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1005 Words
"James, please calm down," Jerry implored, feeling distraught by everything happening to his friend.
James' chest was heaving heavily as he tried relaxing his nerves that had skyrocketed.
"Just tell me what exactly happened when you found her. What was her reaction towards you?" Jerry asked, seeking a clearer insight into the situation.
"I had never felt so humiliated in my life as I did yesterday. What she did to me was unacceptable, and her indifference to my pain was astounding," He said, unable to suppress his sarcastic tone.
"Was it that bad?" Jerry gasped, staring at the devastation on James' face.
The cold facade that James had tried to maintain was beginning to crack. He was too hurt to keep up the act.
James had thought of meeting Amanda again or even going on his kneels to plead, but he knew he had done nothing wrong to deserve her actions. The thought of Charles in her home also exacerbated the situation.
"I tried talking to her, despite the sudden hate she showed. But she didn't even care about anything I had to say. And the sight of another man in her house, enjoying his time while my daughter played at his feet...broke me," James said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She wouldn't let me see Kendall. She was so emotionless towards me and didn't even care what had happened to me during the months of her absence," James explains, his voice cracking. "She's been cheating on me,"
His resolve was weakening and the walls that his anger had built around his broken heart were crumbling.
James sank heavily into his seat and leaned his head back, closing his eyes in an attempt to steady himself.
Meanwhile, Jerry was shaken by everything he had heard. He had no words to defend Amanda.
"So, what are you going to do now?" Jerry inquired, giving his friend a look of pity.
"Once the divorce is finalized, I'm going to take full custody of my daughter. I won't let her learn her mother's sinful ways..." James spat, his face contorting in disgust.
"Bringing Kendall into this is only going to put the child through a lot of emotional trauma. I just feel that—"
"Nothing you say will make me change my mind," James said with a firm voice. "I am gonna keep my daughter with me and she's gonna recover from any f*****g trauma that she experiences. I'm gonna get her the best therapist and make her happy,"
"She will miss her mother. Why don't you have joint custody with her?" Jerry suggested.
"No. I don't want to see her and I don't want my child to get any of her deceitful and evil traits. I can't believe that I thought I knew her," James scoffed and shook his head disappointedly.
Jerry sighed, knowing that James had made up his mind.
"Please, get a lawyer for me. I want the divorce finalized as soon as possible," James declared, running his fingers through his hair.
"Alright," Jerry agreed with a sigh. "But, where are you going to finalize the divorce? Is it here in New York or London, where Amanda is,"
"We got married here in New York and Kendall was born here. We are going to finalize everything here and I won't care about her complaint about distance or whatnot!"
"If I may ask, how did you get here so quickly??" Jerry asked, curiously.
"That's a discussion for another time, just get the best attorney in this state,"
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Amanda dropped her daughter off at school and took a few hours off from the job at a local restaurant.
While she could have found a better job elsewhere, she needed time to care for her daughter since they were new to London. She didn't want to be so overwhelmed with work that her daughter's needs or safety would be jeopardized.
"I'm so late," She muttered, glancing at her slightly expensive watch. "I hope Charles won't be angry,"
Charles had asked her to meet him in his office to discuss some matters regarding custody.
"This firm is beautiful," Amanda said in awe as she entered the building.
It wasn't her first time here, but she couldn't help but be impressed by the elegance of the place.
"I'd better stop admiring and head to his office," She said to herself, hurrying towards the elevator.
The elevator took her to the third floor, and she made her way directly to his office.
"Lawyer Charles," Amanda greeted with a smile as she entered. "Good morning,"
She closed the door behind her, sauntered to him, and extended her hand for a handshake.
"Good morning, Amanda," Charles replied with a bright smile. "I have told you before, just call me Charles,"
"I'm sorry. I just feel that I owe you more respect after what happened yesterday," Amanda sighed, regretfully.
Charles couldn't believe that she still dwelled on what happened the previous evening. He didn't remember much of her anger towards him.
"I don't even recall everything you said in a fit of rage and I'm not angry either," Charles said sincerely. "I'd like us to move past that and continue maintaining a good relationship,"
Amanda simply beamed, not fully understanding the message his words truly conveyed.
"Anyways, how was your night and how is your sweet girl?" He inquired with concern in his voice.
Amanda sighed, "My night wasn't that great due to everything that happened, but Kendall eventually calmed down and slept well,"
"Your daughter is young yet smart, she takes immensely after you," Charles complimented, his gaze focused intently on her.
The corners of Amanda's lips curled into a smile, but she didn't blush.
"Thank you, Charles," Amanda replied, attempting to take her hand from his.
"Your hand is so soft," He remarked, holding her hand and gently caressing her fair knuckles. "What hand cream or lotion do you use, love?" He asked, using a more emphasized British accent.
His eyes held a warmth that made Amanda feel uneasy.
- Writer
