The Mistress Who Took Everything

ch 8

Alina was already dressed when the clock struck 7:00 AM in the morning. She wore a structured blazer with minimal jewelry. She stood in the study, flipping through the documents again.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. “Come in.”

A man stepped inside probably in his mid-fifties, dressed in a suit.

“Mrs. Voss,” he greeted her

“Mr. Hargrove,” Alina replied, skipping the handshake. “Is everything prepared?” she inquired.

“Yes,” he confirmed, placing a folder on the table. “Divorce filing, custody request, and preliminary asset division.”

Alina nodded once, her mind racing. “And the timing?”

“We can submit today.” There was a brief pause before she said, “Do it.” No hesitation, no second thought.

Behind the slightly open door, Serena was listening. Her hand pressed against the wall, her breathing shallow.

Divorce.

Custody.

Legal.

This was no longer just tension; it was the reality she hadn’t expected to move this fast.

Back in the study, Hargrove continued. “Mr. Voss will be notified within the day,” .

“Good.” Alina replied, closing the file. “That’s all.”

He nodded and left.

Serena stepped back quickly, her heart racing. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but now she couldn’t unhear it.

Later that morning, breakfast went on quietly. Damian checked his phone midway through the meal then stopped. His expression changed, Alina noticed.

He looked up. “You filed for divorce.” Alina took a sip of her coffee. “Yes.”

Lily looked between them. “You’re really getting divorced?”

No one answered right away. Finally, Alina said softly.

“Yes,”

Lily’s face fell. “But… why?”

Damian leaned back, frustration etched in his face. “Because your mother is being unreasonable.”

Alina didn’t even look at him. “No,” she corrected. “It's because your father made his choice.”

“I didn’t choose anything,” Damian snapped.

Alina’s eyes finally met his. “You brought another woman into our home in front of your child, and expected me to easily accept it.”

Lily pushed her plate away slightly. “I don’t like this.”

Serena reached for her hand. “It’s okay...”

Alina’s voice cut in. “Don’t.”

Serena froze, her hand mid-air. Alina turned her head meeting Serena’s eyes. “That’s not your role.”

Damian stood abruptly. “Enough.” Alina didn’t move. “You don’t get to control everything," he continued.

She tilted her head slightly. " I will control what I tolerate.”

He stared at her, his gaze unwavering. Then he walked out.

Later in the garden, Lily sat quietly on the bench. Serena approached her slowly. “Hey…”

Lily didn’t look up. “Are you leaving?”

Serena hesitated, her honesty weighing heavy. “I don’t know.”

“I don’t want you to go,” Lily whispered.

Serena’s heart tightened as she sat beside her. “I’m not going anywhere right now.”

Lily leaned into her, trusting and open, blissfully unaware.

From the balcony above, Alina watched them. Behind her, Damian stepped out following her gaze and seeing the same thing. Jealousy flickering across his face.

“They’ve gotten too close,” he said. Alina didn’t respond or look at him. “That wasn’t the plan,” he added.

Alina finally turned her head slightly. “Plans do change.” He looked at her.

Lily chuckled softly at something Serena had said. They all turned their gaze to them.