Chapter 3 chapter 3
Chapter 3
Natalie did not have an appetite. After having a glass of water, she returned to the bedroom.
She walked around the room, remembering all the sweet memories she had created with Jason in this place. She could not believe that three years of their marriage were ending just like that.
She walked towards where their huge wedding portrait was hanging. Natalie looked at it deeply and realized something; there was no ounce of warmth in Jason’s eyes as he stared at the camera. There even seemed to be a hint of hatred in his eyes.
As for Natalie, she was smiling happily as she rested her head on Jason’s shoulder. Her eyes had a clear reflection of her deep love for Jason.
Looking at the photo made Natalie laugh out like a maniac, “So, I was the only one who had been excited about this marriage? I had forced my way into your life, and now I am paying the price for my recklessness.”
Remembering Vivian’s smug smile while she hugged Jason yesterday, Natalie finally snapped. She threw herself on the bed and cried her heart out.
“Jason, this is the last time I will be crying because of you. I will never shed a tear again in your name, and I hope that after I am gone, you will find all the happiness in the world.”
…
When Natalie arrived home, her parents had just arrived from work. Her father was a famous surgeon, while her mother was a university professor.
Seeing their daughter come home with puffed eyes, the couple's hearts broke. They did not need to ask to know what had happened.
Her father hugged her and spoke, “Baby, you made the right choice. You almost lost yourself due to that man. I am just glad that my baby is back home.”
“Daddy, but it hurts. I feel like my heart has been removed from my chest using a blunt object.”
Clara, Natalie’s mom, rubbed her on the back gently, “Darling, that is the price you pay for clinging to someone who does not value you.”
Tyron looked at his wife and frowned, “Dear, was that really necessary? Can’t you see that our daughter is hurting? How could you talk to her like that?”
“But that is the truth.”
Tyron was about to say something, but Natalie stopped him, “Daddy, Mommy is absolutely right. I brought this to myself. Only if I had accepted the reality earlier, then I wouldn’t have had to drag my feet for too long.”
Tyron hugged his daughter, feeling her pain in his heart, “You are home now, that is all that matters. You still have us. You don’t need a man in your life for you to be considered complete. It is time that you thought about your future, too.”
“Thanks, Mommy, thanks, Daddy, I will go and freshen up.”
…
After handing Natalie the divorce papers, Jason went to work, but he could not even concentrate on his work.
He had been wanting an out in that marriage since day one, so why was he feeling sad after giving Natalie the divorce papers?
Why was his heart hurting so much that he could not even concentrate on his work?
The image of Natalie trying to fight back her tears made him feel like he was the biggest sinner.
But again, Natalie forced herself into his life, and it was only right that he divorced her. He was so young, and he was not ready for the responsibilities of being a family man. Although they grew up together and they were best friend, that did not mean that he would do as she wished.
Unable to concentrate on work anymore, Jason left the office. He wanted to head home, but thinking about Natalie, he stopped.
He had just given her the divorce papers, and she needed time to think about it. What if they made up again, and he ended up cancelling the divorce? Then he would still be trapped in this marriage.
After thinking about it, Jason headed to a club managed by one of his friends. That was his happy place every time he felt low and he needed to vent.
His friend immediately gave him the best room when he arrived. He also took up the liberty of calling his other friends.
“Harry, you'd better come down here. Jason just showed up, and damn, he looks like he just buried his wife.”
“Luc, what are you talking about?” Harry asked.
“Just come over, bro. Your buddy needs you.”
“I will be right there,” Harry replied.
“You can pick up Ian on your way here. We will be waiting for you guys.”
Luc assigned work to his management and went to keep his friend company.
He looked at Jason and asked, “What happened, bro? why do you look so down? Is everything okay at home?”
Jason drank his liquor and shook his head, “Everything is okay. I am just feeling down today.”
While the two were still conversing, Ian and Harry arrived. Luc looked at them and laughed, “Were you guys nearby? That was fast.”
Ian slapped Harry on the back, “You know what happens when Harry is behind the wheel. I almost thought that we couldn’t make it here.”
The two men entered and sat down. They looked at Jason, and Ian asked, “What’s up, bro? Luc sounded pretty serious over the phone.”
Jason remained quiet for a few minutes before he said, “I asked Natalie for a divorce.”
The boys were stunned. They looked at Jason with astounded expressions, “What did you just say?”
Jason looked at his friends’ shocked expression and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “Well, I couldn’t just do it anymore. I tried, but I just couldn’t pretend anymore. I felt trapped, and I had to set myself free.”
“Boy, you are not serious,” Harry stated. He stared at Jason with a serious face and continued, “Is marriage such a joke to you? You think that you can just wake up and walk away from it just because you feel trapped?”
Ian spoke up, “I have always supported you as my buddy, but this time, I don’t think that you did the right thing. I mean, you have known Natalie all your life, and you guys look good together. Gosh, that girl is fire, and any man would die to have her. And you just let her go like that?”
Jason looked at them and sneered, “Just because we look good together does not mean that we should get married. I never wanted this marriage to begin with. Natalie forced her way into my life, and I just wanted to teach her a lesson.”
Luc shook his head, “I don’t know what to say to you, bro. I think that I will just congratulate you on finally getting your freedom back.”
Jason raised his glass, a small smile tagging at the corner of his lips. That was exactly what he wanted to hear.
“Thanks, bro.”
“Guys, don’t worry, you have never been married, so you don’t understand my sentiments. But I will give you some free advice: when you finally decide to get married, marry the woman of your choice. Don’t let your families decide for you. It will be an absolute disaster.”
“We got you, bro.”