I divorced my cheating husband

chapter 6

Raven's POV

Kicking the blanket off my body, the morning chill woke me. I had a terrible migraine, as expected because I kept tossing and turning throughout the night. I tried getting more sleep but couldn't.

That night only strengthened my resolve to move out as soon as possible. This house, the bed, and the memories they held were messed up by what I saw.

I jumped right up, ready to continue from where I stopped yesterday. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I forced myself to start packing.

It took an endless series of arranging, collecting, and separating my things from his. He would collect them the moment he knew the house wasn't his again.

I moved to my new house the same day. After I settled down, I hadn't arranged everything vividly, but at least I had everything in place.

I called my boss, Mr. Cleveland, and informed him of my resignation. "Raven, this is quite abrupt." He sounded grim and confused.

"Yes, I know it's sudden, but I quit."

"I heard you the first time. What I didn't hear was why?"

"It's very complicated."

"You know this will be a severe blow to the company. I'm not going to act like it doesn't bother me."

Here was the tricky part; he was going to use everything he had to convince me to stay.

"What do you need? I will implement a raise." He sounded determined.

"It's not about money."

"Double your current salary. In fact, an additional percentage from the company's profit."

I knew he was willing to go far to keep me, but this was truly a long toll. The thought of such terms had me thinking of how desperate he must be to offer such to me.

"I really appreciate the offer, but I can't stay." James's words echoed in my mind; there was no way I was going to ever be comfortable in that office. It was never going to happen.

"You really have made up your mind, and there is nothing I can do, right?" He said finally.

"Yes."

"Turn in your resignation letter."

"I apologize for the inconvenience."

"Just know you are always welcome to come back."

With that, he ended the call. Releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding, I felt a burden lifted off my back.

With the new changes in my life, I had to tell my parents before they heard it from other unreliable sources. I dreaded the reaction I would get when I told them.

I didn't know what to expect: disappointment, anger, resentment, or just fury.

After a few hours, I arrived at the mansion owned by my parents. This was going to be a long day. Stepping out of my car, I prepared myself for the worst. "Raven." My mother called out. "What a lovely surprise, we weren't expecting you."

The familiar interior of the sitting room where I spent my childhood made me relax a bit.

"Mom." My heart felt tender at the sight of my mother. I hugged her tightly and kissed her neck.

"What's wrong?" I felt her body tense as I hugged her. "Want to talk about it?"

I nodded, as we sat down. My father entered as though he knew what was happening.

"My precious."

"Dad."

This was it; I was going to tell them everything that happened, and I prepared myself for their response.

"How's work been going lately?"

"The same old, same old."

"I sometimes miss the courtroom, but it's good to relax and rest."

"And James?" My mother asked. "Is he busy? You always come with him."

"That's why I'm here."

I watched them closely as I told them how James and I were getting a divorce, how I quit and got a new job, moving to a new house, and all the changes.

My mother didn't say anything but held my hand tighter. I know it was all a shock, and she was still thinking of what to say.

The silence that filled the room was heavy; it was like the whole place was on pause.

"Raven." I knew that tone; he used it when he was about to pass judgment on something he felt right about.

My father is a retired Chief Judge in the Supreme Court of law; he was my inspiration for getting into law school and becoming an attorney. I braced myself for the words that were to come.

"I have always told you to be careful; you put your job above your marriage. Now see how it has ended."

"You are the one that had always taught me to be ambitious." "And I don't deny it, but there must be a balance."

I opened my mouth to speak, but my emotions choked my throat, and Mom squeezed my hand tighter, signaling me to hold myself together.

I knew he would be like this. It wasn't about my job; James just didn't care about me like that. If only my father knew what he was planning to do with my money, he wouldn't be saying such.

"I came to tell you guys about everything. I hope you will understand and respect my decision."

I just didn't want to argue; I had already made up my mind not to make this a heated conversation.

I waited for the backlash, but surprisingly, nothing came. Taking that as an opportunity, I got up to leave.

"Raven, I just hope you won't regret this."

"Trust me, Dad, I won't," I said with a lot of determination.

I rushed out of the room before my emotions would slip, and I would break down in front of my parents, especially my father. I didn't want them to think I was weak and that I couldn't handle things by myself. I was more than capable of doing a lot more than that.

As I sat in my car, I pressed my head on the wheel, took a deep breath, and after collecting myself, I drove home.

James was going to regret ruining my life and betraying me the way he did. I was going to make sure I survived this struggle without losing anything.

Raven's POV

Straightening my back, I forced myself to stand tall and proud. I could feel people's eyes on me as I walked into my office to get my final personal belongings.

I had already packed my things; I just needed to sort out the documents and files for whoever was going to take over.

Up until now, James had not called, but I'm positive after today, he would know what's up.

I handed the necessary things to my colleagues, standing at the door of my office. It was my little sanctuary, and now it was ruined. It used to fill me with a sense of pride and joy, but now I feel nauseated.

As I exited the building, my phone rang in my bag. Picking it up, I soon realized who it was.

"Monroe."

"Yes Sir." "I trust you are doing well." Mr. Larson's voice boomed with life and energy. "I know you said you needed some time before you start work, but the company is hosting a party to welcome you."

"Oh, I don't think that's necessary."

"Nonsense, see to it that you make it." "I appreciate it, Sir."

I stared at the phone as the call ended. Who knew they still threw welcome parties for people? Oh well, I don't particularly have a choice. It sounded more like an order than a request. It doesn't matter, this was my new office. I had to put up a show; I can't claim to want to attend. I wonder what the other colleagues would be like? Will they be fun and accepting or cold?

There was only one way to find out; I had to attend and as always, dress like the star of the show.

The party was later in the evening; I still had a lot of time to get ready. As my first appearance in the company, I had to make a statement.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and I was satisfied with what I saw. Chic, classy, and elegant, I absolutely adored the look I had going on.

I always believed in less is more, and the dress paired with simple but expensive jewelry made me look stunning. It was almost time. I had to move on, and this was the first place to start.

As expected of a successful law firm, they had a lounge specific for special occasions. My cheeks heated and my ears burned as I stepped into the party. Everyone present turned and focused on me.

I was not surprised; I was used to attention, but for some strange reason, I felt conscious of myself and everybody around me.

To my surprise, everyone started clapping, approaching me, welcoming, and smiling at me. I knew not all were genuine, but I just went along with the vibe.

From experience, it's only a matter of time. These same faces that are happy and smiling might say the most outrageous things, but for now, I will just go with it.

"Raven." I heard a feminine giggle, and there they were. I could already picture them in the gossip room.

"Welcome to the company."

"Thank you."

In the meantime, I just enjoyed them while they were being nice. It was lively, and I immersed myself in the conversations, basking in the happiness emitting from the party.

"Don't drink too much, I don't want to hear about your exploits tomorrow." One of the ladies said to her friend, practically rolling her eyes in the process.

"If the exploits were with William, won't you be interested?" She replied mischievously.

All the ladies around smiled and blushed. I was immediately curious; was I missing something?

"Don't mind them, Raven." One said as she noticed my confusion. "It seems everyone loves William."

"Who wouldn't? He's handsome, hot, and a successful attorney."

"Not to mention, I heard he's wild in bed." She whispered and winked at me.

"Oh, what I would do to have him, he's every lady's dream."

The entrance suddenly became rowdy. I turned to meet eye to eye with the man in question. Speak of the devil.

He walked in confidently with a self-assurance that made him extremely powerful. Excusing himself from his group of friends, he made a beeline in my direction.

His eyes focused on me. I felt unease under his gaze, and I tried to ignore the way my stomach tightened as he approached me. Several women tried to get his attention, greeting him and striking mild conversations, but he politely set them aside, not losing sight of my position.

"Raven." A smile slowly played across his handsome face as he met up with me. "It's a pleasure to see you."

"Same here William." I was surprised by how high my voice sounded; that was very strange.

"I'm very excited to have you on board."

I didn't know how to reply, so I nodded and fought to get a hold of my voice. Why was I getting giddy? I've known and met him already.

"It seems we have been placed on the same team." I finally spoke, and I was grateful my voice didn't squeak.

"Yes, it's about time, don't you think so?"

I laughed, and it eased up my nervousness. I got a grip on my emotions, which helped me to relax and enjoy the conversation.

A few others joined us, but for some reason, I ended up talking to him more, and I loved every second of it. "William, stop hurdling the star of the party." One of his friends jokingly said.

"Well, she isn't complaining, are you?"

He looked at me intently. I just smiled and took a sip from my drink to avoid replying.