Life After Divorce: The Rise Of Elijah Crawford

The door swung open, revealing Tiana, his mother-in-law's stern countenance. However, his focus quickly shifted to Rhonda, an elegant figure with sharp features and a confident aura. She was dressed in a pink and orange pantsuit and clasped a small golden purse in her hand. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Elijah stood there, his belt hanging loosely, shirt unbuttoned, confusion etched across his face.

"Darling, who are these people?" the other woman inquired, attempting to reach for Elijah, who recoiled.

"Leave me alone," Elijah protested. "Who do you think you're calling 'darling'? Rhonda, I swear to God, it's not what it seems. I don't even know this woman. She's spouting nonsense."

"What?" the woman snapped. "Elijah, who are you calling crazy? And just who the hell are these bitches?" She motioned towards Rhonda and her mother.

At the mention of the word bitch, Rhonda's blood boiled, and she swiftly moved to slap the other girl. "That's my husband, you wretch!"

"No, no, no," Tiana interjected, pulling her daughter back. "You're misdirecting your anger. Point it at your shameless husband here."

Elijah hissed through gritted teeth. "Listen, Rhonda, it's not what you think. I swear, I don't even know this woman. She just barged into my room and started spouting off about how good-looking I am," he insisted.

"Liar!" the woman cried. "You should've just told me you had a wife. And stop referring to me as 'this woman.' You damn well know my name is Anita. My apologies to both of you. I had no idea he was married." With that, Anita departed with the pretense of anger, leaving Elijah dumbfounded, his gaze following her.

"You've crossed a line this time," his mother-in-law seethed. "It's over for you."

"I swear to God—" Elijah's plea was abruptly silenced.

"Save it! Even when caught red-handed, you still dare to defend yourself. You are so pitiful. A dirty, wretched excuse for a man. You have no shame." Elijah's pleas were drowned out by another torrent of curses from his mother-in-law. 

"Elijah, what's the meaning of this?" Rhonda began, unsure of how to properly confront her husband.

"Oh God, Rhonda, you're too soft," Tiana interjected, exasperated. "What's the need for an explanation? Just get on with the divorce already." She produced a prepared divorce paper from her handbag and thrust it into her daughter's hand.

"What? Divorce? Oh, come on!" Elijah groaned. "Who goes about carrying a divorce paper?"

"Me! I knew you were no good for my daughter, so I prepared it in advance, and as fate would have it, it has finally come in handy." Tiana continued to fan the flames.

Rhonda stepped forward to her mother, a mixture of fury and determination in her eyes. "Leave us," she commanded, her voice cutting through the tension.

"Fine, but I'll be outside to ensure he signs the papers."

Alone at last, Rhonda turned to Elijah, her expression a mixture of conflicting emotions. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"I swear, baby, this was a setup," Elijah pleaded. "How am I gonna break your heart just like that?"

"A setup? Is that the best excuse you can come up with right now?" Rhonda's tone was edged with disappointment.

"It's not even an excuse. It's the truth," Elijah insisted.

"Bullshit, Elijah! Do you think I'm a child?"

He shook his head. "You're my baby girl, though, and I'll never cheat on you. You're not truly going to divorce me, are you? You know your mother doesn't like me. Don't let her make decisions for you."

"This has nothing to do with my mother," Rhonda said, exasperated. "I'm so disappointed in you right now."

"I helped you become the heir to your family's business, yo. Was I just a means to an end?"

"What? You're bringing that up now? We've been married for three years, and in that time, I've elevated my family's business to greater heights while you've remained the same regular old Joe I met. Frankly, if I didn't want you in my life, or if I was using you, I'd have divorced you months after we got married, not three years later. This divorce is on you! Don't try to pull a reverse on me."

"So you're just going to divorce me like that? With no actual proof? With no further investigation? What happened to 'innocent until proven guilty'?"

Rhonda was doubtful. What else did he need her to see? The evidence was right in front of her, clear as day. The cheating was on display. She hadn't wanted to resort to divorce initially, but now that he had betrayed her trust, it was the only way forward.

"I've had a long day, Elijah, and if you have any dignity left, you'd sign the divorce paper and let me and my mother go," Rhonda asserted.

Without further argument, Elijah reached for the pen and paper she held out for him, sealing his fate with a signature.

"There, I hope someday you'll realize what a mistake this was," he said.

"You are not worth regretting," she replied, resolute.

"I don't know, baby," he said calmly. "I won't be so sure about that. Before you leave, I wanted to talk to you about something quickly."

"Alimony? Don't worry, I'll send you five million dollars."

"Shit, what'd you take me for? I don't need your money. I just wanted to ask if Luxe Holdings is still causing you trouble?"

Rhonda's interest was piqued. She hadn't shared her clash with Luxe Holdings Incorporated with anyone, but as Elijah was her husband, he could have secretly monitored her affairs. Nevertheless, why was he bringing this up? It's not like he was capable of doing anything. Without a reply, she turned and left him.

Elijah took out his phone and made a call. He waited until a familiar voice greeted him.

"Hello, Mr. Elijah," Winnie, the granddaughter of the president of Megaswitch, one of the big five companies, greeted him.

"Hello, Winnie. I need your assistance with dealing with a problem for me. It involves Luxe Holdings and their overstepping into a business.” 

"I'm happy to help with whatever you need me for, Mr Elijah; guaranteed, you won’t be going back on our agreement?” She relayed.