Rowan’s Point of View
My anger was growing inside me–maybe not because of what I had just heard, or maybe it was because of Janet.
“Whatever she said doesn’t give you the right to trigger her, Janet. I thought you said you were a professional?” I asked, even
though that wasn’t exactly what I meant to say.
“Excuse me?” Janet snapped, cutting me off before I could say another word.
“With all this, you still think it’s my fault?” she said, rolling her eyes.
“I definitely know you won’t believe me–always defending her,” she added.
“What do you want me to believe, huh? You and I both know you haven’t been sincere the past few days. You’re just Janet-
my wife. But now here you are, acting like a counselor?”
“You know what? Whatever you choose to believe, that’s on you,” Janet said, putting the recorder away.
“And if Flora still chooses to take this up in court, she’s welcome to try.”
I just stared at Janet. Seeing her in this professional mood was strange. I couldn’t believe Janet could be this professional,
this composed. The woman sitting across from me was nothing like the quiet wife I thought I knew.
I decided to change the conversation. “When are you coming home?”
Janet laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “Do ex–wives go back home to their ex–husband’s house after divorce?”
“Why are you so hell–bent on this divorce?” I asked, frustration building in my voice.
“Isn’t that what you want?” Janet shot back. “To get rid of me? Maybe so you can marry the person you love?”
“That’s not…” I started to defend myself, but the words caught in my throat. I couldn’t say I loved Janet. Not convincingly. Not
when I wasn’t even sure what love meant anymore.
“Stop being stubborn and come home,” I said instead. “I promise all this won’t repeat itself.‘
Janet’s face went red with anger. “I’m being stubborn?” she snapped. “Nothing will make me come back to that house again.”
“Is this how much you hate me now?” I asked, feeling desperate. “You used to be so good, so lovely. All of a sudden you’re
this monster I can’t recognize.”
“Leave me alone!” Janet shouted. “Why are you suddenly so concerned about me now? If you’re this concerned about me, why
didn’t you sign the papers?”
The question hit me like a punch. I snapped back without thinking.
“I never signed the papers!” I said loudly. “I was just trying to get your attention. I thought telling you I signed them would make you come home.”
Janet’s eyes started tearing up. She looked shocked, hurt. “You didn’t sign them?”
The pain in her voice made my chest tight. “Janet, I—”
After all this time we were married,” she said, her voice shaking, “you were never this devoted. You never cared about this marriage. Why now, when it’s ending, are you suddenly showing devotion? It won’t work on me.”
Her words hit me hard. I was taken back by how clearly she saw through me.
“You think that will get me?” Janet continued, walking back to her desk. “If you won’t sign the papers, then meet me in court
next week to get this done.”
1/2
Chapter 0026
I felt myself crack. “Why do you keep throwing this divorce around? Aren’t you tired of it?”
“Tired?” Janet laughed bitterly. “I’m tired of being married to someone who doesn’t see me!”
“Is this divorce all about Edward?” I asked, my voice getting nastier. “Is he paying for your mother’s hospital bills now, you think he deserves you? Or is it that you can’t wait to get in his bed?”
The words came out cruel and harsh. I knew they were wrong the moment I said them.
+25 BONUS
and
SLAP!
Janet’s hand connected with my cheek so hard my head turned. I didn’t see it coming.
I stood there stunned, my hand moving to my burning cheek. I laughed, but it sounded hollow.
“Did you just slap me?” I asked.
“Yes,” Janet said firmly. “ADO –
I I’ll do it again if you say something that disgusting to me again.”
I brushed off my suit, trying to act like I wasn’t rattled. “That’s not very professional, counselor.”
I started walking toward the door, but turned back to face her one more time.
“You know what? This little visit isn’t a waste. Now I know where you work. And you know what? I can ruin your career in many ways. I can make sure you never get a job in this field again.” I saw fear flicker in her eyes, and it made me feel powerful again. “So come home. We both attend Grandma’s birthday party, smile, and play nice like the Janet we all know.
We put an end to all this scandal and drama. Then I’m signing the papers. I mean it, Janet.”
Janet looked tired as she came closer to me. Her shoulders sagged like she was carrying something heavy.
“What exactly do you want from me?” she asked. “Haven’t you had enough of all this?”
“Just this last time,” I said. “I won’t ask again. We attend Grandma’s birthday, and we get this marriage done with.”
I slammed the door as I left, feeling angry and confused and hurt all at once.
As I walked out of Janet’s office, I saw Edward coming my way. Perfect. Just what I needed.
“Edward, isn’t it?” I said, stopping in front of him. “Hope you know Janet is married. You better back off. I’m not the type to play games with.”
I turned to leave, but Edward laughed. “You’re welcome to accept your defeat, dude.”
I paused and turned back to him. “What the hell did you just say?”
Edward stood up straighter, not backing down. “I said you can accept your defeat. Janet’s better off without you.”
“You don’t know anything about my wife,” I said, stepping closer.
“Ex–wife,” Edward corrected. “And I know enough. I know she’s brilliant, kind, and professional. I know she deserves better than someone who threatens her career when he doesn’t get his way.”
My hands clenched into fists. “Stay out of business that doesn’t concern you.” I said as I walked out from him.
