It All Started with a Divorce

"ONCE YOU sign that paper, it's all over for us, Ellie."

My soon-to-be ex-husband, Valerian Blackwood, sat across from me, legs crossed, a scotch in his hand. He didn't seem to care about our separation at all.

Two years of marriage, and all I was fed up with were the endless scandals about him and his mega-ton amount of women chasing his round and soft ass. Who was I to question it when my husband was Valerian Blackwood? A drop-dead gorgeous billionaire. He was smart, sophisticated, and just perfect in every way. What else could I even ask for?

But the life I was looking for was far away from what he'd given me. After all, we were nothing but a couple for a cause.

"Isn't that the purpose of divorce, Val?" I retorted, unsure whether I should let the ink stain the paper or take my time.

On his side sat Attorney Eglin, tapping his thumb on his knee, his fat ass plopped on the chair. His eyes were bored, and he didn't seem to be in a hurry to witness a couple breaking up.

Behind Valerian stood his cousin, another witness, who obviously didn't care about what was going on. I think I was the only one who was making a big deal out of this.

"You still haven't given me any answer about the properties I want," I added, earning a scoff from him.

"Ellie, let me remind you that all the properties I let you manage were all mine. Everything I own is conjugal, but that ends when you sign that paper. Stop this nonsense and I will transfer any properties you want under your name. Deal?" He negotiated.

No, I couldn't stay with him. I was done with this life.

"I still don't understand why you wanted to end this marriage when you're already living like a queen. What else do you want?" He added, sucking his inner cheek and watching my eyes fall down on my hand that held the pen.

Letting out a soft sigh, I chose not to answer. We never had a fight, even after I told him I was going to ask for a divorce. He was calm and composed, and I was always the one who overreacted. Maybe it was because he never really cared.

Most women who would kneel before him envied me. By the time the news came out that Valerian Blackwood was back to being a bachelor, many would celebrate.

"Time is ticking, Mrs. Blackwood," Attorney Eglin reminded me.

"I know," I accidentally spat at him. My hand flew to my head and massaged it.

What was I doing? I'd been decided since I brought it up, why was I wasting time?

I heard a clank. Valerian's glass hit the glass table. He stood up with a soft exhale, stealing my attention.

"Attorney, if you don't mind. I'm just going to talk to my wife," he excused himself, snatching the pen from my hand and letting