Chapter 2 Divorce

• Aurora didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Ethan Thompson was truly a beast. He couldn't even wait for her to be discharged from the hospital before bringing the papers to her.
• "What if I refuse to sign?" Aurora asked, wondering what Ethan and his mother would do if she refused.
• Her marriage would remain intact, preventing Ethan from being with Sara Blake. He couldn't force her to sign, especially considering he was the one who had drugged her.
• "Then you will force my client to take drastic action and go public with your so-called adulterous lifestyle. Remember, you are an illegitimate daughter, and your mother's past would be dug up," the lawyer replied with a sneer.
• Aurora felt her heart skip a beat. She had always tried to live her life in contrast to her mother's. Her mother was said to have had her out of wedlock. And when her parents finally decided to marry, her mother was hit by a reckless driver and didn't survive. Hence, she remained an illegitimate daughter.
• She was three when her father married Molly Blake, and they had Sara a year later. Aurora grew up under her stepmother's indifferent tutelage.
• While her father was alive, Molly managed to put up with her, neither showing affection nor outright hatred. They lived together and had no issues with each other until her father's death.
• When her father's will was read, revealing that he had divided his wealth equally between his two daughters, Molly Blake was furious.
• How could Dennis Blake have given Aurora the same share of his property as Sara? Aurora was an illegitimate daughter and she had been kind enough to accommodate her in the house and let her bear the Blake name.
• However, granting Aurora equal rights with her daughter was a step too far. She would never accept it. She was going to deal with Aurora until she was satisfied with her revenge.
• "Ms. Blake, please sign the papers," the lawyer urged her. He seemed to be in a hurry and didn't understand what was making Aurora lost in thought.
• Aurora carefully adjusted herself to sit without disturbing the IV line in her hand. She collected the golden pen from the lawyer's outstretched hand.
• The document stipulated that she was never to return to pick a needle in her matrimonial home, nor does she retain any shares in her father's company.
• Her property was designated as compensation to Ethan Thompson for being cuckolded. Aurora's hands trembled when she read the conditions attached to the divorce papers.
• With a soft sigh, she steadied her breathing and signed the papers, sealing her fate—a life stripped of wealth and possessions, condemned to poverty.
• As the lawyer collected the signed papers and returned them to his portfolio, a faint smile graced his lips, the first since entering Aurora's presence.
• "I wish you all the best, Ms. Blake. Have a good day," he said, rising from his seat and exiting the hospital ward.
• Aurora watched him depart, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt utterly ruined, her life now devoid of meaning.
• She was empty. No parents, no husband. She thought she had a sister but alas, she was a green snake under green grass.
• Where was her home? Who were her people? Where did she turn for help?
• She wept until she could weep no more, left with nothing but the dress she wore, laid beside her on the hospital bed.
• When she changed out of the hospital gown, she found herself possessing only that single dress, her sole belonging in the world.
• Meanwhile, the lawyer exited the hospital and slipped into a tinted car where Ethan Thompson and Sara Blake awaited. "She signed when I threatened her with her mother's past," the lawyer boasted.
• "I knew you could make that bitch succumb. I'll add 10% to your fees," Ethan Thompson replied happily. Now he was free from the shackles of that bondage called marriage.
• Gosh,he didn't like that girl a bit. She disgusted him. He had to put up with her and pretend for the past four months.
• "Baby, you're the best," Sara chimed in, resting her head on Ethan's shoulder and circling her hand around his arm.
• They kissed each other, feeling satisfied as the chauffeur ignited the engine and drove off.
• **
• For the next two days, no one checked on Aurora in the hospital. She ordered takeout and managed to eat. She was glad that he left her phone by her bedside.
• She had transferred what little money she had to a secret account. She couldn’t underestimate the extent to which Ethan Thompson would go.
• She was able to pay her bills and got discharged from the hospital. Since she couldn't return home, she had to go to her stepmother's place.
• At least that house belonged to her father as well. She could stay there for a while and found something meaningful to do with her time and life.
• She hailed a taxi, directing it to her stepmother's address. She can vouch for her stepmother. She wouldn't be in support of what her daughter had done.
• She may not have really loved her but at least she was the one who paired her forcefully to Ethan Thompson. She was to be blamed for forcing her with that idiot.
• If Molly Blake were to discover that her daughter had a hand in the breakdown of the marriage she had arranged, she would definitely be furious with Sara Blake.
• The taxi driver came to a halt at the address Aurora Blake had given him. He waited to see her alight but was surprised when the woman he carried remained in the car without the slightest intention of stepping out.
• He glanced at her from the rear view mirror and saw her teary eyes. She was shedding tears and at the same time seemed to be lost in distant thoughts.
• The taxi driver shook his head. Everyone had their battles. He couldn't fathom what could trouble such a beautiful woman, but it was clear she was troubled and lost.
• He had his own struggles too. He sighed softly before saying, "Ma'am, we're here."
• But Aurora Blake didn't respond. He repeated himself and even honked the horn. Finally, she snapped out of her reverie, looking embarrassed.
• How long had he been trying to get her attention? He had even resorted to using the horn.
• She wiped away her tears and quickly exited the car. After paying the fare, the taxi driver spoke up again. "Ma'am, I may not know what you're going through, but I want to encourage you to stay strong and not lose hope. Everything will be fine in time."
• He collected the money, and Aurora told him to keep the change. She thanked him with a smile before hurrying toward the house.
• But as she reached the threshold, she froze upon hearing voices from inside.