CHAPTER 7
1303 Words
A divorce petition.
The world seemed to spin around me. I grabbed onto his desk as I lowered myself into the chair. My fingers trembled, crumpling the papers between them.
He wanted a divorce.
But... How? W-why?
After everything he did to trap me into this marriage, just so he could get Hacienda Camilla, he would let me go, just like that?
I don't understand.
I looked up at him, trying to find any clue on his face, but his expression remained stoic. He only looked at me with those piercing black orbs as if gauging my reaction to his cruel news.
"What..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say. There are so many questions in my head, and I need answers. Right now.
"What is the meaning of this?" I muttered, almost breathlessly.
I never saw this coming. And seeing that he already had the paperwork ready, it's not a rash decision. It's not brought about by what happened earlier.
He wanted to divorce me.
"It is what it is, Camilla," he sternly said as if it were a done decision. Don't I get a say on this?
I mean...
I don't want to remain trapped in this loveless marriage either, but... What will happen after this? What will happen to us? To Mira, specifically? To Hacienda Camilla?
I don't care even if he takes everything from me as long as I get to have my daughter with me. No. He can't take her away from me. He would have to kill me first!
"Just sign it," he sighed. "You have no say on this."
"But why?" I gasped, trying to keep my emotions at bay. I need to think this through. I can't do anything drastic.
Signing this must mean I get to lose. I need to find a way around it. And I need to think fast!
"Stop asking useless questions," he snapped impatiently. "There's nothing you can do about this. Just sign the papers, pack your bags, and leave."
He's talking clearly, but nothing seems to register on my mind. I can't process a word he says.
"Leave? Do you honestly think I would willingly walk away?" I chuckled sarcastically. "Hacienda Camilla is still mine!"
"Says who?" he smirked. The way the side of his lips curled up ever so slightly felt so devilish. It made my heart beat faster.
What does he mean by that?
He can't possibly transfer the papers without me knowing! Or can he?
My whole body trembled when he pulled out another file from his drawer and handed it to me. My blood seemed to turn cold while I tried to read what was written on it.
What the hell? How did he pull this off?
"This is illegal," I hissed through gritted teeth. It must be!
I skimmed through the papers again, but I couldn't find any loopholes. Everything seemed legit. The papers were even duly notarized!
"How dare you?!" I gathered the strength to stand and slam the folder on his desk.
"I haven't signed anything! How could you do this?!" I yelled.
"Dear wife," he smirked. "You signed the deed during our wedding. It took a while before everything was finalized, but," he shrugged.
What?!
My eyes widened. During our wedding?
Flashes of memories from that big day started to play in my head. I was so happy. It felt like a whirlwind, but I couldn't seem to mind.
After losing abuelo, it was the only time I felt happy and complete again. I was marrying Ares, who I thought was the love of my life. And I was also already pregnant at the time with Mira, which was the reason why the wedding was rushed.
What else could I ask for? Everything seemed to be perfect. He was still so good to me, I never suspected anything. At that time, I never thought he had a hidden agenda.
Bitter bile filled my mouth when I realized I indeed just signed everything without bothering to read a word on any of it. I thought those were for the marriage contract! How can I be so stupid?!
"Everything is legal. You couldn't contest those deeds. They were already recorded at the county office," he said while I was still reeling in shock.
"You..." I took several deep breaths to calm myself down, but to no avail.
I can't f*****g calm down! I palmed my face and started pacing. How could he do this to me?!
"Sit down, Camilla," he looked amused while watching me break down in front of him.
"f**k you!" I snapped.
He laughed humorlessly. I wanted to strangle him. Agh! I'm so stupid! f**k!
"Why are you so worked up?" he mocked. "I'm only taking back what was mine in the first place."
"Shut up!" I screamed. "You don't even have proof to back up your claim!"
After the wedding, he didn't even let me enjoy the honeymoon bliss, he quickly showed his real intentions on our wedding night.
He told me how Abuelo took real estate properties from their family. He said the whole land where Hacienda Camilla is belongs to his family and that Abuelo seized it illegally. But why would I believe him?
This whole revenge plot against me was based on that alone. If I know, they could just be barbers' tales! What if he was just delusional?
Our family owned the ranch for a very long time. I was born and raised here, same as my father! Too bad, he passed away at a young age. But still, it doesn't change the fact that Hacienda Camilla thrived because of Abuelo.
Even if what he was saying was true, this property would remain just that if not for my grandfather's hard work! How could he take everything just like that?!
I picked up the papers and started tearing them one by one in front of him. Then I crumpled them and threw them on the floor.
He only laughed at me like I was a kid throwing a tantrum.
"You can't do anything about it," he said nonchalantly. "Even if you tore those apart, I can easily get a copy from the county office."
"f**k you, Ares," I hissed.
I was feeling torn. A part of me wanted to stand up for my rights. I wanted to fight for Abuelo's legacy, but in exchange for what?
I'm so exhausted from fighting alone. I had been doing so for the past years, and the battle had completely drained me.
A bigger part of me longed for a peaceful life away from all this chaos. I wanted to live simply with my daughter. I want to take her away from all this.
After seeing what happened earlier, my desire to protect her, even from her own father, grew tremendously. I witnessed how Sofia can easily manipulate Ares. My daughter won't stand a chance against her.
I have to take her away. That's the only way to protect her.
"If you want the hacienda, then so be it! You want a divorce? Fine, then! You can live happily ever after with Sofia! Mira and I will leave. Take the hacienda and shove it up your ass for all I care!"
I toppled the chair on the floor before storming out of his office. But before I could step out, he said something that made my whole world stop. It was as if a bomb exploded, and suddenly, I found it hard to hear.
"Wait, Camilla," his cold voice echoed behind me. I didn't bother looking back. He can go f**k himself!
But his next words made me stop in my tracks.
"Didn't I make myself clear? Yes, you may pack up and leave, but no, you're not taking Mira with you. She's going to stay with me."
- Writer
