Chapter 39 Walking Away with Nothing
"Divorce?" Sophia stammered in shock, remaining stunned for a long moment before asking, "Why... why would you want that? You just said you two were fine, that you hadn't even fought. How did we suddenly jump to divorce?"
"Sophia, I don't want to get into details right now. Could you please ask your husband about it? When I have time, I'd like to meet with a divorce attorney to discuss my options."
Sophia grew anxious, "Arabella, divorce isn't a joke, especially when you have two children. You really should think this through more carefully!"
As a mother herself, she understood the bonds and complications involved.
Getting divorced was simple enough—you could live perfectly well without a man. But leaving your children behind? That would be heart-wrenching, endless pain.
"I know. I'm serious about this. We can talk more about the specifics when we meet in person."
Just then, she heard one of the twins crying, giving Arabella the perfect excuse to hang up.
Finally taking action on this decision, she suddenly felt much better—at least she'd taken the first step.
That afternoon, she drafted a simple divorce agreement in the study.
The terms were straightforward: she would walk away with nothing, not even asking for the children, but requesting visitation rights once a week.
She couldn't bear to leave her children, but she simply didn't have the means to take them with her right now.
Besides, Gabriel would never allow it. Even if they went to court, without financial stability, no judge would award her custody.
So she harbored no illusions about that—she'd be satisfied just seeing the children once a week.
Once she found work and her life gradually improved, she would find ways to strengthen her bond with the children and make up for what she was missing now.
When Gabriel came home from work that evening, Arabella was waiting in their room, staring at the two copies of the divorce agreement, anxiety gnawing at her as she rehearsed her opening words over and over.
But unexpectedly, Gabriel didn't even get out of the car. Instead, he called her from the driveway.
"Come down here. We're going to Sterling Manor tonight—there's something important to handle." Gabriel's low, serious voice made Arabella's heart sink even further.
Back to Sterling Manor?
Something important?
She instinctively resisted, asking, "What is it? Do we absolutely have to go?"
"Yes."
Actually, he could have had Aunt Isolde bring Mabel to Parkside Estate, but that wouldn't have had the same intimidating effect on the Sterling family hierarchy.
Handling this matter at Sterling Manor would have a greater impact and show those family members who still defied him or harbored ulterior motives what happened when they schemed behind his back.
"You have three minutes. If you don't come down, I'll come up and drag you out myself."
Arabella stared at her buzzing phone, bit her lip in frustration, then reluctantly tucked the divorce papers into a drawer and hurried to change clothes before going downstairs.
Assuming Samuel was driving as usual, she automatically headed for the back seat. But just as she pulled the door handle, the man in the driver's seat spoke coldly, "Sit up front. I don't moonlight as a chauffeur."
Arabella awkwardly shut that door and opened the passenger side instead.
Her heart was racing, her reactions sluggish from nerves, and after getting in, she sat there uncertainly, forgetting to buckle her seatbelt.
Gabriel had been watching her intently, a thousand words stuck in his throat, his eyes dark and complex with suppressed emotions.
Suddenly, he leaned toward her, reaching out his hand.
"Ah..." Arabella startled, instinctively flinching away.
Her exaggerated reaction caught him off guard, too, and he looked annoyed, "What are you afraid of? Am I going to eat you alive?"