Chapter 22:?MUCH STRONGER
The rain poured heavily against the cemented pavement. Sharp lightning carved its way to the grey skies and thunder growled, almost shaking the earth.? The strong cold wind whistled past my ears while it billowed my hair behind my back.
It was so damn cold outside that my whole body went stiff from the freezing wind brushing against my skin.? The ominous sound of thunder made me swallow hard while the flicker of lightning scared the shit out of me that I wince each time it danced to the sky.
Going outside under the bad weather's full outrage wasn't a good idea, I almost wished I was still peacefully lying on the bed, and sleeping soundly. It took me a great amount of strength not to cower and run back to my room.
I told myself that no matter how difficult the decision I made, I must not abscond to the last minute. Things that won't kill me will make me stronger.
I must end what I willfully began. That is the only way that I could finally found my way to freedom...
The chapter of my life with Ace was about to put an end. I must do it now or never. I repeated the mantra inside my head while summoning all the courage? I could muster to move my feet to where he stands, handcuffs in hand, and a police officer standing beside him.
I pulled the jacket tighter around my body to absorb a little bit of warmth to help me with the ordeal I put myself into. My hand wrapped tightly around the umbrella I held on my fingers until it paled by the force I applied.
"Sixty persistent miscalls and fifty desperate messages, I hope? that's enough to keep him detained for harassing me tonight?"
With my chin up, my cold stare landed on my husband's unbelievingly shocked countenance.? He was dripping wet, his clothes clung to his body like a second skin. His disheveled hair partially covered his temples, it was dripping wet too.
"That would be enough proof to detain Mr. Greyson tonight." The police officer replied respectfully, giving me a soft, reassuring smile that was meant to console me but it didn't. He cast? Ace a cold stare which was more than what he deserved... I guess a punch would do better. But a professional police officer that he was, he won't do that unless the situation requires brute force and violence.
The police officer's fingers were wrapped around a huge umbrella to keep himself and his captive away from the pouring rain. He wore a raincoat to keep himself dry.
Ace on the other hand was soaking wet. His lips were noticeably pale while he shivered from the cold. Hours of staying under the rain finally taken its toll on him.
I was too numb inside to even feel a slight tinge of pity for the man who toyed with my emotions over and over again.
"There's none to talk about," I replied with a cold demeanor. A smile stretched into my lips but it barely reached my eyes.
"Are you going to press charges against this man? If so you could file a restraining order against him as soon as possible."
"That depends on him, Mr. Police Officer...." I trailed and caught Ace's eyes. "If Mr. Greyson bothers me again then I have no option but to take legal action against him.? Filling a? restriction order would be my first step."
"N-no! Y-you can't do that to me Phoenix." He pleaded in a desperate attempt to soften my resolve but my mind is made up. No amount of words would make me change my decision.
My face hardened, my freezing stare pierced him, the dangerous glare I shot him was powerful enough for him to stop on his tracks.
"Why try me, Mr. Greyson, let's find out what I could do." The words were spoken softly yet the menace hidden behind my calm tone made him look defeated.
I no longer heard his reply when the police officer finally drags him inside the patrol car. Ace surprisingly allowed the police officer to drag him. He even clamber inside the open car willingly. He did not even argue, his unbelievable obedience shocked me that I wonder what had gotten on him to be this compliant.
I watched the car sped away, feeling emptier than before. But it doesn't matter if somehow a tinge of melancholy wrapped my numb heart. At least I made the right decision. I told myself as the car faded to the distance.
A woman deserves what she tolerates. That was the greatest lesson I learned. It took me so long to realize I could walk away from the chain that bound me to a miserable life. I thank Ace for taking the first step in making a change in my life. If he hadn't forced divorce on me the night of our fifth wedding anniversary, I wouldn't realize how strong and better I am without him in my life.
The umbrella escaped from my fingers and was flown by the whistling wind... I made no move run and pick it up to cover myself.? Instead, I raised my face upward and allowed the sky to kiss my face with its tears. At least I wasn't alone, the heavens are crying for me.
It was getting darker as the minutes pass by. ? The sky was seized by a darker shade of clouds as if impending the threat of another violent storm. A deep, long sigh escaped my lips as I? made my way towards the door where Amelie was waiting.
Amelie said nothing when I reached her side. She simply laid the bath towel around my shoulders to protect me from the cold. Somehow, the maternal gesture was enough to melt my heart, tears welled in my eyes.
I walk past her and she made no move to trail behind me which I'm thankful of. A companion was the last thing I needed now. All I want to do was spend my night in isolation without distractions. I could still feel the weight of Amelie's stare until I turned the knob, pushed the door open and entered inside.
At last, I could now spend my night in peace.
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