*Nora*
I walked out of Alejandro’s study, anger coursing through my veins. I had gone through hell to make sure I got back into his life, and I was not ready to throw that away for anything.
No, I had to do something.
Walking into my room, I closed the door behind me and placed my back on it. My chest tightened as I raised the divorce papers to my face.
I can’t sign this.
I fling it to the side before walking across my room to sit on the edge of my bed.
After hearing Alejandro and Andrea’s conversation, I knew something like this was likely to happen. I knew he might want to remove me from his life.
I just didn’t imagine that he would do so soon. I pace around my room. I should have worked faster if I had known that this would happen.
I had brought Lucas here in the hope that he would help in making Alejandro stay home, but it was of no use.
Lucas doesn’t seem to have more effect on Alejandro as he used to in the past. I made dinner at home, and I went to Alejandro’s office to tell him and Lucas, only for both men to sneak out to the bar, without me.
I bit my thumb.
I had to do something. I couldn’t let Andrea and her bastard son ruin my plans.
I have to get rid of them for good. Since I couldn’t get rid of them before, I’ll do it now.
I stepped out of my room with a new resolve. I walked back to Alejandro’s office, the papers in my hands. I’ll tell him I have decided not to sign it.
Until I signed the divorce papers, our marriage was still very much valid.
After knocking on his office and getting no response from him, I tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t bulge. So I left.
I walked to Lucas’s room. I’ll speak to Lucas. If he finds out that Alejandro is going to divorce me, he won’t sit still. I am sure of it.
When I got to Luca`s door, I was just about to open it when I heard the father and son discussing.
I didn’t get all the details of the conversation, but from what I heard, they were going out together tomorrow. Alejandro also told him that he had something important to tell him.
No, telling Lucas about this would be useless. I could already see him siding with his dad because Lucas also told him there was something he had to tell him, too.
If the father and son are already sharing secrets, then they will be closer.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. All I have worked hard for was about to be robbed from me. I placed a call to Williams.
Maybe he’ll speak to Alejandro.
I called him twice, but he didn’t take my calls.
I woke up very early the next day and stepped out. I didn’t see Alejandro or Lucas in sight.
I walked towards the parking lot.
The driver stepped out and opened the door, “No, I’ll drive myself today,” I said, and the driver handed me the key.
I stepped into the car, ignited it, and drove off.
I came to a stop in front of two massive gates. Two men dressed in black stood outside the gate. Upon seeing my car, one of them walked towards me.
I put down my windshield. He bent to meet my gaze. I pulled out a yellow badge from my bag and showed it to him. He collected the badge and was satisfied with it.
“What do you want?” the man asked, handing me the badge.
“I want to see the boss,” “Do you have an appointment?”
“You saw my badge, do I need to?” I raised a brow, and he stepped back.
I was already angry and was in no mood to deal with any stupid mother fucker.
I pulled over at the usual spot.
It has been a long time since I last visited. I stood in front of the mansion, which exuded wealth and power.
Stepping inside the mansion, I walked straight to the boss’s office. I ignored the look thrown towards me by each man I walked past.
“Oh Nora, I never thought I’d see you again,” the old man called out in his old cracked voice.
I had to smile upon seeing him when I wanted to throw up in disgust.
“What request do you have this time? The last time you came, it was after your divorce. You cut all ties with the gang after your remarriage, so why are you here?” The man in front of me asked.
He wore a black bottom down. His mustache is longer than it should be. Stuck between his fingers was a stick of cigarette.
“I have a simple request from you,” my eyes trailed the three shirtless men behind him. All the boys are showing off their chests.
“What do you want?” I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. My eyes returned to the old men in front of me
“Two guns and some men,”
He squinted his eyes briefly before a smile came to settle on his lips. Then he placed the cigarette on his lips and took a long drag.
“What mess did you get yourself in this time? How big is it, that you request a gun?” He wasn’t worried; this was how he was: a pretender and a manipulator.
If only he knew I was about to make some mess and not the other way around. He walked closer to me, placed one hand on my chin, and lifted it to meet his gaze.
“It’s nothing big. Just lend me this time.” I tried to hold his gaze. His finger traced my lips. “Do this for me, and I’ll pay you back,” I assure him.
One side of his lips pulled up. And he stepped away from me. “You know how things are done over here, ” why don’t we go upstairs? You scratch my back, and I scratch yours.” He paused and turned to me, “And you’ll get what you demand,” I held my disgust I felt back.
I knew this was going to happen.
Well, it’s been a long time since I had sex with him, and doing it just this time again wouldn’t hurt so much.
“Let’s not waste another minute then,” I said, and we walked to his room upstairs together, his hand on my back.
*Lucas pov*
I spent the night thinking of what my dad had to say. We didn’t quite share personal stuff like most sons do with their dads.
A part of me believes it was regarding his marriage with my mom. I think he wants to end it.
I am no fool. I have noticed a few things about their marriage since I came back. And I feel like I am at fault.
Then, I was too naive and young, I did not fully comprehend how important marriage was.
I knew my dad didn’t love mom like before, but I had been blinded by my selfish desires to have a complete family that I had insisted they get married.
For the last few months, even before they left, I had deeply regretted my childish actions. I watched my dad suffer and struggle. He was not happy, not even once, with the marriage.
I will support him. Mom also deserves better; she deserves someone who would love her as much as she loves the person, and that person wasn’t Dad.
I was about to drift into sleep when my phone beeped. I reached for my phone close to me and opened the message.
It was a message from Alison.
“You will not believe it; I just told Andrea about us.” my heart beat within my chest.
There was no way Andrea would accept our relationship. What if it ruins their friendship? I will not be able to live with myself if that happens.
I began typing but stopped; a call would be better.
She answered at the third ring, “What did she say?” I asked before she could say anything.
“Relax, You’re sounding so tense,” I inhaled sharply, trying to calm my emotions.
“Technically, I didn’t tell her. She found out about us,”
“Are you okay? Where are you now? Did you find somewhere to sleep?” I asked, ready to stand up and give her any help she needed.
Since Andrea found out about us, she wouldn’t let this slide.
Alison’s laugh from the other end. “I’m home, and I’m fine,”
“She didn’t kick you out?”
“No. She’s cool with us. She has no problems. She was just disappointed that I didn’t tell her about us and had kept it from her.” Well, that wasn’t her fault.
Alison went ahead and told me all about their conversation.
The next day, I had breakfast with Dad. Mom was surprisingly nowhere to be seen.
“Where’s mom?” I asked Dad as he chewed his toast.
“I heard she went out,” My dad replied.
“Oh, okay.” We chatted as we ate. I had to tell him about Alison and me today. Also, I plan to visit Andrea.
I want to apologize.
I couldn’t fathom how she agreed and held nothing against me. She had been in the same position, but I had robbed her of her joy.
“I have something to take care of at the office; let’s meet by noon. I also have somewhere that I want to take you,” he said.
“All right, Dad.” I worked from home. Just because I was here doesn’t mean that Williams has to take care of everything.
Later that day, I settled in the car beside my dad.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“There’s someone I want you to meet.” He replied. He didn’t answer my question, though, but it was fine. The meeting would probably be in a restaurant.
“Lucas,” my dad called. I turned to him. He didn’t need to call me when I was right behind him, but I didn’t say that.
“I think it’s high time I told you,” I held my breath in anticipation of what he was going to say next, “your mom and I are getting a divorce,” I let out my breath.
It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
“I know this may not sit well with you, but I have to. I may never have said it; I can’t live with your mom. I don’t love her, and this isn’t fair to either of us…” he looked at me with sad eyes, “I’m sorry, son,” he said in a low voice.
“It’s fine.” I couldn’t tell him how happy I was that he was finally choosing himself.
“I think this is for the best too.” He raised his eyes to see me, surprise written all over his face.
I knew he must be surprised as hell. He must have expected me to throw tantrums and tell him how I didn’t want them to part ways, but I wasn’t doing that.
“You …”
“I know, Dad. I know you don’t want this, and I am tired of seeing you unhappy.” I want you to be happy. If divorcing mom makes you happy, then that’s fine by me.”
“Lucas…” he called my name softly, “I’m sorry for forcing you into this in the first place; I shouldn’t have ever brought this up. I know better now.” He smiled.
“I hold nothing against you, my son,” I was glad he had forgiven me. This means we are cool.
With or without Mom, we’ll always be family.
The car came to a stop.
“We are here.” I hadn’t even noticed. I studied the environment. We both stepped out.
“Who do you want me to meet?” The door opened immediately, and a little boy ran out, “you are here,” he hugged him.
“Your brother, Austin.”
“Austin, come back here.” A familiar voice yelled from within the house, and then Alison stepped out.
But she wasn’t alone. Behind her was Andrea.