33 Parting Ways (1/2)

I thought it was going to be easy, but apparently, that would have been too much to ask for.

It had already been a month since Kate resigned. Although I knew where she lived and she knew my home address, we had not been in direct contact. She became good friends with Vivian, which I'm not surprised, so I heard news about her from time to time through Viv.

It was on the day that I went with Melanie to the court to sign the divorce papers, after which we had to wait another 6 months for the divorce to be completely finalized. If I knew I would have not wasted so much time on those ”who gets what and why” discussions with her.

Don't get me wrong, I care for her, but as someone once said, hell hath no fury as a woman scorned… Although she was the one who proposed the divorce first, it seems it was insensible of me, to be frank, and tell her about my feelings for Kate. She suddenly decided that she was taken for a fool, but I couldn't say anything because I knew that I did not have a right. She wanted to get half of the company but I was not willing to. She had her own job which kept her busy and she will get half of the house once it is sold, but the company is not to be touched.

Nevertheless, despite it all, the truth is that I cheated, even if not to an extreme level as other men, I still broke her trust and then like an inexperienced kid, I hurt her by telling her that I liked someone else. I wished I would have had the excuse that I was drunk, but I was definitely sober.

I'm becoming grumpier as they days pass, the empty house is depressing and I want to run over to Kate's side and to forget all these adult problems, but life is never that easy. My responsibilities dragged me back to reality in no time and there I was walking side by side with Melanie, maybe for the last time.

”You must be happy you'll finally be free,” Melanie whispered while we were waiting for our lawyers.

I felt I should say no, that I should have seemed more devastated that I felt, but I didn't want to lie.

”You're looking pretty laid back as well,” I replied while counting in my head all the money I lost just to get the divorce signed faster.

”Might as well, after all, I do not wish to hang on just for the sake of convenience. There is so much more out there.”

I had to admire her. She was strong, stronger than I gave her credit for. Others would probably be a lot more clingy. Despite the requests she made after I confessed about Kate, she still backed down pretty easily. If she really wanted she could have simply sued me and be left with everything I own. Luckily she was more down to earth than other women.

”I'm sorry.” I had to say it. No matter what, I did do something unethical.

”I'm sorry as well.” Her reply left me stunned. Was she apologizing for the same thing I was or was I reading too much into it? Before I could ask her I heard Mike calling:

”Hey there, nice day today isn't it?”

Melanie turned her head away from him seemingly annoyed and I simply snorted in my mind. Leave it to Mike to make such thoughtless comments. I just don't understand how he can be so successful with the women when he says things like this on a regular basis.

”So are you guys ready?” He asked ignoring our glares.

I looked over a Melanie just as she was looking at me

”As ready as I'll ever be.” She answered and started walking towards the room where the documents would be signed.

I quietly followed.

In no time at all, our lawyers had discussed every legal aspect they could have and the documents were signed. It somehow felt like it lasted a long time but at the same time, it felt like it was only a couple of minutes.

With the documents in my hands, I would now only need to wait.

”Congratulations!”

”Not sure if this is what should be said when people are divorcing.” I returned.

”Might as well be.” Melanie chipped in. ”Far better than walking on eggshells and beating around the bush.”

”True.” I had to agree with her. Hopefully, this will allow me and Melanie to each get on with a new part of our life.

”So what are your plans now?” Mike asked us.

”Nothing much.” I threw back. I was not in the mood to discuss my arrangement with Kate with him.