05
My brother stepped into the room, his brows furrowed with concern. “Who were you talking to just now?” he asked his voice low but probing
I shook my head, brushing the question aside. “No one important,” I said quickly, avoiding his gaze. “I need to get going. I have a meeting with my lawyer”
“Astrid.” His tone softened, but there was still that edge of worry in it. “Let me drive you. You’ve been-
“I don’t need a ride. I interrupted, pulling on my coat. My voice had sounded firmer than I intended, but I couldn’t help it. I hated being fussed over. “I’ll call a cab.”
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t push further. He just stood there, watching me as I gathered my things. I could
I
I
feel his eyes watching me for a moment.
ister now.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he finally asked, his voice quieter
I paused at the door, my hand resting on the handle. “I’m fine, Seth,” I said, but even I didn’t believe the words.
Before he could press me further, I stepped out into the hallway, letting the door close behind me. The truth was, I didn’t want him to see me hurtt.
When I arrived at the lawyer’s office, my stomach dropped. The sleek, gold–lettered sign by the entrance made my heart race. It was the same law firm Ash used. Of all the firms in the city, why did it have to be this one?
I hesitated at the door, my fingers brushing over the handle as my mind raced and for a brief moment, I considered turning around and finding another lawyer, but no I couldn’t afford to waste more time. I needed this over with as soon as possible.
The receptionist greeted me warmly, her smile professional. I nodded stiffly, stating my name before being followed her to the meeting room
Once inside, I explained my situation to the lawyer a sharp, beautiful no–nonsense woman named Claire. She leaned forward, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose, as I laid out the details.
“We could expedite the process,” she said, her voice calm yet precise, “if you both agree to a mutual divorce. That would cut down the timeline significantly. Otherwise, contested divorces can drag on for months, even years.”
A mutual divorce. The words tasted bitter. Would Ash agree to that? Would he even care enough to
“And you’re still firm on your decision not to seek alimony?” Claire asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded me
I nodded without hesitation. “I don’t want his money. I just want out.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she scribbled something down on her notepad. “Very well. I’ll prepare the necessary documents. Be prepared, though–if he decides to contest this, it could become… messy.”
Messy. The word hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.
“That’s fine,” I said softly “I’ll handle it.”
But as I left the office, a knot of anxiety twisted in my chest, I barely had a moment to have a deep before J bumped into someone hard
I looked up, a knot in my stomach twistsded. Ash
His dark eyes narrowed as he grabbed my arm, pulling me aside to a quiet corner. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice low but tense
For a moment, I just stared at him, Suprised by the coincidence of running into him here, of all places. His presence was suffocating
“What are you doing here, Astrid?” he said again, his grip tightening slightly.
the divorce papers?1
Before I could respond, a voice interrupted us
“Asly?” A calm voice called out
We both turned It was kate She stood a few feet away
I watched his entire expression change when he looked at her. His hand dropped from my arm, and his expression softened in a way it never did for me. My heart sank
He shoved me to the side, possibly trying to hide my presence from Kate, and then he turned towards her. I laughed at myself inwardly as I watched them.
“Kate,” he said, his tone almost tender. Without sparing me another glance, he moved toward her, his focus
entirely on her now.
I stood there, frozen for a moment, watching as he leaned in close, speaking to her in a hushed voice. It was like I had disappeared, like I didn’t exist
Disappointment washed over me in a familiar wave, and I turned away. What had I expected? That he’d care? That he’d realize what he was about to lose?
That was pathetic.
I clenched my fists, forcing the lump in my throat down as I walked away. I shouldn’t have expected anything from him. Not anymore.
And yet, the ache in my chest told me that part of me still had.
That night, the storm raged outside, its howling winds rattling the windows as if trying to break through. I lay in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep, the events of the day playing on a loop in my mind.
I barely noticed the sound of hurried footsteps approaching until my bedroom door burst open.
“Astrid!” Seth’s voice was frantic, his face pale as he stood in the doorway, dripping from the storm.
I sat up immediately, my pulse quickening. “What is it?”
