The 99th Divorce Novels & Stories

“How long are you staying here?” “Just until the terms of my divorce are finalized. I was advised against obtaining any properties. They said Celeste could petition for fifty percent of those as well.” He looks down as he mentions her name. “How long were you married for?” I didn’t want to pry but I, too was facing a divorce once again. “Nine years. How about you and Leonardo?” “Five and a half years.” I say with a sigh. “Any kids?”

Fredrick whispered the names of these apparently distinguished people and I forget it the second I move from them to the next person. “When does this end?” I whisper to Fredrick, “What do you mean? It only just started, to your left, Miss Bayek, her divorce brought in the most revenue for divorce cases two years ago, smile.” I gasp, “The one with the obvious fake boobs? Why do I have to smile at her? We already handled her case.” I whisper back, “That was her third divorce, and she just got engaged again, to another billionaire, the owner of the Jace Motors, Jacob Holden.”

Was he really the same person who had smashed a glass bottle, held a sharp shard to his throat, and screamed until his voice tore raw? Today was supposed to be my third wedding anniversary with Charlotte. Only, calling it our third anniversary was almost laughable. If we counted from the first time we got married, then yes, it had been exactly three years. But in between, we had divorced and remarried, then divorced and remarried again. It had only been a month since our most recent wedding. Now, we were divorced again. In three short years, we had married eight times and divorced eight times. I never thought the jokes I used to see online about serial divorce couples would become my actual

"Ninety days to win you back." I turn slowly. Hayden Wolfe, the man who never kneels for anyone, is on his knees in front of me. His head is bowed, his shoulders trembling. My breath catches in my throat. I've seen him furious. I've seen him possessive. This is something else entirely. He lifts his eyes to mine. They're red-rimmed, glassy, and desperate. "Ninety days," he repeats. "If you still want the divorce after that... I'll sign. No fight. No games. I'll let you go."

The database report Kenji found—1999. "The 1996 decree was a forgery," Aria said softly. "Dr. Halloway confirmed it." "Then we have a problem," Steven said. His voice lost its professional calm. It became grave. Noah looked at Aria. He looked terrified. "What kind of problem?" Noah asked. "If the divorce wasn't finalized until 1999," Steven said, "then your parents weren't legally married when you were born in 1997. And if they weren't married..."

His ex, who's his first love, with his child. Now I understand what that DNA test result means. If I saw that… if I saw that earlier… If I had seen his name and the child with a 99% result, I should have prepared myself for this pain. Ronan was waiting for me to sign the paper, emotionless while gazing down at me as he threw the pen on the floor. Two years… For two years I endured the pain and harsh reality as a Belle Volkov. This marriage won't work even if I refuse to sign the divorce paper. He even found someone else just like what his mother wished for.

“I thought you didn’t care about—” “I thought about it, and it’s better she doesn’t find out about this argument at all.” She gave me a tight smile that made my heart sink. “After all, you’re the perfect stepfather figure for her. I’m sure you don’t want to ruin your image by telling her about our bad times. Our marriage’s still okay, we’re just going through a phase.” “A phase?” “All married couples go through that.” “Diane!” “Don’t fucking yell at me.” She snapped. “Like I said, keep all details of the argument to yourself. I’ll be leaving early for work tomorrow, so we might not see until—”

I did my best to keep the pain out of my voice. He sat down and sighed. “I know this isn’t easy. Ten years...” “Not all couples get their happy ending.” I held my hands tight, fire in my stare. "Let’s make sure it finishes without any room for contestation.” Ryan nodded solemnly. I had already sent him the divorce papers while we were in the car. Even though this was happening faster than I thought, I really hoped Louis could see how hell-bent I was and that what I had was good enough.

That was my way of giving our failed relationship a decent goodbye. But he clearly didn't see it that way. His eyes grew redder. "I never agreed to call it off! We didn't break up, we were just fighting!" "Breakups don't need mutual consent," I said. "And wasn't it better that I'd walked away? You're free to be with Yvette now." Joel's face tightened. "That's not true! I've only ever loved you. Yvette is just a sister to me!" I nodded. "Right, and to protect your sister, you canceled our wedding. You left me again and again for her."

A broken marriage. A cheating father. A home poisoned by lies. I couldn't do that to my baby. And I couldn't do it to myself either. By the time sunlight filled the room completely, I had made my decision. I was going to divorce my husband. Get the abortion. And leave his life forever. I was done being the only one fighting for a marriage that died long ago.