Chapter 3
Chapter 3
HAZEL
As days went by, my husband’s absence became more noticeable, and I grew increasingly worried. I
had been relentlessly trying to mend our broken marriage, exhausting all possible efforts to reignite the
love that once connected us. I arranged an intimate dinner date, hoping it would lead to open and
honest conversation, but Ravel showed no interest, leaving me disheartened. Undeterred, I nned
holiday trips to spark adventure and new beginnings, but Ravel ignored my efforts. Seeking
professional help, I booked a therapy session, but he refused to engage. Despite all this, finding out I
was pregnant gave me a glimmer of hope, thinking it could change his heart.
In my determined state, I left the bathroom, holding the pregnancy test firmly. With the test safely
tucked away in my bag. I quickly changed intofortable clothes-a pair of jeans and a loose top. I
hastily put my disheveled hair into a loose bun and shielded my tired eyes with sunsses, wanting to
avoid any curious looks. As I stepped out of my door, the world remained oblivious to the inner turmoil
that had taken over my life.
Stepping into the hallway, I collided unexpectedly with Jane, who regarded me with curiosity etched
across her features. Her inquisitive eyes locked onto my poised figure. “Are you about to venture out?”
she inquired and I nodded in response. “Lunch is almost ready.”
“I’ll sk ip,” I quietly dered, my voice barely audible. The thought of nourishment seemed trivial and
insignificant in the face of a crumbling rtionship that demanded my immediate attention. “Please
inform the maids that they can share my portion or make use of it as they see fit. I simply have no
appetite.” I muttered.
Upon arriving at Ravel’s office, I discovered that he had already left. However, I wasn’t discouraged
and was determined to explore other options. Despite the troubled rtionship between Ravel and his
mother, I believed there was a chance that he may seekfort or shelter within the fragile family ties,
even if they were strained. With an unwavering resolve to leave no stone unturned, I made the decision
to visit his mother’s residence. Although it seemed unlikely that he would be there, given their history, I
couldn’t afford to disregard any potential leads
I parked my car next to Mrs. Anne Southwark’s elegant vehicle and stepped out, making my way
towards the front porch. To my surprise, it seemed as though they were anticipating my arrival. Mrs.
Southwark’s daughter. Elenor, was the first to greet me, her arms open wide for a warm embrace.
“Is everything okay, Hazel?” Elenor asked, concern etched on her face.
I shook my head, fighting back tears as I bit my trembling lips. “I haven’t been able to reach Rav since
Monday, and I’m really worried. I just wanted to know if he’s here because he hasn’t been at the office.”
Elenor’s eyes filled with empathy as she took in my distress. “Ravel actually left just an hour ago. He
mentioned that he was going home to gather a few things.”
Relief washed over me, and I managed a weak smile. “Thank you so much,” I murmured gratefully.
Turning to leave, I was halted by the sound of Anne’s voice.
“What exactly is your problem?” she demanded, her tone sharp and usatory. I turned around,
meeting her gaze with furrowed brows.
“Didn’t my son give you until this weekend to sign those divorce papers?” Anne continued, her
frustration palpable. “What are you still doing running around New York, desperately searching for
him?”
Anne’s disdain for me had always been apparent, her disapproval of our marriage a constant shadow
hanging over our rtionship. So, it came as no surprise that she reveled in the unfolding divorce saga,
finding satisfaction in my pain.
“Mum!” Elenor hissed, her voiceced with frustration. “Now is not the time to be an antagonist! Can’t
you see she’s hurting?”
“My son is hurting too,” Anne retorted, her tone sharp and unyielding. “Stuck in a loveless marriage just
because this gold-
Chapter 3
digging wh ore refuses to sign those divorce papers.”
Her words stung, igniting a fiery anger within me. I clenched my fists tightly, summoning every ounce of
fell out of love with you, and I fell in love with the woman lying on that bed. I tried to suppress my
feelings for her, to give you enough time to sign the divorce papers before indulging in her presence,
but your stubborn refusal thwarted my attempts. What would you have me do? Live a life of celibacy
due to your unwillingness?”
o your unwillingne
Every fiber of my being trembled as I took a hesitant step towards Jane, seeking some form of
understanding, however elusive it may be. “Out of all the men in this vast city of New York, Jane, you
chose to be with my husband,” I whispered, my voice tinged with a mixture of pain and disbelief.
Her voice barely audible, Jane whispered a feeble apology. “I’m sorry. I’ve always been in love with
him, which is why I couldn’t resist when he came to me.”
Ravel swiftly interposed his body, shielding Jane from my gaze, much like he had protected me in the
past when his mother sought to confront me. “You have no right to speak to Jane,” he muttered with a
defensive edge in his voice, “Whatever you need to say, direct it towards me.”
A bitterugh escaped my lips as I defiantly wiped away the tears that had stained my cheeks. This
despicable man standing before me was not worthy of my sorrow. “I will grant you the divorce you so
eagerly desire,” I dered, fixing a piercing gaze on the woman standing beside him. “I have already
reviewed the terms, and once I sign those papers, nothing you possess will be mine, apart from the
portion given to me and nothing that belongs to me will be yours.”
He nodded, acknowledging the terms that had beenid out.
“We will be two strangers, devoid of any attachment,” I continued, my voice filled with a mixture of
determination and pain. “I hope you keep to your words and note back for me Ravel, because I’m
never going to forgive you for this betrayal.”
I turned away from their presence and entered the closet, where I retrieved the carefully prepared
divorce papers. With a determined breath, I signed the documents, symbolizing the end of our
marriage. Upon returning to the room, I tossed the papers towards Ravel, an act of finality and closure.
“I wish I could say that I curse the day I met you,” I murmured softly, but for the sake of our unborn
child, I will not. “I genuinely hope you find some semnce of happiness, Ravel.”
Chapter 3
I summoned my strength and left behind the man who shattered my world and the woman involved. It
was a painful but necessary goodbye as I walked out of the bedroom, leaving behind my life as Mrs.
Southwark. The farewell carried a mix of pain, eptance, and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.