Chapter 2 Was she rebelling?

Aubrey’s pov :

“Should I let you know about the settlement amount?”

The lawyer explained the settlement amount, droning on about assets and finances.

"I don't want anything from him," I refused emotionlessly.

The lawyer raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You're entitled to half of his assets, including the house and investments."

I shook my head. I have my own company, one that I run with my best friend, Sophia. As the heir, I received it as my share. I have enough money to take care of myself and my child.

The lawyer nodded. "Very well, then. Let's finalise the papers."

The next day, Sophia arrived at my doorstep, looking every bit the classy lady she was. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back, and her bright green eyes shined. She wore a tailored white pantsuit, her heels clicking on the floor as she rushed to my side.

"Aubrey, darling!" she exclaimed, enveloping me in a tight hug.

I burst into tears, allowing myself to release the emotions I'd been holding back. She comforted me, stroking my hair and whispering soothing words in my ear.

"Is this really what you want, Rey?" she asked, using my nickname. "Are you sure you're ready to leave him?"

I nodded confidently. "Yes, Sophia. I'm done. I deserve better than someone who cheats on me and lies to my face."

She smiled, her eyes shining with approval. "That's my girl. Sometimes, no matter how much you work and yearn for something, you can't get it. But that doesn't mean you can't find something better."

As we drove away from the house, Sophia turned to me with a fiery gaze. "That scumbag Ryder doesn't deserve you, Rey. Men like him are the worst, fucking cheater. They think they can get away with anything just because they're men."

I didn't say anything, but I felt a sense of satisfaction hearing her cuss Ryder out. It was cathartic, and I revelled in her anger on my behalf.

She continued with a passionate voice. "You deserve so much better than him, Rey. Someone who will love and cherish you."

I smiled wryly. "I've lost hope in men, Sophia. They're all pathetic."

She laughed. “I agree with that! But there are good men out there too. We just need to find one who's worthy of you."

I joked, "Yeah, right. I'll believe it when I see it."

Sophia playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a cynic, Rey. But I can't blame you.”

I asked her about the company. "So, how's everything going? I feel like I've been out of the loop for ages.”

After my marriage, I put all my energy into trying to make Ryder fall in love with me, neglecting my business and myself in the process.

"We've been managing just fine, but we're glad to have you back. We've missed your input."

I nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility. "I'm sorry I neglected the company. I got caught up in…"

Sophia waved her hand. "Don't apologise, darling. I understand.”

After a week of settling into my new apartment, I returned to the office, eager to dive back into work. The staff welcomed me happily. I focused on the work in the company, trying my utmost best to forget everything though it was extremely difficult.

In Sophia's office, we were discussing our usual work when the door burst open and a familiar face walked in.

"Hey, ladies! Sorry to interrupt."

Sophia stood up excitedly. "Alexander! Come on in. We were just discussing the latest marketing strategies."

Alexander's eyes locked onto mine. "Rey! It's so great to see you again."

I felt a flutter in my chest. "Alexander! You look...different."

Sophia teased him. "Yeah, he's finally grown up. He's not our child anymore.”

Alexander chuckled. "Hey, watch it. I was always mature."

I laughed. "Sure you were, Alexander."

It was Alexander Nova, a famous actor and our company's sponsored talent. He was also an old friend of mine.

Alexander used to follow me everywhere like a lovesick puppy, but now he looked more mature and confident.

As we chatted, Alexander suggested we go to the club to celebrate my return to the company. "Come on, Rey. Let's paint the town red!"

Sophia grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me."

I hesitated for a moment before agreeing. "Okay, why not? It's time I started living again."

It was time to start my new life, and I was glad to have Alexander and Sophia by my side.

"Let's go paint the town red!" Sophia exclaimed, and we all laughed.

After staying away from Ryder, I realised something. It's that I don't need his approval or love to be happy. I was enough on my own, and I deserved to live my life on my own terms.

"Tonight, I start anew," I whispered to myself.

*************

Ryder’s pov ;

I sat in the meeting room, nodding along as our marketing team presented their latest campaign. But my attention was diverted when my phone buzzed with a call from my mother.

"Ryder, do you know where your stupid wife is?" she asked in an annoyed voice. “She's not at home.”

I frowned, confused. "Why wouldn't she be at home?"

My mother's tone turned cold. "I wouldn't be calling you if she was. Something's going on, Ryder. You need to find out what's going on with your wife."

I felt a surge of anger. Why was my mother bothering me with this? Couldn't she see I was busy? And why wasn't Aubrey at home, where she belonged?

I expected her to cave in and go back to her normal self- a typical housewife who didn't trouble me. So, where did she go without informing me first?

"I'll find out where she is," I said displeasurely, hanging up the phone.

I abruptly left the meeting room, instructing my secretary to call Aubrey. I didn't think much of it, assuming she was just being dramatic again. Because that's how she always was.

"Find out where she is and tell her to come home," I barked at my secretary.

But as I walked back to my office, a nagging feeling lingered in the back of my mind. Something was wrong, and I couldn't shake it off.

I sat at my desk, expecting Aubrey to call and apologise, begging for my forgiveness and saying she just went mad for a while when she asked for a divorce. But she never called or tried to reach out but I didn't care. I had better things to take care of.

Moments later, my secretary entered with a nervous look. "Sir, I tried calling Mrs. Aubrey, but her number is unavailable."

My anger flared up. This was unprecedented. She had never been so bold as to ignore my calls before. What was going on?

I nodded curtly and dialled a number. "I need you to trace Aubrey's location," I instructed the person on the other end.

When I returned home, I waited for a long time, expecting her to walk through the door, apologetic and repentant. But she didn't come.

Was she rebelling? The thought annoyed me. I had slid the fight to the back of my mind, thinking it was useless and busy myself with work. But now, it seemed like she was taking a stand.

It had been a week since our argument, and I was starting to feel a growing sense of unease.

I trudged upstairs, exhausted, and showered, trying to wash away the stress of the day. But as I got out, my phone rang.

It was my personal investigator.

"She's at a club," the voice on the other end said, followed by the sound of photos being sent.

My eyes scanned the images, and my heart raced as I saw her dancing with a girl and a guy. But my gaze was solely fixed on the guy's hands around her waist, their closeness, and my nose flared in anger. My eyes burned with uncontrolled irritation.

So that's where you are. Having fun with other men? So that's why you were asking for a divorce? Because you have found someone else.

Just as I spat out the words, my eyes landed on the papers on the bed. I picked them up, and my grip clenched aggressively.

"I'll see how you can divorce me," I growled violently.

How dare she think she could leave me? How dare she move on so quickly?

I crumpled the papers in my hand.