WRETCHED BUT MADE SON IN-LAW

CHAPTER 5: THE DIVORCE

"Hello, Amelia. It's Mr. Peterson. I have an update for you regarding your divorce proceedings."

Amelia, intrigued, replied, "Yes, Mr. Peterson. What's the update?"

Mr. Peterson's voice remained composed as he delivered the news.

"I've prepared the divorce documents, and everything is in order. If you have the time, you can come over to the office to review and collect them. We can discuss any final details or questions you may have."

Amelia, eager to move forward with the process, responded, "Absolutely, Mr. Peterson. I'll make my way to your office shortly. Thank you for the prompt update."

As she hung up the phone, a mix of emotions washed over Amelia—relief, anticipation, and perhaps a hint of sadness. The journey toward the dissolution of her marriage was progressing, and the imminent collection of the divorce documents marked a significant step in that direction. She gathered her belongings, closed her office door, and headed towards Mr. Peterson's office to initiate the next chapter of her life.

Amelia arrived at Mr. Peterson's office, her emotions a turbulent blend of resolve and uncertainty. The receptionist greeted her warmly, and she was ushered into Mr. Peterson's office.

"Good to see you, Amelia. Please have a seat. The divorce documents are ready for your review," he said.

Amelia took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of the moment, and sat down.

"Thank you, Mr. Peterson. Let's get this over with," she replied.

He handed her the neatly organized divorce documents, explaining each section carefully. Amelia scanned through the paperwork, occasionally nodding or asking clarifying questions.

"Once you're satisfied with the details, you'll need to sign here, here, and here. This signifies your agreement to proceed with the divorce," he explained.

Without hesitation, Amelia took the pen and began signing the documents. As she completed each signature, the weight of her decision settled upon her.

"I just want this to be done with, Mr. Peterson. I need a fresh start," she expressed.

"I understand, Amelia. Divorce can be a challenging process, but I'm here to guide you through it. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out," he reassured.

With the documents signed and finalized, he assured Amelia that he would file the necessary paperwork with the court. As she left his office, carrying the weight of the divorce documents, Amelia couldn't help but reflect on the journey that led her to this point.

The divorce was imminent, and with each step, Amelia moved closer to a new chapter in her life—one that held both uncertainty and the potential for a fresh beginning.

Amelia returned home, clutching the divorce documents tightly in her hand. She found her mother, Mrs. Scooper, in the elegant sitting room, surrounded by the opulence of their home.

"Mother, I've made a decision," Amelia announced, her tone firm.

Mrs. Scooper looked up, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Well, what is it, dear?"

Amelia extended the divorce documents toward her mother, who took them with an air of anticipation.

"I'm getting a divorce. I've had enough," Amelia declared.

Mrs. Scooper scanned the documents, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. "Finally, my dear! I always knew you deserved better. This is the right step for both you and our family."

Amelia, surprised by her mother's enthusiastic response, couldn't help but feel a sense of validation. It was a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil she had expected.

Mrs. Scooper continued to lavish praise on her daughter for taking control of her life, emphasizing that a woman of her stature deserved a more suitable partner. As the conversation unfolded, Amelia found herself basking in the approval of her mother, who seemed pleased with the impending dissolution of Amelia's marriage.

Amelia, fueled by the validation from her mother, decided it was time to confront Ethan with the finalized divorce documents. She sought him out in the study where he often spent time engrossed in his thoughts.

"Here, Ethan," she declared, handing over the divorce papers with an air of triumph.

Ethan, caught off guard, took the documents and quickly scanned through them. The weight of the situation sank in, and he looked up at Amelia, a mix of shock and desperation in his eyes.

Amelia's mother, Mrs. Scooper, observed the scene with a steely gaze, her approval of the unfolding events evident.

"Ethan, it's time for you to pack your things and leave. We don't need you here anymore," Mrs. Scooper declared.

Ethan, his voice trembling, pleaded with Amelia, "Please, Amelia, we can work through this. I don't want a divorce. Let's talk, let's find a way to fix things."

Amelia, empowered by her mother's support, remained resolute.

"It's too late, Ethan. This is what I want, and Mother agrees. You have to leave," Amelia asserted.

Tears welled up in Ethan's eyes as he faced the harsh reality of losing not only his marriage but also his home. He begged Amelia to reconsider, but Mrs. Scooper's stern gaze silenced any protest.

Reluctantly, Ethan reached for the pen and signed the divorce papers, his heart heavy with defeat. The once-vibrant chef, now broken and ousted, packed his belongings that night, preparing to face a future without the woman he had once called his wife.

As Ethan left the house the following day, the air was heavy with the weight of shattered dreams and broken promises. The once-happy home had become a battleground of ambitions and manipulations, leaving behind a man who had lost not only his marriage but also his sense of belonging. The journey ahead was uncertain, and the echoes of a forced divorce lingered, casting a long shadow over the lives of those involved.

As Ethan walked out of the house with his packed belongings, the atmosphere was thick with a mixture of silence and unspoken mockery. Amelia and her mother, Mrs. Scooper, exchanged glances that carried a triumphant air.

Amelia, with a smirk on her face, commented, "Well, it seems the drama is finally over. We can get back to a normal life now."

Mrs. Scooper chimed in, "Yes, no more disruptions. It's for the best."

Their words, though seemingly casual, carried a tone of mockery that echoed in Ethan's ears. He felt the weight of their collective judgment as he moved toward the door, each step accompanied by a sense of isolation.

Neighbors who had observed the unfolding events through curtained windows exchanged glances, some with raised eyebrows and others with subtle smirks. The once-respected chef, now reduced to a man with a shattered marriage, became the subject of gossip and amusement among those who had witnessed his exit.

As Ethan closed the door behind him, the muted laughter and whispered comments followed him down the path, leaving him to face the uncertain journey ahead with the echoes of mockery ringing in his ears.