Chapter 5
Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated.
I jolted awake, pushed him off me, and ran back to bed, gasping for air.
Leopold 's name lit up on the screen.
My heart hadn't calmed down yet, and my hands were shaking as I picked up.
"Veronica, what did you say to Gloria?" Leopold 's voice came through the phone, his anger barely contained.
"She's been crying nonstop. When did you get so cruel?"
I took a deep breath, glanced at John, who was staring at me from the couch, then stood up and walked to the window.
"What did she tell you?" I asked.
Leopold 's voice got louder and louder. "She said you talked to her nicely, that you're trying to kick me out with nothing, and that you want half the company.
"Veronica, let me tell you, I built this company from the ground up. It has nothing to do with you. You want a share? Dream on!"
As I listened to him, I couldn't help but find it ridiculous.
The man I'd spent ten years loving was now shouting at me because of some twenty-year-old girl.
"Leopold."
My voice was calm.
I honestly didn't expect myself to sound this steady.
"Why do you think you can just yell at me like this?"
The line went dead silent for a moment.
"Who do you think you are, talking to me like this?" I shot back.
He froze.
His breath hitched. I could tell he never saw that coming from me.
He was so used to me always giving in.
He was used to me never talking back, never losing my temper, always forgiving, always understanding, always letting him have his way.
So when I finally pushed back, he was completely lost for words.
"Veronica, you..." Leopold started.
"Let's get a divorce."
I didn't let him finish.
"My lawyer will be in touch. And just so you know, I reserve the right to hold you accountable for using our marital assets to support your mistress."
With that, I hung up and powered off my phone.
The room was so quiet it was almost scary.
I turned around and saw John had gotten up at some point, leaning against the back of the couch, watching me.
His gaze was complicated. There was a hint of sympathy, a touch of admiration, and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on.
He said softly, "You were pretty badass just now."
I smiled, but my eyes were red.
"Get some rest."
"Yeah," he replied.
I lay back down, this time with my back to him, but I just couldn't sleep.
It wasn't because I was sad.
It was because of that kiss.
I touched my lips, and my heart started pounding all over again.
I felt that I was in trouble.
*****
When I woke up the next morning, John was no longer on the couch.
I blinked in surprise, sat up, and spotted a bowl of oatmeal and two pancakes on the coffee table, with a note tucked underneath.
His handwriting was elegant and bold.
[I went out to buy a charger and grabbed some breakfast on the way. Eat it while it's still warm. John.]
Reading the note, I couldn't help but let a smile tug at my lips.
Just as I was eating, my phone rang.
I turned it on and saw twenty-three missed calls, all from Leopold.
There were also seventeen WhatsApp messages. The first few were accusations and threats, but the later ones sounded more desperate.
[Veronica, where are you?]
[Why did you turn off your phone?]
[Let's talk this out.]
I didn't bother replying. I just closed the chat and blocked him right away.
Then I texted Tess: [Tess, can you help me find a lawyer? I want a divorce.]
Tess replied instantly: [You finally made up your mind?]
I replied: [Yeah.]
Tess: [Awesome. I'll get it sorted right away. Where are you? I'll come pick you up.]
I replied: [No need, I'm in Dordor. I'll be back in a few days.]
Tess: [Dordor? Why are you there?]
I replied: [Just needed a break.]
Tess: [Alright, we'll talk when you're back. I'll take care of the lawyer, so just enjoy yourself and don't worry about a thing.]
I stared at my phone screen and took a deep breath.
Asking for a divorce was easy, but actually going through with it took real courage.
And now, I finally had it.
There was a knock at the door.
I opened it to find John standing there, holding a charger. He smiled when he saw me. "Morning."
"Morning," I replied.
"Did you eat the oatmeal?" John asked.
"Yeah, I did."
"Did you like it?"
"It was alright."
"Just alright?" He leaned in closer. "I specifically asked the boss to cook it for you.
"She put in some red dates and berries. It's supposed to be really good for you."
Looking at how serious he was, I felt my guard drop for a moment.
"Thanks," I said quietly.
"No problem." He shook the charger in his hand. "Now that your phone's got juice, I want to take you somewhere."
"Where?"
"Meirise Lake."