Chapter 18%
Katie’s smirk remained intact. But I didn’t miss the way her fingers tensed around her designer purse I just know my words had hit a nerve. But of course, she wasn’t about to let me see her crack.
Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a crisp white envelope with the edges perfectly folded, not a wrinkle in sight She tossed it onto my desk as if it were some insignificant piece of paper. “Since you’re so eager to meddle in my business, I thought I’d bring you something to celebrate with “B
I frowned and picked it up carefully “I already have your wedding invitation. Unless you’re feeling desperate for more guests?“%
Her smirk deepened. “Oh, Vanessa, don’t flatter yourself. That’s not an invitation. It’s your freedom.”
I blinked before flipping the envelope open. My breath caught the second I saw what was inside.%
It was the divorce papers.
And it was already signed
Jairus had finally done it. After all his resistance, all his desperate attempts to hold onto something that had been dead for years, he had finally let go.
I glanced up at Katie and searched her face for an answer. “Jairus finally caved?”
“Let’s just say he saw reason,” she replied smoothly and flicked a speck of dust off her sleeve. “And by reason, I mean I told him to stop embarrassing himself. You’re old news, Vanessa. He needed a push in the right direction.”
I studied her for a moment. “And what do you get out of this?“W
Katie let out a low, mocking laugh. “Please, do you think I enjoy knowing his ex–wife is still lurking around? This way, I get what I want. And you? You get to pretend you were the one who walked away first.“W
I tilted my head. Then a slow smirk formed on my lips. “Oh, sweetheart, I wasn’t pretending.”
Her smug expression faltered for half a second. But she recovered quickly and flipped her hair over her shoulder as she stood up. “Well, enjoy your little victory, Vanessa. See you at my wedding.”
She turned and strutted out of my office like an arrogant princess, I waited until the door closed behind her before exhaling as I stared at the signed papers in my hands,
It was finally done.
M
That night, I sat on my balcony with my phone resting against my palm as I scrolled through the messages from my lawyer confirming the divorce was officially being processed. The city lights twinkled in the distance. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I breathed without any weight pressing against my chest.
I was finally legally free.
A deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “Penny for your thoughts?”
I glanced up to find Jared leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed and his lips curled into a lazy smirk.
I shook my head and chuckled softly. “You’ll need more than a penny for these.“W
He walked over and settled into the chair beside me. “Try me.”W
I exhaled and turned the divorce papers in my hands before setting them down on the small table between us. “It’s official, Jairus finally signed.“W
Jared’s eyes flickered to the papers before landing back on me. “How do you feel?”
I thought about it for a moment before answering. “Relieved. Lighter, even. I guess I never realized how much I was carrying until it was gone.“%
He nodded. “And yet, you’re still going to the wedding.”
I smirked. “Of course. How could I miss the most dramatic event of the year?“W
Jared chuckled. “You’re something else, Vanessa.“W
I turned to him fully as I rested my elbow on the armrest. “Come with me.”
His brow lifted. “To the wedding?“W
“Yes.”
His smirk deepened. “And here I thought you wanted me all to yourself.“W
I rolled my eyes. “Consider it a favor. I need a solid date. And you seem to enjoy making Jairus uncomfortable.”
Jared leaned in slightly. Then his voice dripped with amusement. “That’s because it’s fun.“)
I laughed, then shook my head. “So? Will you come with me?”
He didn’t hesitate. “With pleasure.“W
I met his gaze. My smile lingered as the reality of it settled in W
This was going to be one hell of a wedding.
