102
1583 Words
"Miss Radiance is on her way to your office, Sir.”
“What?”
“Why did you let that woman in?!” Zyren was furious.
“I tried to stop her, but I-“ the receptionist didn’t get the chance to continue. Zyren slammed the phone down in frustration.
“If my wife comes, just tell her I’m busy.” Zyren snapped at his secretary.
After all, he had an important meeting in just five minutes. The secretary nodded, leaving the room, but before she could close the door, she found Stina Radiance walking towards her.
Stina Radiance wore an A-line skirt with a waistline and a floral print that added a touch of soft authority to her appearance. But for some reason, the secretary felt there was something different about Stina Radiance today.
“Morning, Ms. Silvi,” greeted Stina Radiance warmly, her voice filled with confidence. Without waiting for a reply, she boldly pushed open the door to Zyren Beyond’s office.
“Mrs. Beyond....” Silvi gaped, stammering.
“Excuse me, Mr. Beyond, but I have an appointment here that requires your signature.” She said sternly while lifting documents into the air.
Once inside Zyren's room, Stina was welcomed by the cold gaze of Zyren's two dark green colored beads. Let's not forget his face that was as close as chiseled by a God, and his sexy brown hair which was always neatly combed back with a few strands falling accidentally on his forehead. He's so damn delicious.
Zyren was a handsome demon, in every way, and she couldn't help but stare at him with wide, hungry eyes. She had to admit, the man was so handsome that it drove her wild, and not in a normal way.
She could not help but tremble as if she was in deep water. Her voice sounded weak as she tried to control herself. Stina cleared her throat to keep from stuttering, and placed the divorce agreement on Zyren’s desk.
"Sign it.”
She said, her voice steady and unwavering.
Zyren Beyond was stunned, the tension in the air so thick, and it felt suffocating.
After a prolonged standoff, Stina Radiance finally shrugged, breaking the silence.
“Alright then, I won’t bother you, Mr. Beyond. So, uhm, see you at the Civil Affairs Bureau on Monday morning, nine o’clock sharp.”
After speaking, Stina smiled as she tucked her loose hair behind her ear.
Her presence was unwanted; there was no other choice but to leave, but before leaving, Stina could not resist giving a final greeting.
“Congratulations, Zyren Beyond. You are free now. You’re finally free of me, huh? This shameless woman.”
Stina Radiance looked at him meaningfully, a smile former on her lips.
“What foul game are you playing now, Stina?” Zyren Beyond’s voice was full of emphasis, sensing the disbelief of what he saw before him.
How could the woman he was fascinated with give up? No, no, she must have some foul plan behind him. He thought.
Stina Radiance looked at him with an unreadable expression.
“Don’t worry, it’s for real this time. But let me tell you, this is your only chance to get rid of me from your life forever. And you better make the most of it.”
Her eyes felt warm as her muscles throbbed to hold back the water that wanted to come out.
But, Stina refused to lose her pride and was against shedding tears in front of Zyren; she did not want to give the man ammunition to mock her. Quickly, Stina turned and left, her high heels clattering on the floor, filling the room’s silence.
Zyren Beyond watched as she walked away, not taking his eyes off her until she disappeared in the doorway. Only then did he reach out and leaf through the divorce agreement before him.
Stina Radiance’s confidant drafted this divorce agreement. In the entire document, she did not claim a single item of property. She left the house and its contents completely.
It was no surprise to Zyren Beyond that Stina Radiance wanted a divorce. After all, for three years, he had not considered her his wife but instead trash.
But the fact that she did not want anything in the divorce that was something he could not believe.
Stina Radiance is a woman with insatiable desires. When Beyond asks her what she wants in return for saving Quiyana Lewis’ life, she immediately wants to marry him.
Unfortunately, her calculations were wrong.
Zyren had registered his property in his name before the marriage, ensuring that he could get rid of her someday when he couldn’t take it anymore.
It seemed like she was just trying to trick him this time.
A smirk mockingly played at the corner of Zyren Beyond’s mouth as he casually threw away the divorce agreement, not taking it seriously.
Stina Radiance walked out of the building, where her flashy sports car was prominently displayed.
As soon as she approached, Yma Turner opened the passenger door.
“So, have you signed it yet?”
She lowered herself into the seat and fastened her seatbelt.
“No.”
“You shouldn’t have,” Yma replied.
“But...Zyiana Baker is back.”
“Zyren Beyond must be feeling the pressure, right?” Yma chuckled.
Stina Radiance finished fastening her seatbelt and glanced at her friend.
“Yes, and I’m pleased today. I loved seeing his flustered face and like a fool man...” Stina chuckled.
“I’ve never seen someone so happy about a divorce. I just wanted to test whether you really gave up or were angry.”
“Be a good girl, Yma Turner!”
Stina Radiance no longer wanted to pay attention to her friend, who seemed to enjoy her misfortune. She simply closed her eyes, shutting out everything around her.
Half an hour later, the sports car stopped. Stina Radiance opened her eyes and unbuckled her seat belt.
“Thank you.”
“See you later, Stina. Love you!”
***
She entered her house, and she noticed that her aunt had meticulously prepared everything for her arrival. The cutting-edge door lock recognized her voice, face, and fingerprints.
“Lorrie, open the door,” she called out, and with a soft hum, the sandalwood door swung open.
“Welcome home, ma’am..” a gentle voice greeted her.
“Lorrie, could you please boil some water?” Stina requested.
“Okay, ma’am!”
She dragged her suitcase up to the primary bedroom on the second floor, which contained all her belongings from her time at Beyond, all the memories she carried with her.
After unpacking, Stina poured herself a glass of hot water mixed with cold water. As she took a sip, she felt tears welling in her eyes.
Yma’s words echoed in her mind, filling her with self-doubt and resentment. It was true; she could only be faking it for a fleeting moment, but so what?
She couldn’t change who she was.
After struggling to keep her emotions at bay all morning, Stina finally let herself succumb to the pain. She placed her glass on the bar counter and lay down; she let her tears flow freely.
For ten long years, Stina had loved Zyren Beyond with all her heart, but all she got in return was three years of humiliation in their marriage. Could she really continue fighting for a love that was never reciprocated?
Defiantly, she thought, what’s the point of not giving up?
Zyren didn’t love her, and that was the harsh reality. Leaving Beyond had thrown Stina into a whirlwind of confusion over the past two days. She had spent most of her time sleeping, but even then, her dreams tormented her.
In one of those dreams, she was fifteen again, innocent and naive. She thought she was helping an older woman in need, but little did she know that she was the target all along. She was dragged into a car, and they threw her into a dark alley; she had lost all hope. No one came to her rescue, and no one dared to help.
Just as she resigned herself to her fate, a young boy kicked her captor and took her hand, leading her out of that dismal alley.
They ran without stopping, fear driving their every step. It was during that desperate escape that Stina caught a glimpse of the boy’s face, a face as radiant as the wind and the moon.
His dark eyes held a mesmerizing depth, drawing her in completely.
She mustered to ask his name, and he replied, “Zyren Beyond.”
Stina’s heart raced like it never had before, gratitude and curiosity filling her every thought.
“Thank you for saving me,” she managed to say.
But the boy released her hand and turned away, transforming into the cold and distant adult version of Zyren Beyond. His indifference and disgust crushed her hopes in an instant.
“Stina Radiance, what game are you playing?” he sneered, his voice echoed.
“No!!”
Stina awoke with a start, the blaring alarm clock piercing through her thoughts. She rubbed her damp eyes and commanded,
“Lorrie, turn off the alarm clock!” The ringing ceased, leaving the room in an eerie silence once again.
She reached for her phone and saw a message from Yma, urging her to stay strong.
It was Monday when she had scheduled her divorce meeting with Zyren Beyond.
- Writer
