ONE NIGHT WITH THE CEO

Chapter 3: The Consultation

Hailey’s POV:

I had booked a consultation session with a lawyer for this morning since Raymond wanted a divorce but I didn’t know what to expect.

“Are you okay mum? You look like you're not getting any sleep."Jack asked when he was having his breakfast. He seemed concerned.

“I’m just a little tired, no need to worry about me.”

He didn’t look convinced but he nodded. He was beginning to notice and I hated that.

After dropping Sophia off, I was back home to get ready for my appointment.

During the drive, my mind went to the day Raymond had asked me to sign the prenup. I didn’t think much of it at the time and I hoped it wouldn't affect me now that we’re getting a divorce.

I got to the lawyer’s office in no time, parked the car and sat there for a while. A part of me wanted to drive back home and just pretend like none of this was happening to me but I didn’t want to pretend any longer.

I picked up my bag and walked into the building.

There were a number of people in the waiting area. Surely everyone had different reasons for being here and I did too.

The receptionist directed me to the lawyer’s office.

“Good morning Mrs. Rebecca.” I said as I walked in.

“Good morning ma’am.”

“How are you today?” I let a smile, almost fake.

“I honestly can be better.”

“I understand, please have your seat.” I sat on the seat across from her work desk.

“How can I help you today?” She opened a book in front of her.

“It's my husband.” I paused, trying to catch my breath.

“It’s okay, please, take your time.”

“He cheated on me. Now he wants a divorce.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Do you have a prenup signed?”

“Yes, I signed this before we got married.” I stretched the document over to her.

She read it carefully but she didn’t speak. Her expression wasn’t the best and it wasn’t encouraging for someone in the process of a divorce.

“Is there something wrong?”

“Hailey, I need to explain exactly what this prenup says. I also need you to know everything will be okay."

It definitely didn’t sound like it but I was going to hear her out.

“So, this agreement states that Raymond owns the company, and most of the houses you both own are legally his.” It didn’t sound so bad till she hit me again.

“The prenup gives him about 70% of your marital assets.” My stomach dropped. Devastating was an understatement compared to how I felt.

“70%?” I said shockingly.

“Does this mean I walk away with almost nothing?”

“Well, it’s not that simple. There may be child or spousal support but because you signed the prenup, you limited your share of the property.”

I began blaming myself. “I should have read the damn prenup before signing, now this could cost me everything.”

“No Hailey, you should have been able to trust your husband”

“What about custody?” She asked.

“My children stay with me.” I answered sharply, it was not a debate.

No way I was going to put my children in the hands of the man who broke me, they didn’t deserve that.

“I understand you but it’s important that you know the court usually wants both parents involved in their children’s life especially if the other parent has a clean record.”

“Raymond has the influence, he could hire whoever to fight for him and God knows, he might even win.”

“Having money doesn’t mean he would have custody of them.”

I bent my head in regret. "What do I do now?”

“You don’t have to worry. Take care of yourself and your kids and we’ll handle this.” She handed the document back to me.

“Thank you for your time.” I said, standing up to leave.

“I’ll reach out soon enough.”

“I’ll be expecting your call.”

“And Hailey, I want you to know you’re not at fault in any way. Please don’t blame yourself and take care too. We’d get through this.”

“Thank you Rebecca.”

She understood me. I’m sure she has handled similar cases like mine.

I left the office and sat in my car. I cried for the first time since I met the lawyer. I needed to clear my head so instead of heading home, I drove into this coffee shop I had seen around.

It was well suited and looked cozy from outside. I parked and walked in. I found a quiet space and sat.

I ordered something familiar on the menu then picked up my laptop to begin updating my résumé.

I had to get something doing now that I was about to lose everything so I began searching for HR job roles.

One thing I was sure of was that I had the skills for any HR role. I practiced it for so many years before I quit and it already became a part of me.

My order came and I just enjoyed my coffee and the serene area. It was a weekday so it wasn’t full. I liked that, I needed it in fact.

One vacancy on the website I was looking through caught my eye. It wasn’t big and the pay wasn’t the best but it was something I could start with. I clicked submit after filling the necessary things, stared at the confirmation message on my screen and I felt a little hope. It was subtle.

If I got this job, it wouldn’t solve all my problems. It wasn’t going to fix my broken heart or erase the betrayal but it was a start, I guess.

Raymond had ended our marriage but he wasn’t going to stop me from building my future.

I wasn’t going to let this be the end of me.