Get out.” He ordered. Alessa stared at him in shock, doesn't he feel bad at all? 

Alessa bit her lip and blinked back her tears, she nodded slowly before walking out of his office. 

Three years of being in a loveless marriage was something Alessa was okay with because she had hoped that one day, Bryan would love her back. 

Their love was based on a contract between their families, despite it being a contracted marriage, Alessa loved Bryan. She is aware Bryan doesn't love her back because their marriage led to him and Lydia breaking up and blames her for it despite it being their parent's idea.

Despite all these, everything has been going great between them until two months ago when he started skipping dinners and getting home late. She had a feeling something was wrong but she ignored it and believed he was just busy with work. 

Alessa got home and cried all day. After giving it so much thought, she decided to let it go whether he explained it to her or not. 

She loves him and she would do anything to keep their marriage going. After waiting for a long time, he finally got home when it was past midnight. 

Alessa was waiting for him in the living room. She smiled at him but he ignored her and headed up the stairs. Alessa trailed behind him till they got to his room.

“You are back.” She said with a smile. He ignored her again and walked to his table, he picked up a brown file and turned to her.

Before Alessa could speak, he stretched the file to her. 

“What is this?” She giggled as she opened it. 

Her smile faded immediately seeing what was in it.

“I can't keep doing this Alessa. You saw it yourself, Lydia is back and we are together. It’s about time we divorced, this isn't working out.” He said. 

Alessa looked up at him, and slowly she laughed.

“Oh, you almost got me there.” She said amidst laughter. She slowly stopped laughing seeing the stern look he had on.

“Oh my God, you are serious.” She mumbled.

Immediately tears welled up in her eyes.

“Why are we getting a divorce?” She raised her voice a little as tears blurred her vision.

“I don't love you.” He replied.

Alessa's lips parted in shock, she knew he didn't love her but he had never said it to her. 

“I… I know but… “ She trailed off as she felt herself choke on her words. She had nothing to say, she couldn't think of anything. 

She knows how much he loves Lydia, he couldn't love her back due to how much he loves Lydia. 

“She is pregnant too.” He added. Alessa felt her heart shatter. That was the main reason. Apart from them living without love, she couldn't get pregnant either.

It's not her fault she is barren, her heart gets more broken every month when she gets her period. She badly wanted to get pregnant too.

“I… I... “ Alessa paused as she sniffed.

It’s okay Alessa, you don't have to say anything, just sign the papers. I will send you some money to start afresh and… “

“I don't want your money.” She cut him off in tears.

“And I don't want a divorce either.” She pleaded. 

“You have to sign it, Lydia will be moving in tomorrow.” He replied. Alessa stared at him in disbelief before looking down at the divorce papers. 

His signature was there already. 

Alessa whimpered as her hand trembled, she can't do this. She has no life without him, she gave everything up just to get married to him. 

Her parents will murder her if she goes back to them, they are her step-parents. That is why it was so easy for them to trade her up.

“No, no, no.” She cried and looked up at him.

“We can make this work out, please. Don't kick me out. She can move in here with us, I don't mind. My love is enough for both of us, please don't do this to me, Bryan.” She pleaded as she moved closer to him. 

His expression was cold, it was obvious he had made up his mind and nothing could change it.

“Bryan.” She called and held his arms. 

“I don't want to get a divorce. I love you.” She pleaded.

He stared at her for a few seconds before pulling away from her.

“Crying won't help the matter. My mind is already made up.” 

“Sign the papers, Alessa. You have until tomorrow to leave my house.