Chapter 4: Divorce

The room brightened as a ray of sunlight slipped through the curtains, gently caressing Carmela's face and filling the space with warmth and comfort.

Feeling the rays of light, Carmela sensed a glimmer of hope and optimism, as if the universe was assuring her that everything would be alright.

She stirred on the bed, pulling the bedspread closer for a cozy embrace. Slowly, she opened her eyes, greeted by the breathtaking sky outside.

With a gentle yawn, Carmela sat up and tenderly placed her hand on her stomach. "Good morning, world. Good morning, baby. I promise I'll give you the best of myself," she whispered, feeling a strong connection with the little life growing within her.

Sitting at the edge of the bed, she reached for her phone on the table, sliding it open to embrace a new day.

The bright light from Carmela's phone illuminated her face, reminding her that she had missed the time to meet her lawyer. She had signed the divorce papers and wanted to hand them over to the lawyer, leaving him to deal with Max. After that, she planned to head straight to the airport. Carmela had made up her mind the night before to leave Winchester behind, seeking a new chapter in her life.

Just then, she heard a loud knock on the door, and she hurried to see who it was. It turned out to be Nichole, and Carmela realized that Max hadn't returned home since the previous night.

"Who is it?" Carmela asked, puzzled by the incessant knocking. She opened the door, and there stood Nichole, dressed casually in blue jeans, a black polo, a cap, and white sneakers. Carmela couldn't help but wonder why she had come so early in the morning. If it was about Max, then he hadn't come back home all night.

"Nichole, why are you here so early?" Carmela frowned.

"Am I not welcome in your house anymore? Anyways, sorry for coming so early in the morning," Nichole replied shortly, walking past Carmela, who hesitated to let her in. "I heard that you're intending to divorce Max," Nichole said, scanning the room with her eyes.

"Yes, don't I have a reason to?" Carmela nagged, but Nichole didn't seem interested in arguing. She appeared rather pleased that they were divorcing, and if she could make Carmela leave instantly, she would gladly comply.

"Chill, girl. We've been friends forever, and I don't know why you didn't tell me first before deciding to bring up the idea of divorcing that loving man." Nichole's tone softened slightly, trying to appeal to their long-lasting friendship.

"I'm sorry. I was feeling really on edge," Carmela said, catching her breath and relaxing against the wall, her arms crossed.

"What's going on with you? Is your husband cheating on you?" Nichole approached her, trying to act concerned.

"No, it's not that... you don't need to know. I'll be alright; you don't need to be bothered about me," Carmela replied, her eyes fixed on Nichole.

"Okay," Nichole raised her hand, signaling that she was giving up on prying further. "Anyways, I need something from you."

Carmela knew that Nichole had frequently sought her help ever since she found out that Carmela married a wealthy man. And this time was no exception. Nichole pleaded with her, clasping her hands together, asking for another loan.

"I need $100; it's for something urgent," Nichole said.

"It's okay, no need to be so dramatic. Let me go get it for you," Carmela said, walking away from the room.

As Nichole waited for Carmela's return, she grew impatient. Soon, her phone began to ring, and she picked it up with a beam on her face.

"Hey, babe," she greeted the masculine voice on the other end of the line.

"Hey, have you gotten the money yet?" The man's voice was impatient, as if he couldn't wait any longer.

"She just went in to get the money for me. I spoke with her, and she's determined to get a divorce. Isn't that great? I can't wait for her to divorce and take her place instead," Nichole laughed, relishing her devious plans.

"Our plans are working perfectly fine. Just get the money," the man replied.

"At least we can finally be together.." Before Nichole could finish speaking, she felt a presence and turned her head, her heart pounding as she saw Carmela standing behind her, looking at her with disbelief.

"How long have you been standing there?" Nichole asked Carmela nervously.

"Long enough to hear all your conversations so far," Carmela's voice was cold. She had overheard everything, and she couldn't stay still and do nothing.

"Tell me. Since when have you been involved with my man?" Carmela rushed towards Nichole, pushing her chest repeatedly. Fear was evident in Nichole's eyes.

"I-It's not what you think," Nichole stammered as her back finally hit the wall.

"Do you think I wouldn't find out? The disappearances, the fake business trips, the dress. You didn't even try to hide it! When I wanted so badly to believe that my best friend wouldn't betray me and sleep with my husband, I just couldn't." Tears welled up in Carmela's eyes.

"Carmela, calm down. I can explain," Nichole pleaded, but Carmela was filled with rage. Her hands were already gripping Nichole's sleeves as if she wanted to strangle her.

"How could you!!" Carmela screamed at the top of her voice.

As the two engaged in a struggle, they heard a car stop in front of the house, and Nichole realized it was Max's vehicle. She pushed Carmela away, rushed to a glass cup, and in a moment of desperation, she picked it up, broke it, and cut her skin, causing herself to bleed and fall to the ground. The door swiftly flew open, and Max appeared before them both.

"What's going on here? Carmela, what have you done?!" Max yelled coldly. Before Carmela could reply, Nichole cried out, "I was trying to persuade her not to divorce you. I was telling her that your business was going to bounce back and nothing would happen to the company, but she attacked me."

Nichole continued crying, while Carmela struggled to stand up and speak, but Max cut her off, saying, "Shut up." His words were harsh and final. The truth seemed to be evident to him. "Now I know that what they said is true. You married me because of my money! Bring the divorce papers, and I will sign them here and now."

Nichole's tears flowed, and Carmela's legs gave way beneath her, overwhelmed with sorrow, unable to believe what was happening.