Damian's words still echoed in Ava's mind as she sat quietly in her room. "I'm clearing some space in your life." It wasn't a casual statement — it was a promise, one that unsettled and thrilled her in equal measure.
She hadn't asked what he meant. Part of her feared knowing. Another part clung to the silent hope that maybe, just maybe, someone was finally standing in her corner.
Still hovering around her thought, a message from Damian came in instructing her to meet him at a nondescript office building downtown.
Ava was confused about what the meeting would be and why wouldn't they meet in the house. Her curiosity got a better hold on her and she dressed up in a black short dress.
The building's facade was unassuming, blending seamlessly into the surrounding architecture. Ava was flanked by two of Damian's men, their faces expressionless as they escorted her to the designated location.
As they stepped into the elevator, Ava's mind began to whirl with questions. What was the purpose of this meeting? Why had Damian chosen this particular location? The doors slid open, and she was led down a sterile hallway lined with doors that seemed to stretch on forever.
The conference room was a spacious affair, with a large wooden table at its center. Ava took a seat, her eyes scanning the room as a lawyer appeared beside her. He was a middle-aged man with a kind face and a professional demeanor.
"Good evening, Ava," he said, his voice warm. "I'll be handling the proceedings today. Please, let's get started."
Just as the lawyer began to explain the details, the door burst open, and Mario strode in. His face was reddening with anger, his eyes flashing with a familiar fury. Ava's instincts screamed at her to recoil, but she forced herself to remain still.
"Where have you been?" Mario demanded, his voice rising. "I've been looking all over for you. You're my wife, for God's sake!"
Ava's gaze met Mario's, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of fear. But then she remembered the men standing behind her, the lawyer's calm presence, and the papers stacked on the table. She straightened her shoulders, her voice steady.
"I've been taking care of myself," she said, her tone firm.
Mario's face contorted in rage, and he took a step forward, his hand raised. But before he could make contact, Damian's men intervened, pinning him to the chair.
"Let me go!" Mario shouted, struggling against their grip. "I'll deal with her!"
The lawyer cleared his throat, his expression unruffled. "I think it's best if we proceed with the matter at hand, don't you, Mario?"
Mario's eyes darted between Ava and the lawyer, his anger and confusion evident. How had Ava, his timid wife, suddenly acquired such powerful connections? The lawyer pushed a paper across the table, his pen hovering above the signature line.
"Sign here, please," he said, his tone detached.
Mario's face twisted in anger, but he seemed to shrink into himself as he realized the gravity of the situation. He glanced at Ava, and for a moment, she saw a glimmer of desperation.
"What is this?" Mario asked, his voice laced with venom. "What's going on here?"
"This is a divorce agreement," the lawyer explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "Ava has decided to end your marriage, and we're here to facilitate the process."
Mario's eyes widened in shock as he scanned the document. He looked up at Ava, his expression incredulous.
"You think you can just divorce me?" he sneered. "You think you're worthy of being free from me?"
Ava met his gaze, her voice steady. "I'm not asking for your permission, Mario. I'm telling you what's happening. You have five days to sign the papers. If you don't, we'll proceed with the default divorce proceedings."
The lawyer nodded in agreement. "It's a generous offer, Mario. I would advise you to take it."
Mario's face darkened, and he squeezed his palms as he signs tha agreement paper of giving him only 5 days to come to a conclusion. Ava watched him, a sense of liberation washing over her. When it was done, she stood up, her shoulders squared.
"Let's go home," she said to herself, the words feeling like a declaration of independence.
As she turned to leave, Mario's voice stopped her. "This isn't over, Ava. You think you've won, but this isn't the end."
Ava turned back to him, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.
"I've already won and don't think I need any thing from you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've won the moment I decided to leave and just remember you have 5 days."
With that, she turned and walked out of the conference room, leaving Mario and his anger behind. The lawyer nodded in approval, gathering his papers as Ava made her way out of the office building.
The cool breeze hit her like a slap in the face, snapping her back to reality. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her newfound freedom settle onto her shoulders. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to face whatever came next.