Alice's POV
When I opened my eyes again, I was already back in my seat. I did not even know how I got there. My last memory was being in the bathroom, locked in, then someone opening the door. But now, I was back in my seat, and the plane was almost landing.
I wanted to ask the air hostess what had happened, but I was too weak. My head hurt, and my body felt heavy. So, I just sat quietly until the plane landed in the UK.
By the time I came out of the airport, my chest was still tight. My hands were shaking as I dragged my luggage out. I did not even bother to look around. I just called a cab and went straight to the house Daniel and I had stayed in together.
Everything came rushing back into my head the moment I entered. Every corner held memories I wished I could erase. I dropped my bag on the couch and went straight to our bedroom.
Months ago, a lawyer had given me his card after a seminar. At that time, I never thought I would need him. But right now, he was the only hope I had. I had to look for his business card.
As I searched through the drawer, my hands touched an envelope. At first, I wanted to ignore it, but something in me told me to open it. I pulled it out and tore it open.
There were divorce papers. I couldn't believe my eyes. My legs almost gave way.
Daniel had already filed for divorce.
Tears rushed to my eyes as I held the paper with shaky hands. My own husband had already planned it all before I even caught him with Clara.
I dropped the paper and sat on the bed, holding my head. My heart was pounding so fast, and I felt both stupid and angry. Stupid for not seeing all of this earlier.
Now, all the signs I've been getting have become clearer. I had trusted them both so much that I'd even leave them together at home sometimes.
But what confused me was why. Why would Daniel betray me like this? We weren't rich, but we were comfortable. I worked as a financial analyst at Sterling & Cross Holdings. The payment was good. We had a good life. Or so I thought.
Then something clicked in my head. Sterling & Cross. The irregularities I had noticed at work. The shell companies, the offshore transfers, and the doctored reports.
Daniel worked there too as an architect. What if he was involved? What if that's why he needed me gone?
My stomach turned. No. It couldn't be. I thought as I argued with all that was coming to my mind at that point.
After sitting for a while, I forced myself up. I went back to the drawer and kept searching, and at last, I found the small white card I was looking for.
I picked up my phone and dialed Mr. Collins's number. My fingers were trembling as I pressed the call button.
"Hello?" a male voice answered.
"Mr. Collins? This is Alice. I… I don't know if you remember me. You gave me your card some time ago."
"Yes, I remember," he said calmly. "How can I help you?"
"My husband…he cheated on me. And now I just found divorce papers he already filed. I don't even know what to do." My voice cracked as I spoke.
There was silence for a few seconds. Then he said, "Alright, Alice, listen carefully. If he already filed for divorce, that gives us a path to work with. We will not only respond to his papers; we will make sure you get what is yours. You are his wife, and so you have rights. We will demand half of his properties, maybe even more."
Half of his properties?
The words felt like medicine in my ears. For the first time since last night, I felt like I had some energy back.
"When can we start?" I asked quickly.
"First thing tomorrow morning," he said. "Come to my office. Bring the divorce papers you found, and I will prepare the rest."
"Thank you." I hung up, and I fell back on the bed. I stared at the ceiling, still shaking as I whispered to myself, "This is not over."
The next day came faster than I expected. I went to Mr. Collins's office. He was already waiting for me at his desk.
He asked me everything. How long we had been married. What properties Daniel owned. Where I worked, then he told me exactly what we were going to do.
"We will not fight his divorce. We will sign it, but we will demand half of everything. He will not get away with this."
I nodded. My heart was beating fast, but I trusted him.
When the day of the court finally came, my heart almost fell out of my chest the moment I walked in. Daniel had come with Clara to the court, hand in hand with her as if unbothered by the whole thing.
She was also smiling, as if she were proud to be there.
I swallowed hard and forced myself to look away. I sat beside Mr. Collins, trying to hold myself together.
The hearing began, and Daniel's lawyer spoke first, saying he was filing for divorce because of "irreconcilable differences." My blood boiled as he made it sound like I was the problem.
Then Mr. Collins stood up and spoke. "Your Honor, my client is willing to accept this divorce. However, she has rights under the law. She is entitled to half of all marital properties, including their house, the car, and additional financial settlements. She has given years of her life to this marriage, and she deserves nothing less."
Daniel's face changed immediately as his jaw tightened. He had not expected that. Clara shifted uncomfortably beside him, whispering something into his ear.
The judge listened carefully, and after a few questions and more arguments from both sides, the ruling was made.
I had won!
The house, the car, and a large portion of his assets were given to me.
As we stepped outside the courtroom, Clara walked up to me. "It's funny you're just finding out now," she said. "I've been sleeping with Daniel since the night before your wedding."
I had expected this but hearing it from her still made me freeze. But I would not let her see me weak.
I looked at Daniel, then at Clara, and said,
"Thank God the case is over. And thank God I have my own man now. You're not the only ones cheating."
Their eyes widened.
Then I turned quickly to a luxurious black car that had pulled up. Without even knowing who was inside, I walked straight to it, opened the door, and slid in.
I did not look back. I only imagined their shocked faces as the car door closed.
Inside, my heart was racing as I had no idea whose car I had just entered.