Reborn in Time: Reclaiming My Life

Chapter 5 Step by Step

Ava's POV cont.

“I am. But first things first. Mia, as my lawyer, can I legally change contact information on my medical forms? Can I make it so the hospital can’t disclose my medical information to Rowan?”

I couldn’t see her, but I knew from experience that Mia would have tilted her head to the left as she contemplated my question. After a brief pause, she responded. I could hear suppressed excitement in her voice.

“You can. We can do a Power of Attorney for Personal/Medical Care as well as a standard POA, remove Rowan and appoint someone you trust.”

“Can I do that now? While he’s gone? Before the divorce is finalized?” I continued my line of questioning. “Can I ask you to take on that role? Would it be legal to do that? And would you consent to be in that position? Also, I don’t want him to know until after he gets back.”

“I would be honored to be your Power of Attorney. But we do have to notify both the hospital and Rowan,” her response was a bit hesitant at first, then a hint of laughter colored her voice. “But” she said, “we can notify him via registered email with a delivery receipt. With proof, he has received it, he won’t be able to contest it.”

I smirked, pleased with her answer. “Can we do that now? Today?”

“We can. I can call my office and have my assistant draw up the legal forms. She can bring them here for you to sign.”

Determination filled her voice. “Ava, I know you. What’s going on? I mean, before the accident you were waffling on going through with the divorce."

“Because I finally understand that I am not the one he loves. I understand that he married me for my father’s money and influence. I finally understand that he’s using me, all while Jane is the woman he loves. The woman he would betray me for.”

I didn’t sound hurt. Because I wasn’t. Not anymore. I wasn’t heartbroken. I was done. Done loving a man who would never love me. Done with his lies. With his manipulation. His gaslighting. Done with him putting Jane first.

If anything, all I felt was a quiet rage. A burning need for revenge. Today I am taking the first step in that direction.

“Mia,” I prodded. “Could you have those papers drawn up, now? This morning? Then I want to talk to my doctor.” I paused to ensure what I said next wouldn’t sound crazy.

“You still have the envelope I mailed to you six months ago via registered mail, correct? You followed my instructions and didn't open it, right?”

The indrawn breath was the only indication that she was shocked by my request. Her voice was steady when she finally responded.

“Yes, I have the envelope, and yes, it is unopened. Why?"

"Because that's the printed manuscript for the book I completed. The one Jane was so desperate to read. That book was on my laptop that was stolen in the break-in. The postmark and the registered mail documentation are proof the book is mine. It's proof that I hold the copywriter to the story. Now, let's deal with the POA."

"I’ll call my assistant now, give me a minute.” She did just that. I listened to her side of the conversation.

“Hi Allison. Yes, sorry, I’ll be out of the office for the rest of the day. Can you handle the appointments, or have Lily handle them for me? You can? Thank you.” She was silent for the space of about a minute.

“OK, listen, I have an urgent request I need you to work on right away. Yes, this morning. I need you to prepare a standard Revocation of Power of Attorney for both Personal/Medical Care and standard POA, removing Rowan Andrews' POA for his wife,

Ava Sinclair-Andrews. Correct. Then prepare a new Power of Attorney for both Personal/Medical Care and standard POA, appointing me, Mia Crawford, K.C.; J.D., as the POA. Once you have the paperwork completed, make three copies of each, then bring them to me at the QEII Health Sciences Center. Text me when you get here. I’ll come get you in the lobby. An Hour? Perfect! I’ll need you to bring Simon, if he’s available, as I’ll need you both to sign as witnesses. Okay, see you in an hour.”

The call ended. All I could hear was Mia breathing. Then, true to her nature, she didn’t hold back her burning curiosity.

“Please don’t think I’m being mean or hateful, but I’m glad you finally realize that Rowan is cheating on you. Using you. He and Jane are the talk of the town. Or at least the tech sector. Their affair is a poorly kept secret.”

I couldn’t see her face, but I could visualize her expression. She would have a pained, concerned scowl. The one that says, ‘I love you like a sister, but I really need you to take those blinders off.’

“I didn’t want to admit that I made a mistake when I dated, then married Rowan. And yes, I did love him.” I took a deep breath to help clear my mind. “But that’s finished. We had a bad fight three weeks before the accident. He accused me of being a ‘jealous, vindictive b***h’ to quote him verbatim. All because I refused to let Jane read my completed manuscript. He slapped me. ”

“He did what?” Mia practically shouted.

“He slapped me across the face. Knocked me down. Right in front of Jane, who laughed about it. I refused to back down. They left the apartment together, Jane crying her ‘poor me’ fake tears, and Rowan threatening me with consequences. He came back the next day with the divorce papers. Used the excuse that he couldn't stay married to a selfish, vindictive b***h like me. Said Jane was twice the woman I was. I signed them, and gave my copy to you to file with the courts."

"He is definitely an asshole!" Mia hissed.

She wasn't wrong.