Chapter 3 The Divorce Papers
THE TAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.
Nina's heartbeat raced as he dropped the bombshell on her. Immediately, she went down on her knees and tried to touch his legs, but he kicked her off. “Asher—“
“I am going to get a divorce from you!” Asher repeated himself, this time with more finality in his tone.
Nina felt the ground spin under her. She hoped this was a nightmare and she would wake up from it. The tears kept pushing their way out of her eyes, burning her cheeks. She slapped herself to be sure she wasn’t having a bad dream, and it hurt badly.
It seemed she had finally crossed the thin line between life and its unforeseen circumstances. She never thought something like this would tear her world to pieces today. Probably, if she knew, she would have remained in bed.
Even though Asher had been acting strange for a while, they were refined and cordial with each other. He still makes love to her and kisses her goodbye whenever they arrive at the company. Even if she did cheat and he is genuinely sterile, he shouldn’t throw a divorce in her face like that. Nobody does that.
Nina gulped hard, struggling to get up. Her legs wobbled, but she maintained her stance. “A—Asher, baby, I get it that you are angry. You probably don’t even know what you are saying right now. Divorce is too expensive of a joke, baby. Come on, please.” She said. Nina moved towards him, caressing his arm while finding it difficult to breathe.
Without sparing her a glance, Asher pushed her, and she fell to the cold floor. “I just warned you not to touch me with those filthy hands of yours. What do you think of me? A weak man? Do you think I will get smitten by your lies and let you get away with it? I have had enough of your treacherous self. I want all of this to end. I should have known better marrying a nobody like yourself!” He ranted, walking away.
Despite the pain that pulled at her waist, Nina crawled to Asher’s parents, crying. With a shaky voice, she pleaded. “Please, Darren. Help me talk to him. Leila, I will never cheat on him. I didn’t. This baby is his.” When they didn’t respond, she crawled back to Andrea. “Andrea, what are you doing? Why aren’t you saying anything? You know the many things Asher has done to me and how much you despise his behavior towards me. Why aren’t you defending me this time? He is lying against me, Andrea, and you know it.”
Andrea scoffed, refilling her glass of wine. “Please, girl. I am too shocked at the moment to hear you.”
Nina stared in utmost disbelief, and her body retreated backward in shock. Asher returned at the same time and flung a document at her.
“That is the divorce papers; sign it and leave my house right this minute,” Asher said, glowering at her.
“You—You can’t mean this, Asher. I beg you. You can't just throw over five years of our lives away. Please, baby, let's talk this out. We can do a DNA test. I am not lying to you. I will never cheat on you. I love you more than life itself.”
“Shut up!” Asher yelled. “DNA? You are seeking a way to manipulate that again. You are such a fraud, Nina! Have some fucking shame! I regret every minute of my life with you. And I don’t want ever to see you again!”
Nina’s head ached, and her body seemed to be tearing apart. Nothing made sense to her. Things don’t just happen for no reason. Her eyes felt heavy from the tears. She sniffed, struggling to stand up.
“What did I ever do to you, Asher? Why are you so determined to make my life miserable? What offense did I commit that you despise me to do much to the extent of lying against me? Baby, I have been with you through the hardest times you have had since you became CEO. You know my schedule like the back of your palm. I don’t even need to visit anyone because Andrea is the only person I am close to, and she practically lives here. I entrusted you with my life. What more can I give for you to believe me?” The tears choked her.
She wiped it off quickly to get her words out, even though shaky. “What changed, baby? Is there someone else? Is this why you no longer want me? I thought you said—I meant the world to you. You couldn’t go a single day without talking to me. Why? Why? Why now? Why are you doing this to me, Asher?!” She wailed, falling to the ground again. Her voice seems to be fading off.
“You—“ Asher wanted to say something, but Andrea stood up just in time.
“Of course, there is someone else,” Andrea said, approaching Asher.
Nina sniffled. “You—You know who it is? Why didn’t you tell me?”
She flipped her hair, caressing Asher’s jaw before kissing his lips. “I didn’t say anything because there was no need to tell. You were going to be disposed either way.”
Nina’s brows furrowed as she tried to process what just happened. She glanced up at her husband and friend. This time, Asher had his arm wrapped around Andrea protectively with his lips to her forehead, and she had her head on his chest. A shrilled noise rang in Nina’s ears. For a second, it felt like she went deaf. Looking towards Asher’s parents, they look very relaxed.
“Perhaps—did—“ Her voice trailed off, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Did…did you know about this?” She stuttered, asking both parents.
Leila snorted. “So? Our son's happiness is what matters.”
Nina turned back to Andrea. “Why would you do this to me?! I trusted you! You are my sister, Andrea!”
Andrea approached her. “Sister? The last I checked, my mom is aware of the number of kids she gave birth to.” She bent before Nina, holding her gaze; hatred burned in them. She looked like an entirely different person from the one Nina knows. “Sorry, but not sorry, Nina. You don’t deserve him. People like you shouldn’t ache for people like us. I have been dying for the day you will finally move out. But you did everything too well, making it hard to get you to leave. Asher loves only me. And I think we have done enough harboring your homeless self. I hope you won’t try to act stubbornly. Now that you know the truth, you should sign the papers and leave. No one wants you here. Hand me a pen and divorce paper, baby.” She called out to Asher, and he did as told. “Sign the damn papers, bitch!”
“You were planning this all along?” Nina found herself asking Asher.
“Don’t make me hit you! You are ruining our dinner. I need you out of here as soon as possible!” Andrea bellowed in her face.
With shaky hands and a sad soul, Nina collected the pen. As she signed on it, tears dropped onto the papers, soaking it. Her life crumbled before her, and Nina could not do anything about it. She is finding it hard to process.
“There, it wasn’t so hard, right?” Leila hissed after Nina finished signing the paper.
“You have five minutes to pack whatever it is you might need. For the sake of our friendship, that is why I am giving you this much time. You have done enough.” Andrea said, eyeballing her with contempt.
Like a zombie, Nina got up and headed towards the room. As instructed, she picked up the few things her hands could carry. Andrea didn’t wait for the five minutes to be up before pushing her out into the deserted night, knowing she had nowhere to go.
Chapter 4 Earning Her KeepTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.“Ma’am, you should get up. Don’t forget you are on the early morning shift.” Tania said to Nina as she tapped her gently to wake her.Nina mumbled incoherent words and turned back to Tania before opening her eyes. She groaned inwardly. Nina had never had a hard time waking up before. But with her pregnancy, she wakes up grumpy or tired in the early hours. Sighing in exhaustion, she sat on the bed, scratching her eyes.“Good morning, Tania. Can you please stop calling me, ma’am? My name is Nina. And you are the reason I have a roof over my head. I don’t know what would have become of me.”“Just because you are in this state now doesn’t change that you are a woman of respect. This moment won’t go on forever, and I know you will return on your feet in no time. So, please, let me call you as I please.”Nina laughed softly. “You are such a sweet person.”“I owe it to you. You are the first person I worked with who didn’t treat me like
Chapter 5 The EXSIMS GROCERY STORE, NEW YORK.Xander kept staring like a thunderstorm had hit him. He would never have imagined in a lifetime that Nina would be checking goods at a grocery store. She had bags under her eyes even though she had make-up on. Nonetheless, Nina looked as beautiful as ever. It would have been shocking if she had lost her beauty. And his heart seems to be doing a victory dance at the sight of her.“How have you been?” He asked, finally breaking the almost consuming silence.Nina cleared her throat, shifting in the chair awkwardly. “Good. I guess.” It appears the universe has a thing or two against her. She would have preferred Andrea to meet her at the store instead of Xander.“I’ll check your items in now.” She was grateful for a while that he saw her on duty and wouldn’t have the excuse to talk to her.But to her shock, he was waiting right outside the store after her shift was over. Which meant that he would have waited longer if she had to stay until la
Chapter 6 Blocked OffXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“Did you get home safe?” Xander said into the receiver while tapping lightly on the car wheel. Nina made incoherent sounds in the background before making her voice clear again. “Yes, thank you.” “I mean what I said, Nina. We should meet to talk again. I don’t know why you wouldn’t let me drop you off at home, especially in that state you are in.” “I am pregnant, not handicapped, Xander. And I have been doing fine by myself, and I don’t need a knight in shining armor to do so.” Her words sliced through his chest like a knife, but he chose to ignore it. “I just wanted to be of help.” She exhaled, “I understand what happened in the past was a misunderstanding. But I need you to know that times have changed, and I am no longer the Nina you used to know. I would like this to be the end of us seeing one another again. I only gave you my contact to avoid coming off as rude. It's okay if you choose to delete it. Have a good night, Xander.”
Chapter 7 The Interview DDFOODS COMPANY, NEW YORK.Nina stared anxiously at the file in her hand. She was determined not to let herself be pushed to the ground by her supposed fate. Nina applied to all of the job posts in her field. When she got a call to come in for an interview, she was over the moon.DDFoods is also a counterpart of M&M Foods. Even though they arrived later, they have done immensely in the market. Nina has no doubt she will get the job. Her experience is more than enough to get her the head researcher position.“Miss Ruiz?” The secretary called out.“Yes, ma’am,” Nina replied and jumped up too quickly, causing her belly to ache. She winced inwardly, still holding up a warm smile.“Come with me.” She urged, and Nina followed closely.“Ah, Miss Nina. It's quite a delight to see you. Come sit, please; I am Donald Davis, the CEO.”She had expected to have the interview with the Human Resources Department, but then coming directly to the CEO might mean she has the job.
Chapter 8 Family ProblemsJACKSON FAMILY HOME, NEW YORK.Xander walked into the space, feeling exhausted already. The dining had enough food for a feast. Reasons like this are what keeps him away from the house. His mother can be pretty extravagant in whatever it is she does. There was no reason for her to cook this much, but it’s obvious she B really can’t help it.“Finally, you are here. Dad was just about to throw a fit.” Jace whispered to him as he stretched out his arm for a shake. Xander walked past him like he didn’t notice the gesture. “Rude much.” He snickered.“I am only here because Mum was overly dramatic about what she would do.”“You still could have remained adamant. I would have loved to see what trick Mom has up her sleeve and ready to toss towards you.”Xander gave his brother a side-eye. “I can’t wait to round up with the dinner and leave.”Jace furrowed his brows. “Errr, do you have somewhere to go?”“What does it matter? Of course, I have a house to go.”“Oh, my g
Chapter 9 A chanceXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“I am coming,” Xander responded to the person by the door. Hurrying into his shorts, he ran downstairs to get the door. Carla has gone grocery shopping and won’t be back in a while.Checking the intercom, he was surprised to see his brother and mother. He would have expected Jace to press the code in since it is his usual way of dropping by without prior notice.“What’s with the pretense? Why didn’t you let yourself in?” Xander questioned Jace while hugging his mother lightly.Jace made a gesture towards their mother while flaring his nose.“Welcome, mum. Come in.” He invited them.Venus didn’t say much as she entered the house. Carla is indeed doing an excellent job at keeping the house intact. Sometimes, she would prefer to see his home in disarray from a long night party. But Xander’s life is too straightforward, and it worries her.“Do you not have anyone upstairs?” She asked, hoping the answer would be positive.“You want to check?” Xan
Chapter 10 Finding NiaTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.“You did what?” Tania bickered, spitting shards of the ice cream in her mouth.Nina sighed in exhaustion. “I just thought it was the best thing to do. The last thing I want right now is any burden.”She swallowed the rest of the content before sharing her opinion. “You shouldn’t have done that. From your description, Xander is not a bad guy and never was actually. So why would you go as far as blocking him when he can help greatly.”Nina stared down at her pale palm, feeling tears in her eyes. “I am just so tired of thinking I can’t do without a man, or a man has to be in place for me to get my life together. It was the same mistake I made with Asher. I don’t want history repeating itself.”“But you never can tell who the good one will be unless you test the waters. How long has it been since you blocked him?”“About two weeks.”“What? Two weeks? Why didn’t you tell me anything?” Tania questioned.She pulled at the tail of her hair.
Chapter 11 Seeing Nina AgainTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.Tania was beginning to regret her hasty decision. Nina didn’t look at all pleased that she brought Xander to the house without giving her a fair warning. She looked deflated.“You could have at least texted me,” Nina groaned nervously.“I am sorry, Nina. I thought you might want to see him after feeling bad for how you treated him.”Nina sighed heavily, turning her face away. “I don’t think I am ready to see him yet.”“I can ask him to leave.” She said, making her way to the door.“No! No! I will go to him. Thanks.”“Forgive my nosiness, please,” Tania mumbled.Nina hummed in response, excusing herself. Xander was pacing the hallway when she stepped out. He paused abruptly, staring at her like she was some angel that made his heart melt. The minute he opened his mouth to speak, Xander didn’t take a pause.“It's okay if you don’t want to see me. I will leave. I couldn’t reach you for a few days and thought to check you at the st