Chapter 257
I had waited for over eight months, only to have my request denied!
The court’s decision stated something about how being married for twenty years isn’t easy and that we should weather the storms together…
After the woman finished speaking, she broke down into tears.
Those around her, moved by her distress, began to comfort her.
“If he abuses you again, just call the police and have him arrested. Once there’s evidence, the court is more likely to grant a divorce.”
“Exactly, if the first trial doesn’t work out, apply for a second one. As long as you’re determined, the second trial should rule in your favor.”
The woman sobbed, her face streaked with tears and mucus.
“An appeal for a second trial can’t be filed for another six months. I want to call the police and have him arrested, to give him a criminal record. But he threatens me with our child’s future. If the child’s father has a record, it could ruin his chances of a stable career. In this tough economy, having a secure job is everything… I’ve endured him for our child’s sake for so many years. But this year, he’s gone too far, breaking my ribs. I can’t endure it any longer. I decided to leave with nothing, giving him all our assets, while I take care of the child without demanding alimony. Only then did he reluctantly agree. Yet, it took me two months just to schedule the divorce cooling-off period… If I wait any longer, the second trial will start.”
Hearing this, the crowd sighed in sympathy.
Stella, listening quietly, felt a deep, indescribable sadness welling up inside her. She understood the woman’s predicament.
In the past, she had chosen to endure as well, burdened by too many considerations. She didn’t want to leave Keen, wanted to give him a complete family, and the educational resources of the O’Brien family were unparalleled.
These concerns had been the chains binding her to her marriage.
If…
If Keen hadn’t become so attached to Rachel…
Would she still be enduring this marriage?
She didn’t know the answer.
As she stepped out of the city hall, a gentle breeze lifted the stray hairs at Stella’s temples, dissipating the suffocating tension that had gripped her moments before.
But life doesn’t deal in ‘what-ifs.’
Now, she was the best version of herself.
“Haynie, are you finally divorced?”
Just then, Jasper appeared out of nowhere, his face alight with excitement.
Haynes noticed the barely concealed excitement in Jasper’s eyes and frowned slightly.
“What are you doing here?”
“Of course, I’m here to…”
Congratulate you on your divorce.
Jasper’s voice trailed off as he realized the inappropriateness of his words. He cleared his throat softly and said, “I came to collect the letter of understanding and the antidote.”
Haynes acknowledged with a nod and turned to Stella.
“Now, can I have the letter of understanding?”
Stella wasted no time and handed the letter to Haynes.
After a quick inspection, Haynes found no issues and asked, “What about Jasper’s antidote and Rachel’s medicine?”
At that moment, Jasper, although free of bandages, bore numerous scratches and wounds across his face. Some of the wounds were a dark, bruised color, giving him a frightening, almost disfigured appearance.
During this period, Jasper had consulted many doctors, even sought out renowned herbalists, but none could cure the toxins on his face. He was forced to wear a mask whenever he went out.
One time, he forgot to wear his mask, causing such a fright among the public that the police were called, suspecting he was engaging in some vulgar prank.
It was infuriating!