The divorce I chose

Chapter Two

Natasha

The first thing I did after being discharged from the hospital was file for divorce. There was no reason in delaying this marriage any longer. Duncan had never truly wanted it in the first place. The marriage had only been a transaction between our two families.

Although I had been happy about marrying Duncan because I had always had eyes on him since childhood, I once believed becoming his wife would be my happy ending. Instead, it became the beginning of my tragedy.  The moment I received the divorce papers, I headed straight home. I signed my part without any hesitation. All that was left was Duncan’s signature, which should be an easy task.

By the time I got home, I had already prepared myself for what was coming next. Just as I stepped into the house, I saw Sarah sitting comfortably in living room as if she owned the place.

The moment she noticed me,  A smile appeared on her lips. It was the kind of smile that always irritated me, one filled with hidden mockery.

“Oh, Natasha, you're back already?” she said, standing up slowly.

Her eyes moved to the documents in my hand.

“What are those?” she asked curiously as she walked closer.

I ignored her question and tried to walk past her, but Sarah quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“Natasha, why are you ignoring me?” she asked with an innocent expression, though I could clearly see the calculation behind her eyes.

I stopped and looked at her calmly.

In my past life, I would have avoided confrontation and quietly endured her presence in my home. But this time… things would be different.

“What do you want, Sarah?” I asked coldly.

She pretended to look hurt by my tone. “I was only worried about you,” she said softly. “After all, you just came back from the hospital because of that fall.”  Her words sounded concerned, but the faint curve of her lips betrayed her true feelings.

I looked straight into her eyes. "You mean the fall you caused?” I said.

For a brief moment, Sarah’s smile stiffened. But she quickly recovered.

“Natasha, why would you say something like that?” she said weakly, placing a hand on her chest. “Are you still blaming me for what happened?”

I almost laughed. This woman really deserved an award for acting.

But I wasn’t the same Natasha she used to manipulate anymore.

This time, I would make sure she regretted every single thing she did.

“Is that so? Then why don't we check the CCTV camera over there?” I told her. I noticed her shoulders drop as a shaky laugh escaped her lips.

“I now see why Duncan doesn't love you. You don't know when to stop,” she suddenly twisted the conversation.

A scoff escaped my lips as I folded my arms. “Why don't you stay out of my family business?” I warned her.

“Family? Can you even call yours one? Duncan doesn't even see you as his wife,” Sarah said.

I already knew that, but she just had to rub it in once again.

“But I can say I am better than someone who won't stop lying just to stay by a man's side,” I said, and I could see the hurt flash in her eyes.

“You bitch,” she spat, raising her hand to slap me, But I caught her wrist before she could land it.

“You can spill trash about me and I can't?” I said, still holding her hand firmly as she tried to free herself from my grip.

“Let go, you bitch,” she demanded.

“Maybe if you ask politely, I will consider it,” I told her with a smirk.

Just then, Duncan’s voice rose behind us. “What the hell is going on?” Duncan asked. I immediately released Sarah’s hand, and as usual she let out a pretentious cry.

“Duncan,” she called and rushed into his arms.

“Are you okay?” he asked with so much care.....care he had never shown me in the whole five years of our marriage.

“I was just asking after her, and she suddenly got angry and gripped my hand,” Sarah blurted out.

I watched the two of them cling to each other like lovers  “I told you to stay away from Sarah. Is it wrong that someone tried to ask after you?” Duncan asked as he examined Sarah’s wrist. I rolled my eyes as I saw Sarah shoot me a sheepish smile.

“I can't take this any longer,” I said, turning to walk away but Duncan grabbed my arm and pinned me to the wall aggressively.

“What’s wrong with you? You've been acting strangely since the hospital,” he said.

“Strangely? And what exactly is strange about me?” I asked.

He remained silent.  I let out a sigh, pushed him away angrily, and slammed the divorce papers against his chest.

“What’s this?” he asked as he began going through it.

“I want a divorce,” I said without hesitation.

A loud chuckle escaped Duncan’s lips as he tossed the papers aside.

“What do you think you are doing?” he asked.

“What does it look like? I’m asking for a divorce. I'm tired of this goddamn thing we call a marriage,” I said as I picked up the papers and shoved them back into his hand.

“I’m sure you have nothing to lose. Like Sarah said, you never really saw me as your wife. So I’m sure it won’t hurt at all to let go of this marriage,” I said as I turned to walk away. But Sarah’s voice suddenly rose.

“Who do you think you are asking for a divorce? I’m sure this is just one of your tricks to get Duncan’s attention,” she said.

“I see now. Is that what this is all about, Natasha?” Duncan added.

A scoff escaped my lips.

“You know, I actually think you two would make a perfect match, seeing how alike you think,” I told them.

“Watch what you say. Sarah is just my friend,” Duncan said.

“Just a friend? And yet you give her all the attention that I never got as your wife,” I replied.

“You should have thought about this when you forced yourself to marry me,” Duncan said coldly.  "Oh really? Then I guess all of that can end now once you sign the divorce papers,” I said.

“And I admit, I might have forced our wedding, but that was because I loved..."

I paused.

“But not anymore.” With that, I turned and walked toward my room.

“Duncan, I'm sure she doesn't mean it. This is just another way to get you to love her,” Sarah said softly.

I rolled my eyes as I overheard their conversation and continued walking into my room to start packing my things.

This time I will be the one walking out of this house on my own terms