CHAPTER 8

Aria’s POV

I emerged from Victor’s company building, feeling unsure of my next move. As I hailed a cab, I found myself giving the driver Jessica's home address. 

Jessica had been my best friend since high school, but our communication had dwindled. Since I’d gotten married, she had persistently advised me to consider divorce, a sentiment she had expressed numerous times. 

Perhaps I should heed her advice. I’ve just been too stubborn, not listening to her all these years. 

Despite Jessica's disapproval and anger over my unwavering support for Victor, I held onto the hope that he would eventually reciprocate my feelings.

Oh God, I was so stupid.

I stood at her doorstep, mustered up the courage, and knocked on the door. When Jessica opened it, she didn’t say anything at first but just looked at me as if she'd seen a ghost. 

“Hi,” I tentatively greeted her and managed to force a smile. 

"Aria?” She let me in, but then, she seemed to instantly notice the troubled look on my face. Frowning, she added, “If you're here just to complain about Victor and not to finally leave him, then I think it’s best that you just go back to him.” 

I sighed. This was exactly what I used to do. Now I realized how disappointed and frustrated Jessica had been with me. 

"Jessica, I... I'm deeply sorry. I want you to know that I've made the decision to divorce him." Despite my stumbling words, I pushed myself to express it clearly.

She remained silent, her frown unchanged. "I mean it," I continued. "I've already left the divorce papers in his office."

"Can I stay at your place for a while?” I went on. “I have nowhere else to go... But if it's too much to ask, I completely under —." 

Before I could finish, she cut me off. "Are you serious? Of course, you can stay! Thank goodness you're finally leaving that jerk!"

"Come here, you," she said, enveloping me in a tight hug. I welcomed her embrace, grateful for the warmth and support it offered. My heart raced with excitement and nervousness.

"Wait a moment," Jessica said, guiding me to the couch.

To my surprise, she produced two beers from the freezer. I chuckled, "Are we celebrating?"

"Yes, absolutely! I'm thrilled!"

"I'm sorry, Jess, but I can't," I said. She paused, stunned and confused. So I quickly explained, "I'm pregnant."

Her mouth hung open, as if her jaw might hit the floor. "What? That jerk treated you so badly and still got you pregnant?!" 

I was speechless, concerned that she might be angry with me. Then, she crouched down and addressed my belly solemnly, "Don't grow up to be like your dad." We locked eyes and burst into laughter.

We sank into the plush cushions and began chatting. I sensed that Jessica was gearing up to criticize Victor, but I didn't intervene because I knew she was defending me.

"He made you do everything for him! Treated you like a maid. He only cares about his damn work. Has he ever thanked you even once? Never!" Jessica's arms crossed over her chest, her voice growing more heated with each word.

"If it wasn't for your dad's help, he’d still be nobody. And you graduated from a prestigious university. Who the hell is he to look down on you?" 

Jessica's words reminded me of my own worth. Seeing her so passionate warmed my heart, and I was grateful she was still my friend. I gently patted her hands. "Don't be angry. It's not worth it. I really don't care about him anymore."

Suddenly, Jessica sat up straight, her expression serious. I felt a pang of unease, unsure what had changed. Then she nodded and said, "That's good. Now you're completely Aria Everhart, not Mrs. Thorn." 

“Yeah, you bet! And I never really felt like Mrs. Thorn to start with.” We both laughed, and I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door startled us, and we exchanged anxious glances. 

Jessica, with a hint of trepidation, called out, "Who is it?" 

"It's me, Victor," came the somewhat distorted reply from the other side. 

Surprised, I whispered, "How did he find this place?" 

Sensing my unease, Jessica quickly gestured for me to retreat inside, saying, "Get in. Let me handle him." Understanding her intention to shield me from the impending confrontation, I complied and disappeared into a nearby room. 

From my hiding spot, I heard Jessica open the door, and Victor's urgent, slightly angry voice inquiring about my whereabouts. Jessica's response was curt and cold, "How would I know? She's your wife. Just go home and check, okay?" 

"I did check home, I'm not clueless. But she wasn't there!" Victor sounded exasperated. "I went to the office and heard that she had caused trouble again. Where could she..." 

"Hey, watch your mouth!" Jessica interjected, her voice now sharp with anger. “She’s never been a troublemaker. There’s nothing wrong with Aria, so maybe it’s you. You’re the one who’s to blame!”

He was at it again, unjustly blaming me. With a heavy sigh, I realized I couldn't keep avoiding the confrontation. I couldn’t just leave it for Jessica to handle. Stepping out, I faced Victor, who paused upon seeing me, then demanded, "I knew you were here. Come home with me now."

Calmly, I replied, "I've told you, I want a divorce. This isn't a joke. I've already given the papers to Shane; you can ask her."

Victor's expression turned sour immediately. "Can't we talk at home? Don't embarrass me."

Surprisingly, I should have been furious, but instead, I felt oddly calm. "See, Victor, you always think I embarrass you. Why can't we just let each other go?"

With a bitter sigh, I added, "I really loved you, Victor. But I don't think I can hold on any longer." Exhaustion weighed heavily on me as I tried to close the door, signaling for him to leave.

However, he grabbed my arm, forcing me to face him again. "You will never divorce me, Aria!" he spat angrily. "Never. Because you are mine. Only mine!"