Chapter 2

Theodore said nothing in response.

I broke out into a sneer. "The latter, I guess."

Theodore turned to me. "Bella, can we please talk?"

I stared, snorting, "What's there to talk about now? Are you gonna tell me when you hooked up? Or are you gonna tell me since when you stopped loving me?"

Theodore stammered, "I..."

"Theodore, we've got nothing to talk about." I dragged my suitcase toward the door while saying, "I'll get a lawyer tomorrow to finalize the divorce as soon as possible."

"Hold on!" He suddenly rushed over and stood in my way. "Bella, please calm down. It's not like there's no going back between us..."

"Oh?" I stared at him. "What are you going to do to fix it? Make me accept the fact that you cheated on me? Or want me to get along well with Judith?"

Theodore blurted out, "I can break up with her..."

I cut him off coldly. "And then what? And then should I wait for another woman to show up just like Judith?"

He got choked up by my words.

I pushed him away and strode to the door.

"Theodore, let me tell you something." I turned to look at him. "When a woman decides to leave, there is no going back."

After leaving that so-called home, I stayed the hotel room for three days.

During these three days, Theodore kept calling me non-stop and texted me countless messages.

But I just ignored them all.

On the fourth day, I moved into my best friend Vivian Whitney's house.

"Are you sure you want a divorce?" Vivian poured me a cup of coffee. "Are you not going to give him a second chance?"

I shook my head. "I've given him the chance. Eight years, well, is long enough."

"But Theodore is quite a catch, rich and handsome. If you two get a divorce, I'm sure he'll marry that Judith girl in no time. Won't you regret it then?"

I picked up the coffee cup and took a sip.

The coffee tasted bitter, just like how I was feeling.

I asked quietly, "Vivian, do you think a man will cheat if he truly loves a woman?"

She thought it over, saying, "I don't think so."

"That's it." I put down the coffee cup, continuing, "Since he doesn't love me any more, why don't I just let it go?"

Vivian tried to say something else. "But..."

"There's no buts." I cut her off. "I've made up my mind."

Truth be told, I'd thought a lot in the past three days.

I thought of how Theodore and I first met each other and how good he had been to me.

I thought of the nervous and excited look on his face when he popped the question.

I then thought of our wedding.

However, all those beautiful memories were shattered by that nasty scene of him and Judith making out.

The way he held another woman in his arms would remain a haunting memory for me for the rest of my life.

"What are you gonna do next?" Vivian asked.

"I'll first get a lawyer to help me finalize the divorce. Then..."

I paused.

In fact, I actually didn't really know what to do next.

At the age of 28, it was indeed a huge challenge for me to start a new life.

"Then I'll start anew." I finally said the words.

Vivian nodded at me. "Okay. I'll go find the lawyer with you."

I turned her down softly. "No need, dear. I can handle it myself."

She insisted, "Come on. Don't play strong in front of me. It's better to have someone by your side when dealing with something like this."

I fixed my gaze on her, feeling warmth surging within.

Thank God I had a best friend backing me up.

That afternoon, we went to the best law firm in town.

The person who received us was a professional female lawyer, Rylee Steele.

"Ms. Steele," I cut to the chase, "I want a divorce and need your professional advice."

"Okay." Rylee glanced at me. "Do you want a divorce by agreement or divorce by lawsuit?"

I answered without hesitation, "I'll sue for divorce."

Rylee nodded while pulling out a form. "Here, please fill this out."

I took the form and finished one column after the other.

Name: Isabella Hurley

Age: 28

Marital status: Married

Marriage time: Three years

Reason for divorce: Got a cheating husband

"Ms. Hurley, have you got any evidence of your husband's cheating?" Rylee asked.

I was momentarily stunned. "Evidence? What evidence?"

Rylee explained, "Like photos, recordings, videos or any other things that can prove your husband is cheating on you."

I shook my head. "Nope. I didn't snap a photo or record."

"Any witness?" Rylee asked again.

"Witness..." I gave it some thought. "I guess so. That homewrecker herself."

Rylee knitted her eyebrows slightly. "Well, usually, the homewrecker won't testify for you."

I got a bit anxious. "What should I do now?"

Rylee began, "Without evidence, it's hard for the court to determine your husband is cheating on you."

Upon hearing that, my heart sank.

Vivian, listening by the side, chimed in, "Without evidence, Bella can't get her mental damage compensation, right?"

"Right. Not only that." Rylee added, "Without evidence of his cheating, you'll split the property as normal joint property of husband and wife."

I was confused. "What does that mean?"

Rylee explained again, "It means you and your husband will split all the property half and half, including the house, car, and savings."

I let out a bitter laugh. "But he bought all those. I didn't pay a cent for them."

Rylee said, "According to the law, the property bought after marriage is seen as joint property owned by the husband and wife."

Though it sounded to my advantage, I was not the slightest happy.

I didn't want his money. All I wanted was to see justice served.

I asked, "What should I do now?"

"If you're sure about the divorce," Rylee told me patiently, "I suggest you gather some evidence, like their chatting records, call records, or photos of them dating."

I nodded firmly. "I see."

After leaving the law firm, Vivian couldn't help but ask me, "Bella, are you sure you want to collect the evidence?"

"Of course." I said through gritted teeth. "Since he's shameless enough to do such nasty things, I'll make him answer for the aftermath!"

Vivian sounded worried. "But don't you feel tired doing so?"