ELENA'S POV
Three days had passed since I spoke with Attorney Marquez, and I was making coffee when I noticed my phone buzzing in my pocket. He had just sent the email. I took out my phone slowly and looked at the screen.
It said, "Divorce Proceedings: Initial Documents."
Like a chilly blast of water, the words struck me. It was taking place. I was serious about ending our marriage, and Bill was finally going to realize it. My chest constricted at the thought.
With trembling hands, I snatched the divorce papers off the counter. I called for a cab without giving it much thought. As I locked the door behind me, knowing what I had to do but also dreading it, my mind was racing. I kept thinking about what I would say to him while I was sitting in the back of the taxi. I hardly noticed the city passing outside the window. I believed that I had prepared my remarks in advance.
The ride seemed to go on forever. My heart began to race even more when the cab eventually came to a stop in front of Lorenzo's office building. It was this. I had to confront him, and it wasn't merely a disagreement this time. That was the end.
It seemed unreal to enter the building. The lobby had the large reception desk made of glass and dark wood, the sleek modern lighting, and the polished marble floors that I remembered. Everything exuded wealth and power, and I felt insignificant and out of place.
I hadn't set foot in this building in years, and I had completely avoided it. Lorenzo never liked me visiting him at work. He always came up with a reason or an excuse to keep me away. Now, I couldn't avoid it any longer.
I inhaled deeply before making my way to the elevator. Then I became aware of something. An old couple was talking as they left the building. When she said, "Bill's presentation was impressive today," I was drawn to the woman's voice. His figures were accurate.
Her spouse gave a nod. And the woman who was with him seemed to know a lot. She was also attractive.
I couldn't help but overhear and froze.
She must be his spouse. The woman smiled, and her eyes glistened as she said, "They looked fantastic together, just like we did back in the day, George."
Wife? How could she have thought that? In a hurry, I searched for any indication of Lorenzo. Was she referring to another female? What was happening?
In an attempt to relax, I approached the receptionist. I asked, "Is Lorenzo here?" and she gave me a bored look.
She arched an eyebrow. "Are you scheduled to do anything?"
"No, but I'm his wife," I uttered, hardly controlling my annoyance. My jaw was getting tense. Why must she have been so impolite?
Her expression was not amused as she looked at me. "To see him, you'll need to make an appointment."
I turned away from her and made my way to Lorenzo's office.
She called out, "Wait!" as if I had made a snap decision.
I accelerated, making my way through the lobby. My knee was still sprained, but it wasn't bothering me too much today. I heard the receptionist behind me calling security as I hurried forward. I didn't give a damn. I needed to speak with Lorenzo.
As I turned the corner, I almost ran into Sarah, Lorenzo's assistant, as the sound of footsteps grew louder. She had a bewildered expression on her face as she approached me.
"Mrs. Richardson?" Her voice was full of concern as she asked. "What's the matter?"
Trying to catch my breath, I answered, "I need to see Lorenzo."
Sarah's eyes widened at the sight of the two security guards behind me before I could explain. She stepped in front of the guards and yelled, "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" "This is the wife of our boss! Are you truly going to behave in this manner?
The guards appeared ashamed. "We apologize; we were unaware, Mrs. Richardson."
Sarah gave them a look that indicated they were going to feel bad about what they had done. She cautioned, "Leave before I tell Lorenzo what you did."
The guards instantly retreated, appearing embarrassed.
Sarah's face softened as she turned to face me after they had left. I apologize for that. Lorenzo is in the conference room, if you want to go in."
I muttered, "Thanks," and started to go in that direction.
I was unable to get the thoughts out of my head as I moved through the office. The elderly couple had definitely mistaken someone for Lorenzo's wife. The woman had exuded confidence and assurance. Could it be that Lorenzo had another lover? Someone he didn't want me to know about?
I shook my head in an attempt to get the idea out of my head. That was not the time. I needed to concentrate on my purpose for being here. Nothing could divert my attention.
I hesitated for a second before entering the conference room. I didn't knock. I simply opened the door and entered.
Everyone turned to stare at me as the room fell silent.
At the head of the table sat Lorenzo. His face went white at the sight of me. I could see the tension in his jaw as he glanced from me to the others in the room.
The presenter, Giulia, paused in the middle of her sentence. Her gaze met mine. "Elena? Why are you here?
I sensed that everyone in the room was watching me. As I spoke, my throat constricted. "I must speak with Lorenzo. It's crucial.
Giulia looked around as if she wasn't sure what to do. With a tight tone, she stated, "We're in the middle of something."
My voice pierced the room as I yelled, "I don't care." "I'm Lorenzo's wife, Elena."
I observed the responses in the space. Whispering was going on. "Wait, isn't that his wife?" muttered one person. I believed Giulia to be his spouse.
I am his spouse. "Not her," I reiterated, attempting to dispel any misunderstanding.
Lorenzo remained silent. Anger darkened his face, but he remained silent.
I took a step forward, staring at him. "Why don't you say anything, Lorenzo? It almost seems as though you would prefer to be married to Giulia.
Lorenzo sprang to his feet and seized my arm before he could reply. "Not here, Elena," he said harshly in my ear, his grip tight. Avoid doing this. Not in public.
I lost my balance as I jerked my arm away from him. It wasn't until it was too late that I realized Sarah had come in with a cup of coffee. Coffee splashed across my shirt as my elbow collided with her.
As the hot liquid seeped through my blouse, I muttered to myself, "Damn it." It was unbelievable to me that this was taking place.
Giulia's worried voice echoed. "Oh no! Are you alright?
In an attempt to tidy up the mess, she hurried over to me and took a tissue from her purse. However, the stains persisted.
With a worried tone, Giulia proposed, "Let's go to the break room so you can clean up properly."
It was unbelievable to me. It all seemed like a mean joke. But I was at a loss for what to do. With a flurry of emotions racing through my head, I followed her into the break room. And for some reason, I kept thinking about how Giulia was somehow involved in every embarrassing incident I've had recently.
This was becoming absurd.
I wanted to scream, but I held my tongue. Something had to give.