Etta laid on the bed, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Her mind was racing with thoughts of Victor and what she had just witnessed. She couldn't believe that Victor was capable of such violence.
Etta's thoughts turned to her own safety. She knew that Victor was a powerful and ruthless man, and she had just witnessed him commit murder. She realized that she had to get out of there, and fast.
Victor stood outside Etta's room, his fist clenched as he raised his hand to knock on the door. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but his anger and frustration still simmered just below the surface.
Etta opened the door, her eyes flashing with defiance as she stood aside to let Victor in. "What do you want, Victor?"she spat, her voice in fear.
Victor closed the door behind him, his eyes scanning the room before coming back to rest on Etta's face.
"We need to talk, Etta," he said, his voice low and even.
Etta crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes flashing with fear. "I… d…don't want to hear it, Victor, I know what you're capable of. I saw what you did to Hector."
Victor's face twisted with rage, and he took a step closer to Etta. "You don't know what you're dealing with, Etta," he snarled. "You don't know what I'm capable of."
Etta stood her ground, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm not afraid of you, Victor," she lied. "And I'm going to make sure you pay for what you've done."
Victor's face turned red with rage, and he raised his hand, his fist clenched. "You're going to regret this, Etta," he hissed. "You're going to regret the day you ever crossed me."
Etta didn't flinch, despite the threat. "I'm filing for divorce, Victor," she said, her voice firm. "And I'm going to make sure you never hurt anyone again, the feds must know about your criminal empire, you'll rot in jail!"
Victor's face twisted with rage, and he took a step closer to Etta. "You'll never take me down, Etta," he snarled. "Those who tried to take me down are not alive!."
Victor's face turned beet red with rage as he slammed his fist onto the wall, making Etta jump. his voice echoing off the walls. "You think you can expose me and get away with it?"
He took a step closer to Etta, his eyes blazing with fury. "I'll never let you do it," he snarled, his voice low and menacing.
"I'll kill you before I let you ruin me."
Etta tried to step back, but Victor was too quick. He grabbed her neck, his fingers wrapping around her throat like a vice. Etta's eyes widened as she struggled to breathe, her hands clawing at Victor's arms.
"File for divorce due to irreconcilable differences," Victor spat, his breath hot against Etta's face. "And don't even think about trying to expose me. You'll regret it."
Etta's face turned blue as Victor's grip tightened. She tried to nod, but Victor's grip was too strong. Just when it seemed like he was going to squeeze the life out of her, Victor released his grip, throwing Etta to the floor.
She lay there, gasping for air, as Victor loomed over her. "Don't forget," he snarled, before turning and storming out of the room.
Etta lay on the floor, gasping for air, as she struggled to process what had just happened. She couldn't believe Victor had just tried to strangle her. She was shaken, her body trembling with fear.
As she slowly sat up, Etta's eyes scanned the room, as if searching for an escape route. She knew she had to get out of there, away from Victor's toxic grasp.
Etta's hands flew to her throat, rubbing the tender skin where Victor's fingers had dug in. She winced in pain, feeling a wave of nausea wash over her.
She stumbled to her feet, her legs wobbly beneath her. She knew she had to keep moving, to find a way to protect herself and her daughter from Victor's wrath.
She kept on thinking about the dark fear that had gripped her just moments before. She looked down at her hand, at the wedding ring that had symbolized her commitment to Victor.
With a sob, Etta pulled off the ring, holding it in her palm as if it were a poisonous thing. She wept bitterly, the tears streaming down her face as she mourned the loss of her marriage, of her innocence, of her sense of self.
With a cry of anguish, Etta flung the ring away from her, watching as it sailed through the air, a small, glinting thing that seemed to disappear into nothingness. She stood there, weeping, feeling the weight of her chains lifting, ever so slowly, from her shoulders.
The next day, Etta and Victor found themselves in the same room, the tension between them palpable. They were in the living room, surrounded by the opulent furnishings and decorations that had once seemed so impressive to Etta.
But now, the lavish decor only served to highlight the ugliness of the situation. Victor's eyes narrowed as he looked at Etta, his gaze cold and calculating. Etta, meanwhile, couldn't meet his eyes, her gaze drifting instead to the floor.
The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Etta fidgeted, her hands twisting together in her lap. Victor, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease, his shoulders relaxed, his expression unreadable.
Danielle rushed into the room bubbling with excitement.
"Daddy!" She screamed with joy"
"Yes my princess" he replied with a wide smile on his face.
"I had a dream about Unicorns, they were so big daddy!" She smiled
Etta's heart was broken, she was filled with sorrow, she kept on questioning herself.
"What are my doing to do?, how am I going to safe myself and my little daughter"
She covered her face and wept with bitterness.
While secretly wiping her tears, she called out for her daughter.
"Danielle" she called faintly.
"Yes mommy! she said gleefully as she ran towards her mother.
"Mommy! mommy!! Mommy!! I was telling Daddy about my unicorn dream, they were…so many..and and anddd and..beautiful mommy! She said spinning with excitement"
Etta looked at her with sorrow, all she saw was her innocent child, with deep sadness she pulled Danielle to her chest hugged her and cried her heart out.
Danielle was confused about what was going on, she whispered to her mom softly, while caught up in her mother's arms.
"Mommy don't cry, don't be sad, I'm always here for you, I love you"
Hearing Danielle's words made Etta drown in tears and sadness.
"I love you too my beautiful baby girl, Mommy will always love you."
Victor walked into the emotional scene between Diane and Etta.
"My lawyer will be here any minute, you should call yours too" he said sternly leaving the room.
"Asesina" he called out,
"Yes Daddy" she responded bouncing in excitement.
"Carolina is coming to take you to the mall and to the beach. He said softly.
"Okay daddy, mommy was crying, I told her not to cry, and I'm always here for her " she uttered with a wide smile.
"You really know how to melt hearts" he spoke meekly.
Carolina walked into the room wearing a white sundress and a pink bag
"Diane sweetie, are we ready to go"
"Yes Aunt Carolina, she nodded happily.
She ran towards her mom giving her a big hug
"I love you mommy always."
"Be a good girl my child"
"Bye mommy " she said softly.
"Bye Daddy" she screamed with euphoria
"Bye princess" he replied giving her a high- five.
As Danielle and Carolina walked out the door
Etta was thorn, she felt empty, she buried her face in her hands and cried.
"Your lawyer should be here any minute, stop wasting your tears, you're so weak" he said in anger.
The door bell rang.
"Come in" Victor commanded.
Fernando, Victor's lawyer, walked into the house, his eyes scanning the room with a mixture of curiosity and calculation. He was a tall, imposing man with a chiseled jawline and a slick, well-groomed hairstyle, a navy blue suit and a navy blue bag to match.
"Ah, Etta," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "This love journey has come to an end.
Etta's tears slowed as she looked at Fernando, her eyes narrowing in anger.
"Hola Fernando" Victor greeted.
Both men shook hands as Victor escorted Fernando to his Library.
"Where's your lawyer? Etta" Victor questioned sarcastically.
"He..is..h here" Etta stammered in sorrow.
"Here!" Dan interrupted.
Dan was dressed in a tailored charcoal gray suit, crisp white shirt, and a slim black tie. His black leather shoes were polished to a high shine, and a simple yet elegant silver watch adorned his wrist. His outfit exuded an aura of power, sophistication, and professionalism.
"Dan!" Victor greeted.
"Good morning Mr. Gonzalez."
"We'd be in my library, so we can begin." Victor smiled.
Dan walked close to Etta, he sensed Etta's wallowing in sorrow.
"Hey Etta, this is really tough for you, I'm sorry" he held Etta's hands comforting her with a smile.
Victor's body guard dressed in a black suit, tall and muscular open the door to the library.
Victor, Etta and the two lawyers walked in.
Dan and Etta, sat opposite Fernando and Victor's opulent desk, the divorce papers laid out on the large wooden desk between them.
"Shall we begin?" Dan asked, his voice firm and professional.
Fernando nodded, his eyes scanning the papers one last time before looking up at Dan. "Yes, let's get this over with."
Dan slid the papers across the desk to Fernando, who signed them with a flourish. Dan then signed the papers himself, before handing them to Victor.
Victor who was sitting opposite Etta and Dan, his eyes cold and hard as he took the papers from Dan. He scanned them quickly, his eyes narrowing as he read the terms of the divorce. Finally, with a curt nod, he signed the papers, his signature bold and arrogant.
Victor angrily slid the papers to Etta.
Etta scanned the papers, read the divorce terms and signed.
"It's done," Dan said, his voice firm. "The divorce is official and would be finalized in court"
Fernando stood, his eyes glinting with a hint of satisfaction. "I'll make sure to file the papers with the court immediately."
"The finalization of the divorce will be next week"
Fernando uttered firmly.
"And then we can proceed with custody over Danielle."
"Thank you, Fernando."
"You're welcome, Mr. Gonzalez"
"Thank you Dan"
"My pleasure, Mr Gonzalez."
As they left Victor's opulent library, the tension was palpable. Victor led the way, his tall frame and broad shoulders exuding confidence, despite the circumstances. Dan followed closely behind, his eyes fixed on Etta, who walked beside him. Fernando brought up the rear, his eyes scanning the room as if ensuring everything was in order.
As they stepped out into the hallway, Etta turned to Dan, her voice barely above a whisper. "What about Danielle? Will I get custody of her?"
Dan's expression was reassuring. "Don't worry, Etta. We've worked out a deal. You'll have full custody of Danielle .
Etta's face relaxed, a hint of relief washing over her. She nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you, Dan.
A week had passed and it was day of the finalization of the divorce.
Etta who was in court, dressed in a black jumpsuit ,her heart was in her mouth.
Dan walked in
"Good morning Etta" he greeted politely.
He could sense Etta's fear.
"Let's go into the court room,finalize the divorce and discuss the custody of your child"
Etta stood up, smoothing out her black jumpsuit, and followed Dan into the courtroom.
Victor was already in the courtroom dressed in silver pattern suit.
The judge, a middle-aged man with a kind face, looked up from the papers in front of him.
"Good morning, everyone," he said. "Please, take a seat. We're here today to finalize the divorce between Etta and Victor. Dan, can you please confirm that all parties have agreed to the terms of the divorce?"
Dan nodded, opening his briefcase and pulling out a stack of papers. "Yes, your honor. Everything has been agreed upon. Victor has waived his right to contest the divorce."
The judge looked up from his papers and asked Etta, "Ms. Etta, now that the divorce is being finalized, would you like to retain your marital name or revert to your maiden name?"
Etta took a deep breath and replied firmly, "I would like to go back to my maiden name, your honor."
The judge nodded understandingly and made a note on his papers. "Very well, Ms. Etta. Your request is granted. From now on, you will be known by your maiden name."
Etta's divorce settlement with Victor was finalized, with the terms being read out in court. Etta would receive a substantial lump sum payment from Victor, as well as ongoing financial support for their daughter, Danielle. The settlement also included the division of their marital assets, with Etta receiving a significant portion of their joint savings. Victor, on the other hand, would retain control of his business interests and a smaller portion of their shared assets. The judge confirmed that the settlement was fair and reasonable, and Etta and Victor were officially divorced.
Etta felt a sense of relief, she was no longer married to Victor. She was Etta Michaels now.
Her heart sank when she thought about the custody of her child.
The custody of your child will be decided in the next three weeks" Dan said softly.
Etta's eyes widened in alarm as she looked at Dan. "Next three weeks?!" she repeated, her voice shaking. "But I thought we were finalizing everything today. I don't know if I can wait another week to find out what's going to happen to Danielle."
Dan's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "I know it's hard, Etta, but these things take time. The judge needs to review all the evidence and make a decision that's in the best interest of the child. We'll just have to wait and see what happens in next three weeks."
Etta felt a surge of anxiety at the thought of waiting three weeks to find out what would happen to her daughter. She had been counting on getting everything resolved today, and now it seemed like she would have to wait even longer. She tried to calm herself down, but she couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that had settled in her stomach.
Etta left the court in confusion, she was restless, she couldn't wait for three weeks to decide what happens to Danielle, the thought of Danielle being in her father's house made her sick.
Victor on the other hand, had plans for his child, he wouldn't give up without a fight.
Etta and Victor finally got home. Danielle hearing indistinct sounds of her parents rushed down the stairs like a wind.
"Mommy, Daddy!" She screamed with radiating joy.
"Be careful princess" Etta and Victor said simultaneously.
Danielle widened her arms and hug her parents.
"I've missed you mommy and daddy" she said softly.
"We've missed you too baby girl" they said in sync.
Etta and Victor pulled out from their's daughter hug.
"Mommy I want to show you something" she said lightly.
Etta went upstairs while holding to Danielle's hand.
She went into her room, memories of her and Victor kept playing in her head while she broke down in tears.
"Mommy" Danielle said lightly. Etta quickly wiped her tears after hearing Danielle's voice.
"Show me baby girl" she replied meekly as she turned to her.
"Mommy it's a necklace, I made Daddy buy for you"
"It's pretty my baby girl, I love it, thank you, I love you.
"I love you too mommy"
Danielle and Etta exchanged a big hug, it felt like the world had stopped.
Etta gently pulled away from Danielle's hug. She brought out a big black travel bag, she opened her wardrobe and began to pack her things.
Danielle who was thrilling in excitement, turned and saw her mom packing.
"Mommy…where are you going to?"
"A business trip baby girl, but I'll be back"
"Please come back" Danielle said in tears.
"I would my princess"
"I want you to have this, bracelet."
"Okay mommy."
"Go outside and play"
"I'll miss you mommy"
"I'll miss you more baby girl"
Danielle ran downstairs gently to go play outside.
Etta stood up,with relief she was no longer Victor's. She left the house and was escorted
by her butler, who was holding her black bag. She continued her journey in a black car.