Divorced, She Became a Powerhouse

Chapter 2 Heartbroken Divorce

Tessa: Ex-husband?!

Tessa was shocked when she heard the news.

Tessa: Anya, I must be dreaming. Are you really going to divorce Garrett? Is this because Delilah's stirring up trouble again?

Tessa had always wanted Anastasia to divorce Garrett, but knowing how deeply Anastasia had loved him since college, she worried that her friend wouldn't be able to let go.

Anastasia: That sleazebag and that skank are a perfect match. I just don't want him anymore because Delilah's touched him.

Anastasia had always had a strong sense of cleanliness.

She had fallen for him at first sight back in college, but even then, Delilah had already been by his side.

So Anastasia stepped back and began a quiet, four-year-long infatuation. Anyone with eyes could see that Anastasia was in love with him.

She had always believed that if she waited long enough, Garrett would eventually love her too.

But hearing those cruel words from his friends, and how casually Garrett allowed them to speak about her that way—it all became clear.

They must've said things like that behind her back countless times. She'd been such a fool to think otherwise.

With a bitter smile, Anastasia typed her response.

Anastasia: Yeah, go print me the divorce papers. And make sure I get a hefty payout from Garrett.

*****

Garrett didn't return home until nearly 1 AM. "Why aren't the lights on?"

The house was dark. He flicked on the light switch and saw Anastasia sitting on the couch.

Reeking of alcohol, Garrett had no interest in engaging with her and started heading upstairs.

"Garrett." Anastasia's voice cut through the air, cold and detached.

Garrett sobered up slightly at the sound. He couldn't remember her ever using that tone with him before.

It was unsettling. Anastasia had always spoken softly to him, almost pleadingly.

Without any hesitation, she continued, "Let's get a divorce."

Garrett rubbed his temples, not taking her seriously. "Are you throwing one of your tantrums again? I'm exhausted. Get some sleep."

Over the past two years, Anastasia had brought up divorce so many times, but each time, all he had to do was soften his tone, and she'd forgive him without question.

'The same old line.' Anastasia almost laughed.

It was just like every other time—Garrett would say one dismissive sentence and somehow make her feel like the one at fault.

But she had no energy left to argue. She simply held up the divorce papers. "Here's the agreement. Sign it."

Her feelings for him had been trampled on so many times that they were now completely drained.

Garrett stood tall, looking down at the papers with amusement, as if watching a child throw a tantrum.

"You think you can survive without me? Do you still believe the Langley family is what it once was? Do you think you're still the spoiled little princess?"

Those words hit Anastasia hard, like a punch to the gut.

*****

Back when Garrett's family went bankrupt, Anastasia had pleaded with her own family to help him rebuild. She had even severed ties with her parents in the process, breaking their hearts. For the past two years, she had barely spoken to them.

"None of that concerns you anymore," Anastasia said firmly. "Whether or not I'm still that pampered princess, I can live just fine without you!"

She had been such a fool, cutting off her family for an arrogant man like Garrett.

Her tone was defiant, unwavering, and for a moment, Garrett saw a glimpse of the proud woman she used to be, the princess she once was.

He feigned ignorance. "Is this because of Delilah?"

Delilah? She wasn't even worth mentioning.

"If you need a reason..." Anastasia met his gaze, her voice steady.

"It's because I don't love you anymore."

*****

Garrett hadn't expected Anastasia to truly want a divorce.

He picked up the papers from the table, but when he saw the terms, his expression darkened.

"So that's why you're so eager to end this." He threw the papers down angrily.

"Fifty million? Anastasia, you really are greedy. Delilah called you vindictive, and I didn't believe her. Is money the only thing that moves you?"

Anastasia scoffed. "Really? If Delilah was so perfect, then where was she when you hit rock bottom? Why didn't she help you rebuild your empire?"

Her words dripped with sarcasm. For so long, she hadn't understood why Garrett couldn't appreciate her, the woman who had stood by him through thick and thin.

Now she knew. He wasn't worth it.

"How dare you!" Garrett shot up from his seat, his voice rising. "You think I don't know it was you who forced her away?"

Anastasia almost pitied him.

He had believed that lie for years, never once bothering to investigate the truth.

"Garrett, you're as dumb as a rock," she said coldly. "Think whatever you want. But this divorce is happening."

Garrett was furious now.

"There's no way I'm giving you fifty million. The best you'll get is five million, or I'm not signing."

*****

After he stormed out, the door was left ajar, letting in the winter wind. Anastasia clenched her fists. Did he really think she was nothing without him?

Once, she had been proud, dignified, but for Garrett's love, she had allowed herself to be reduced to nothing.

But not anymore. Starting today, she was going back to who she used to be. She would never again beg for anyone's love. From now on, the only thing that truly mattered was herself.

Anastasia headed to her room, washing away her exhaustion and putting on bold, glamorous makeup. She looked stunning.

For the past two years, she'd always gone without makeup because Garrett didn't like it.

Now, as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, a faint smile curved on her lips.

"Long time no see, Anastasia," she whispered to herself.

Just then, Serena Stone waltzed in from a night of partying, her eyes widening when she saw Anastasia's flawless appearance.

"Where are you off to, looking like that?" Serena asked, stepping in front of Anastasia to block her path.

Anastasia wasn't in the mood to deal with her.

"Hey! Are you deaf? Where do you think you're going? Let me guess... Found another guy to cheat on Garrett with?" Serena sneered.

Anastasia gave her a cold, regal stare, her voice dripping with disdain. "Move."

Serena lunged at Anastasia, reaching for her hair. "You think you're so tough now? Go get me some water, b***h!"

But before Serena could touch her, Anastasia kicked her hard, sending her crashing to the floor.

Anastasia looked down at Serena's crumpled form, her voice icy.

"You'd better learn to behave. Next time, it won't just be a kick."