Chapter 3

• When I got home that day, I didn't let my husband see my weakness as usual nor did I tell him anything about my pregnancy. The following day was the day for the appointment with my lawyer, and I knew I needed to be composed and strong.
• Finally, the day came. I carefully selected my outfit, wanting to look put-together. I chose a sleek, navy blue pencil skirt that accentuated my figure, paired with a crisp, off shoulder and a crop top. I slipped on a pair of nude, pointed-toe heels that added height and elegance to my posture. To complete the look, I wore a fitted blazer that hugged my curves in all the right places.
• Gazing into the mirror, I adjusted a loose strand of hair and applied a touch of red lipstick to my lips. Looking back at me was a lady who had been through so much, but refused to let it define her as I smiled at my reflection in the mirror.
• Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I made my way to the sitting room to retrieve my car keys. As I turned the corner, I caught sight of my husband walking out of his room. He was already dressed.
• I watched him walk out the door and head towards his car as he climbed in, started the engine and drove off.
• Swallowing the lump in my throat, I quickly gathered my belongings and walked out to my car. I climbed inside, the leather seats cool against my skin and then, I drove off.
• As I arrived at my lawyer's office, I realised my husband had arrived before me. My lawyer, Mr. Stevens, greeted me with a professional smile as I made my way into his office.
• "Sorry I'm late," I said, leaning against the doorframe. "Traffic held me up."
• Mr. Stevens smiled, “It's fine.” He said and gestured for me to take a seat. As I settled in beside my husband, our eyes barely met as we both knew this was the beginning of the end.
• "Alright," Mr. Stevens began, taking a seat behind his desk. "Let's get right into it, shall we? Why do you both want to proceed with a divorce?"
• I shot a wary glance at my husband before taking a deep breath. The memories flooded back, making my heart ache all over again. "On our wedding day," I started, my voice wavering slightly, "I caught my husband with my best friend. I walked in on them. And not only that, I found explicit pictures of them together, naked pictures."
• Mr. Stevens raised an eyebrow. "I see. Mr. Cornell Smith why do you want a divorce?" he asked, turning his attention to my husband.
• My husband's face remained impassive, his eyes cold as he spoke. "I don't love her," he stated matter-of-factly. "She pressured me into marrying her, emotionally blackmailing me."
• My heart sank at his words. How had we reached this point? Memories of the love we once shared seemed like a distant dream.
• Mr. Stevens continued, his voice calm and composed. "Are you both certain about this decision? Divorce is a serious step, and it's important to be certain before proceeding," he warned.
• I glanced at my husband once more. This hadn't been my plan. I had hoped to spend my life with him, to build a future together. But now, everything has crumbled beneath my feet.
• In a moment of clarity, I found my voice. “Yes. I am sure and my ex husband to be is sure as well.”
• My ex husband to be seemingly caught off guard by my declaration, shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
• Mr. Stevens leaned back in his chair, his gaze assessing both of us carefully. "Divorce is a significant decision, one that cannot be made lightly," he reiterated. "If there's any chance of reconciliation, it's essential to explore that path. Counselling, communication, working together as a couple…”
• “Mr. Stephen, I am very certain, very certain." Said my ex husband to be.
• "Well, I'm sorry. Court can't grant you your divorce," my lawyer, Stephen, went ahead to explain to me why I and my husband can't divorce. We are only a few months old in this marriage and can't be resolved so soon. Hearing his words, I felt disappointed.
• Stephen leaned back in his leather chair, studying my crestfallen expression.
• "Listen to me, Mrs Ava Smith," he began. "There are ups and downs in marriages. Resolving conflicts requires patience and understanding. Divorce shouldn't be the first option on the table."
• I stared at Stephen. How was I supposed to forgive my husband for his deceit? The pain was still raw.
• Stephen sighed heavily, a sign that he had dealt with similar situations before with other clients. “Ava, I'm not saying it will be easy. Forgiveness is a choice, and it is a process. By choosing to forgive, you give yourself room to heal. It doesn't mean you condone what your husband did, but it gives you the power to move forward."
• I rested my elbows on his desk, burying my face in my hands, I felt helpless, disappointed that even the court can't help me at the moment. And meanwhile, all my husband could do was observe the scene.
• "But what if I can't forgive?" I whispered helplessly. I raised my head, tears brimming in my eyes as I met Stephen's gaze. "He already stated he is not in love with me and besides, I don't know if I can forgive him," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
• "You won't know until you try," he replied gently. "Marriage isn't just about the good times; it's about weathering the storms together. And sometimes, the storm can bring you closer than ever before."
• I wiped away a stray tear from my eyes as I gazed up at my husband who seemed to act like he didn't notice my tears, his cold eyes were on Stephen.
• “Thank you Mr Stephen. I'll be on my way now. I have work to catch up with.” Said my husband as I watched him stand and leave.