MARIUS’ POV:I never expected to see such fire in Hazel’s eyes, hidden beneath that soft, desperate plea for help. She’s stronger than I give her credit for, braver than I could have imagined. Hazel’s feign composed facade is completely exposed after unleashing a fierce slap across Carter's face. Soon after, she storms out, leaving behind a stunned, silenced crowd.Carter is frozen in humiliation. He had it coming, treating her with such disrespect and deceit. Maybe this slap will finally knock some sense into him.But, after sensing that Carter won’t make any effort to seek Hazel's explanation or apology, I follow Hazel outside, finding her huddled in the corner of the porch, her body wracking while she’s retching. I approach her cautiously, my handkerchief already in hand."Hazel, you okay?" I call softly.Hazel takes a moment to compose herself before turning to face me, tears streaking down her cheeks, her hand trembling as it covers her mouth. “Thank you,” she murmurs as she ac
HAZEL’S POV:"May I know first why you want a divorce?"The lawyer’s voice breaks through my reverie, pulling me back to the present. These days I've been wondering what on earth Marius Thorne means. If he is completely unwilling to help me, why did he refer me to this law firm?I hand Mr. Salazar an envelope filled with my prenuptial agreement, marriage certificates, and other contracts I signed as Carter’s wife.“I caught my husband and his mistress - my friend, red-handed," I reply without the tiniest hint of embarrassment.Mr. Salazar’s eyes flick over the papers, his expression thoughtful. "Since Mr. Thorne personally recommended you to me, then I'll be happy to help you. "“Are you positive this is what you really want?” he asks. “Yes,” I say. I’m so tired of people questioning my decisions and underestimating me. “Good. Now I need to ask you a question, and don’t take offense. It’s important you tell us the entire truth so we can plan out our case. We don’t want any surpri
“We’re not looking for a housewife.” Their words are like daggers piercing my already fragile confidence.For days, I’ve been on a fruitless quest, knocking on the doors of countless companies, only to be met with polite refusals, sympathetic smiles and sometimes rude and inappropriate criticisms. Each rejection letter weighs heavily on my heart.I’ve never finished college nor even experienced working for any kind of job, my dreams were put on hold when I fell in love with Carter. He has promised me the world, but instead, he has left me with nothing but shattered illusions and a mountain of regrets. Speaking of Carter, some of the companies I’ve applied to know him. The interviewers whispered among themselves, their eyes darting nervously, and sometimes mockingly, in my direction, as if I’m some kind of pariah tainted by association.Now, as I face the harsh reality of my situation, I can't help but curse myself for ever believing in him.***********Express Cafe is my last shot.
Despite the inappropriate advancement of the manager, I accepted the job. I’m desperate to end the cycle of rejection and despair, to get my chance of independence and to prove that I’m more than just a housewife.Little do I know, however, that my journey will soon take a dark turn.The Express Cafe bustles with the morning rush. I’ve landed a job as a barista. As I steam milk and pull espresso shots, I find myself the target of unwanted advances from both the manager, and the owner. When no one is looking, they’d brush their c.rotch area against my b.utt, their fingers touching my exposed legs, sending a shiver of disgust through my bones.I feel trapped in another nightmare that’s not easy to escape. And it doesn't end there. The manager, sensing my subtle defiance on his advances, would take revenge by humiliating me in front of my colleagues. He would nitpick every move I’m making, correcting me with a sneer even when there’s nothing to correct.My anger simmers beneath the sur
CARTER’S POV:My wife seems like a different person now.How can I make her see reason when she’s so damn stubborn? My threats aren’t working, even bankruptcy doesn’t faze her anymore. I need to find a way to reach her heart again.A bottle of beer dangled loosely from my fingertips, my other hand absentmindedly massaging my cheek where the sting of Hazel's slap still lingers, days after the fact. The memory of her angry and pained face flashes before my eyes again.“It’s just a kiss,” I hiss.We’re married, for crying out loud! Her need to humiliate me in front of the other families was evident in every fiery word she spat. To add insult to injury, she found herself a divorce lawyer – Marius Thorne, of all people!Marius is known for his ruthlessness in the courtroom, his unyielding determination to win at any cost. I drain the last dregs of beer from the bottle and set it down on the bedside table with a hollow thud. Rising from the couch, I make my way to the bathroom.I sink int
HAZEL’S POV: Becoming a future mother changed me.As I stand before the mirror, a small, almost imperceptible bump catches my eyes. I pause, my hand coming to rest gently on my belly. "Hey there, little one," I murmur, my voice barely more than a whisper. "We're going to make it, you and me. I promise. Mommy is gonna work super hard to give you the best life you deserve."My thoughts drift to the future, to all the hopes and dreams I hold close to my heart: a world where my child will want for nothing, where we’ll know only love and laughter. Before I can fully lose myself in the wonders of my imagination, a sharp knock on the door echoes. I frown in confusion. I don’t expect any visitors, not at this hour and certainly not in this place.I make my way to the door, the wood creaking softly in protest as I pull it open.Oh s.hit!“Carter,” I breathe.His looming figure is framed against the still dim, early morning light. His face is twisted in anger. My breath hitches in my throat
LILIAN’S POV:Is Carter really over Hazel, or is he just saying that to keep me around? I see the way he looks when he talks about her, and it makes me wonder if I'm just a distraction. My reverie is interrupted when a sharp desperate knock comes to my door.As I fling the door open, my irritation evaporates. Standing at the threshold, swaying slightly, is Carter."Carter," I breathe as I take in his disheveled appearance. His face is flushed, his eyes half-closed, and his necktie hung loose around his neck. His shirt is wrinkled and stained, a far cry from his usual meticulous attire."Lilian," he mumbles, stumbling forward. I catch him just in time, my arms steadying his larger frame. The smell of alcohol is overwhelming, and I wrinkle my nose but hold him up, guiding him towards the living area.Carter collapses onto the sofa, his head lolling back against the cushions."What happened? Why are you so drunk?" I ask.Carter's eyes struggle to focus on me, his words slurring togeth
HAZEL’S POV:Leave the city if you want Marius Thorne’s help.I slump against the cold kitchen counter, my phone still clutched in my trembling hand as I barely register Leslie's text message.My heart aches with the weight of it all. This city is my home, even amidst the ruins of my marriage. I have already lost so much—and now, to save myself, I have to give up this city too?A bitter laugh escapes my lips as tears well up in my eyes. It seems the universe will take everything from me one by one, leaving me with a choice that feels like no choice at all.I’m not just going to accept this fate without an explanation, not when my entire future hangs in the balance. I must personally talk to Marius.Quickly, I head down from my apartment and hop in a taxi. I arrive at the Counsel Commanders Law Firm in just a few minutes. “I’m here to meet Marius Thorne,” I say.To my surprise, the receptionist greets me with a knowing smile and gestures for me to follow. It’s as if Marius Thorne has