The Husband She Abandoned

The Courthouse II

It took a second for Diana to snap back to her senses, and she took a careful look at Benjamin in what looked like a custom-tailored suit and an Audemars Piguet wristwatch.

"I know it can't be easy for you," she said softly, "But you think it's tacky stealing someone's clothes just to impress your ex?"

"Why don't you mind your business?" Cameron shot back, then mimicked her mockingly. "Don't you think it's tacky to bring your ugly lover to your divorce proceedings?"

Diana's face turned pale, and she opened her mouth to explain that there was nothing going on between her and Barry, but Benjamin interrupted her coldly.

"Mr Solicitor, where do I sign?"

Benjamin finished with the signing and briskly walked away, not waiting to look at Diana.

He headed towards the back of the courthouse because when the car had first approached the entrance, he realized that people were gather out front, waiting for him. That was where he had also noticed Barry, waiting for Diana no doubt.

Diana was left staring at Benjamin's back before he shut the door.

The confusion overwhelmed her and when she got outside and got into the car, her face was a contemplative mask.

Barry glanced at her repeatedly, his brow furrowed with concern.

He had been surprised to see her looking so subdued when she got out of the courthouse. It was a sharp contrast from what he had expected. How was she more sober coming out than when she first went in?

He'd expected jubilation, relief, perhaps even tears of joy. Instead, she'd emerged with a distant look in her eyes, her shoulders slumped.

He had been afraid that the lawyer had been unable to secure the divorce for her, that something had gone wrong at the last minute. But when he'd asked, she told him she had signed the papers. The divorce was final.

That left him in a state of confusion. Had that not been what she wanted in the first place? She had been so eager to be free of Benjamin Hart, so certain that he was dragging her down. Why did she look like she had lost something precious?

Barry had tried to probe gently, asking if everything was all right, if the lawyer had said something to upset her. She had waved him off, telling him she was simply tired and wanted to go back home.

He had been disappointed. He had thought they would go to a hotel to celebrate, to finally consummate the relationship he had been patiently cultivating for weeks. But Diana was clearly not in the mood, and Barry was savvy enough to know when to push and when to retreat.

"I forgot to tell you," Barry said, hoping to cheer her up. "I have gotten invites to the Quinn family banquet."

Diana immediately brightened, her eyes snapping into focus.

The Quinn family again.

They were one of the oldest families in the city, their roots stretching back generations. They were also one of the richest, with a fortune that had been carefully cultivated and expanded over decades. It was said that they had stakes in every single business in the city, no matter how small or how large.

For years, the Quinns had been remarkably silent, keeping to themselves and rarely appearing in society.

Their patriarch, old Mr. Quinn, was something of a recluse, preferring the company of his gardens and his memories to the glittering social scene. So the announcement that they were throwing a party had sent shockwaves through Larade's elite.

"Really?" Diana asked, her voice brightening. "What is the party for?"

"Who knows?" Barry shrugged, though he was secretly pleased by her reaction. "The old man is probably celebrating something. Maybe he finally got a new hip."

Diana laughed, the first genuine sound of amusement she had made all day. "That's terrible."

"Or maybe he's finally decided to introduce his heir to society. There have been rumors, you know. That he has a grandson somewhere."

Diana nodded absently. Who cared about the reason for the party? The important thing was that she was going to get an invite. She would have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the crème de la crème of the city, to network with people who could change the trajectory of her career.

Maybe she would even get a man who was more influential and richer than Barry, and as handsome as Benjamin. The perfect man for her. One who could open doors, who could make her a star without making her feel like she owed him something in return.

"So, I will come and pick you up on Saturday," Barry said, pulling her from her thoughts.

She nodded absentmindedly. "That sounds wonderful, Barry. Thank you."

When they arrived at her house, she did not even wait for him to open the door for her. She quickly dropped a chaste kiss on his cheek.

Nothing more, nothing intimate, and hurried out of the car, her heels clicking on the pavement as she rushed back into the house.

Barry watched her go, a frown creasing his forehead. He had expected more enthusiasm, more gratitude. But Diana had been distant all day, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.

Having no other choice, he drove away, deciding to visit her at home later in the evening. Hopefully she would be feeling better by then. Perhaps he would bring flowers, or something expensive. Women like Diana appreciated expensive things.

The door closed behind Diana with a heavy thud. She leaned against it for a moment, her eyes closing, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She didn't know why she felt so unsettled. She had gotten what she wanted, hadn't she? She was free. Free to pursue her career, free to find a man who could give her everything she deserved.

So why did the image of Benjamin's face keep haunting her? The calmness in his eyes, the way he had signed the papers without hesitation, without pleading. He had looked almost… relieved.

She pushed herself off the door and walked tiredly through the foyer, her heels echoing on the marble floor. She didn't notice anyone in the living room until her mother tearfully called her name.

Diana snapped out of her trance and turned. Everyone in her family was sitting in the living room. Her mother, her sister, even her aunt. And standing before them was a stranger, a man in an expensive suit with an expression of cold professionalism.

"What is happening?" Diana asked, her voice sharp with confusion. "Who is this?"