The Last Straw

Soon, Friday arrived, and Kiera anxiously stood in front of the city council, waiting for Nicholas to appear. However, as the minutes ticked by, he was nowhere to be seen.

She lifted her hand and gazed at her watch. It was already 45 minutes since ehr arrival yet that mongrel was nowhere to be found.

With frustration mounting, Kiera dialled his number and waited for him to answer his call.

"Hello?" "The nerve, Nicholas," she commented sharply.

"I.."

"Save it," she cut in, her voice tinged with impatience.

"You better come to the city council as soon as possible. Come and let's finalize our divorce."

Nicholas's voice crackled through the phone, filled with defiance.

"I've told you before, Kiera. I'm not getting a divorce. So suck it up and accept it." A mischievous smile appeared on her lips as she took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.

"Nicholas Relish, let me remind you this, even if you don't come, according to the regulations, a two-year separation will automatically lead to a divorce. And if you are not aware, you and I have begun our separation."

"Kiera listen to me."

"Why? To hear you sprout more lies? Pfft, please." She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"I advise you to come and make do with the formalities. Let's work through these procedures. It's the fastest and most convenient option for both of us and for Cristal's sake as well."

Nicholas bit his inner lip when he heard her last sentence. A surge of anger coursed through him as he spoke again and this time, hoped she would listen.

"Stop being so stubborn, Kiera! Cristal and I can work out our own separation."

"Oh really? You think by saying that I would ever believe any words you say again?"

"I am speaking the truth," he urged.

"Then shove it up your ass, Nick. I do not want it and I most definitely do not want a used property. You and Cristal belong to each other, so l'll pass."

"You need to grow up and think about the impact this divorce will have on our families and our businesses. It's a scandal that will tarnish both the Campbell Group and the Relish Group. Forget Cristal. This is bigger than an affair and I will not be the ruin to our families. So think before acting."

Kiera was taken aback by his audacity. He never would stop being shameless, would he?

She had believed that Cristal was Nicholas's true love since he could throw her away for the conniving bitch but she never expected him to prioritize personal gain over everything else.

Keira scoffed out loud to Nicholas' hearing.

"Nicholas," she said, her voice laced with disbelief, "you're a shameless man. You do not care about me. All you care for is business, fame and money."

"Think whatever you like. It is useless explaining. I would not come to meet you and if you really want a divorce, then I suggest you come over to my place and have a face-to-face conversation about it."

"And why should I? Who knows what you are plotting."

"It is either you come or you forget about ever separating from me."

"Fine. I'll be there."

She ended the call without waiting for his response. She could already imagine what it was going to be anyway.

Getting into her car, she drove off in the direction of where her nightmarish marriage began.

About thirty minutes later, Kiera found herself standing in Nicholas's lavish home, only to discover Cristal standing at the kitchen counter, slicing fruit. Her brows knitted together at the sight of the young lady dressed in somewhat revealing clothes.

'Tsk, so this is what he means by cutting off from her? What a delusional liar,' Kiera cussed inwardly.

'He couldn't even hide his bitch for the sake of our meeting or what?

He was hoping to get me jealous? What a waste!

Shaking her head, she pushed her thoughts away and walked further in. At the same time, Cristal looked up from what she was doing. Her presence exuded an air of arrogance and superiority.

"If it isn't the loser wife, begging to be taken back," Cristal's voice rang out from where she stood, making sure Kiera heard her words.

"What? Did your sorry attempt at trying to enjoy the bar life render you unable to talk?"

With calculated words, Cristal attempted to provoke Kiera, but Kiera refused to engage in her petty games and took a couple of steps forward when she heard her call out again and stopped.

"Face it, that scandal was your doing? And you have been cheating on Nicholas. You know for someone who looks nothing like an abandoned mouse, yous ure know how to cling to men desperate for attention. I bet that is why Nick got tired of you."

Kiera clenched her jaw and exhaled sharply. Those words had hit deep and they weren't true but she was tired of the mistress playing favourite. She turned around just in time to see Cristal approaching, brandishing the fruit knife, as a chilling smile played upon her lips.

Kiera couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity emanating from her expression, sensing that she had some ulterior motive in mind.

"One day, he would see you for who you are. Your lies would soon catch up with you."

"Would he now? Or would he see his love being bullied?" Kiera arched a brow as her eyes narrowed further, trying to figure out what new play Cristal was at again.

Suddenly, in a shocking turn of events, Cristal thrust the fruit knife into her own abdomen, piercing what seemed to be a concealed blood bag.

Her lips hung open as her eyes paled. Blood gushed out in a horrifying display, and Cristal's screams filled the room.

"Aahhh! How could you! Help! Stay away from me!"

Watching the scene with indifference, Kiera remained unfazed as she stared at her with utmost boredom in her eyes.

On the other hand, Nicholas remained in his study, but as soon as he heard Cristal's scream, he rushed out and stormed into the living room, only to witness a sight that shattered his preconceived notions.

"Nick... she.." Cristal cried out, clutching the knife. Immediately Nicholas' brows knitted together and he snapped his head in Kiera's direction.

"How could you?"

"Excuse me?"

Realizing his grave misunderstanding, anger surged within him, and he lashed out at Kiera.

"I really believed you but you had to go this length. Is this how jealous you are?!"

"Nicholas, be mindful of how you yell..." She did not get to complete her sentence when he forcefully pushed her to the ground, leaving Kiera stunned as her body collided with the floor.

Memories of her past life where she had endured being pushed aside, flooded Kiera's mind as Kiera stared in shock at Nicholas.

A fire ignited within her, fueling her own anger. He was a beast, she thought and she was done with him.

Rising to her feet, Kiera confronted Nicholas, her voice laced with anger.

"You are a monster, Nicholas. It is sad I never saw this sooner."

"If I am a monster then you are a witch. How could you be murderous out of jealousy?"

"Enough of your preconceived lies!" Kiera hollered at him, her chest rising and falling with great effort.

"If you can't bear to see me, Nicholas, then let's divorce and spare ourselves further torment. You won't see me and you can be with your lover." Shock registered in Nicholas' eyes but Kiera was not done with her words and she meant every word of it.

"I won't explain myself, as I know you wouldn't believe me anyway. If you still refuse, be prepared for the consequences, for I may resort to even more extreme measures."

"Kiera."

"Save it. Do not forget | have your sex video and pics. I bet it would make the headlines and ruin the Relish name." Nicholas's heartbeat increased the second her threat sunk in. She had nothing to lose here and if it was taken to court, it would get ugly for him and the Relish Group name.

Then he wouldn't hear the end of it from his mother.

Desperation flickered in Nicholas's eyes as he faced the woman who once loved him with all of her heart.

"Kiera, we can discuss it."

"We are way passed discussing and reasoning. So, your call. What's it going to be, Nicholas?" She spat out and placed a hand in front of her chest, silently waiting for his answer.

Finally, under the weight of Kiera's resolve, he capitulated, agreeing to her divorce request.

"Fine. I'll divorce you."

"Let's go then."

"Nick..." Cristal called out in a weak voice. "Wait." Kiera turned her head to look at him, her stern expression an indication she was not up for nonsense.

"I cannot leave her like this."

"I do not trust you and your lying mistress. Have your P.A take her or call an ambulance."

"How can you be cruel?"

"Hey, you are free to do what you want but either that, or you face the consequences."

Saying that Kiera sent a deadly glare at Cristal before walking away.