ManyWriters

The third instance Nicolas Reid and I found ourselves at the courthouse was due to his decision to reassign my cherished role as head meteorologist to the station's latest weather presenter.
Casually propped against his vehicle, a cigarette between his lips, Nicolas exhaled smoke and gazed at me with barely concealed annoyance.
"Is this really essential?" he questioned, his voice dismissive. "I mean, giving her your position is just a way for you to take a breather, isn't it? Heaven knows you could use one." He grinned, tapping ash onto the ground. "Plus, I only gave her the job to keep her content. Can't you just endure it? For my sake?"
I maintained a steady gaze, looking straight ahead as if his irritating words hadn't been spoken. Calmly, I responded with three short words.
"Let's go inside."
That night, I observed Nicolas with his arm around the new girl, chuckling and drinking with his companions as if without a worry in the world.
"So, what's your plan if Rowena actually follows through with the divorce?" One of his friends teased, a smile playing on his lips.
Nicolas took a long sip of his beverage, his eyes narrowing with an air of superiority.
"That's not going to happen. She cares for me too much to go through with it. She's just being dramatic. Typical her."
It wasn't until he saw me, some weeks later, seated in the back of another man's wedding car that he realized I hadn't been joking.

The Meteorologist's Revenge, Forecast for Divorce

"Suddenly lost your courage? Why aren't you coming to get the divorce papers? Afraid seeing me will make you waver like the previous two attempts?"


"I don't understand you, Rowena. You act like you're completely over me, but deep down, you're still head over heels. Now you're feigning interest in a divorce? Can you stop this immature behavior? You're an adult, for heaven's sake!"


"I'll let you have it your way this time. Consider it a learning experience. Take this opportunity to reflect on your mistakes, and when you've come to your senses, we can discuss reconciliation."


"But remember, this is your last chance. No more opportunities. And be aware, if I take this seriously, you'll come to regret it."


I remained silent. Instead, I removed the SIM card, signed out of my accounts, and powered everything down.


Nicolas wasn't mistaken. During my first two divorce attempts, I did back out, allowing my feelings to overwhelm me. This time, however, I was resolute. My avoidance wasn't due to fear, but rather a time constraint. I had a plane to catch. It wasn't that I was hesitant about the divorce.


Upon arriving in Eldermere, the first person I encountered at home was our family's butler. He was an elderly gentleman, trusted by my father for years. My brother had planned the wedding schedule tightly, which made me somewhat anxious.


It wasn't until the day of the wedding that I saw Lyle, ready to escort me to the ceremony. Six years had passed since our last meeting, and now here we were, heading to my wedding. I felt unsettled.


"Hi, Lyle..." I said softly. I was too nervous and unsure of how to address him.


Lyle arched an eyebrow as he looked at me, a smile playing on his lips.


"Seems we've got some work to do to get you accustomed to my new name, Ro." Lyle leaned in and whispered, "From now on, you'll call me 'baby.'" His grin widened.


As I settled into the wedding car, an unsettling feeling grew in my stomach. Lyle sat next to me, trying his best to appear calm, but I noticed a hint of anxiety in his eyes. I returned his gaze with a weak smile, attempting to reassure him—or perhaps myself.


Suddenly, a luxurious car drove past us, and that's when I spotted Nicolas. As if aware of my presence, he turned and glanced out the window. When two more vehicles followed his, my heart raced. He had seen me.


6#06