A week later, Darian returned home to talk with Melissa. It was time to deliver the final blow. Andrea had hired one of the best divorce lawyers in the state of Michigan. For a $5000 retainers fee, the lawyer put together an iron-clad divorce package. With the evidence of Melissa's currently seeing other men, after promising to close the open marriage, Darian saw no option but divorce.
Darian walked in with his messenger bag strapped around his shoulders. It was the only thing he brought with him. He left most of his clothes in Montreal, as it did not make sense. It was the last day he was going to step inside the house.
When Darian entered the house, Melissa came out of the living room. It appeared that she was crying; however, Darian had no empathy to give.
"Thank God you are home," Melissa stated as she tried to hug Darian.
"Instead, Darian slightly pushed her away.
"What is the matter with you! We have not seen each other in weeks. Do you still love me?"
"Melissa, I will always love you, but for humanitarian reasons only. In the kitchen, we need to talk," Darian stated as he darted past Melissa. Melissa followed.
Darian and Melissa sat across the kitchen table. Darian wasted no time getting to the point as he retrieved the divorce paper from his messenger bag and slid them to her. Melissa looked at the divorce papers and quickly became enraged.
"Darian, you are making a big fucking mistake. I will fight you. I am willing to ruin us financially in the divorce proceedings before I sign these papers," Melissa bolstered.
"I can't fathom any reasons why you want to stay married to me when you are still sleeping with other men."
"That is a lie!
"Since I have been gone, you have brought men to our home."
"Stop making up shit. I told you I have given up on having an open marriage," Melissa bolstered.
Darian reached into his bag once more and removed a manila file. Darian slaps it on the table as if he was a police detective, trying to force a confession. Melissa looked at the photos. Melissa's eyes widen as it shows her kissing and being groped by her lovers in various locations in the city. It even included pictures of her boss coming to the house a couple of days ago.
"It's not what you think," Melissa whined.
"Melissa enough! For years I have loved you. I worked two jobs to help you pay for your tuition while you looked for work. I have given my all in this marriage. In return, you have given me nothing but lies, gaslighting, and manipulation. Clearly, you are not happy being with me, and I am not happy being with you. So here is the deal. I am prepared to give you everything. If you sign the divorce papers. You can keep the house, cars, and even the money you stole from me. If you don't, I'll sue you for everything. Since I haven't worked in six months, I'll sue you for alimony. The house will be sold, and other assets we bought together, split the money. I promise you I will grind you into the dirt if you don't cooperate," Darian stated.
"Darian, I can't. I am pregnant. I need you." Melissa replied.
Darian knew that Melissa was going to pull some sort of Hail Mary tactic. Darian did not give any emotional reaction. If Melissa was pregnant, Darian knew the baby was not his. They haven't had sex since the open marriage started.
"If you are pregnant, then it is more of a reason to sign the papers. No need to put stress on yourself during the pregnancy. This is one fight you can't win," Darian replied.
Melissa was reluctant to sign as she stared at the divorce papers. Darian's patience was already as thin as paper.
"Alright, I guess I'll see you in court,'' Darian replied as he started to get up from his seat.
Darian was about to leave the house until Melissa came running behind him.
"Wait," Melissa begged. Darian turned towards Melissa. Melissa was in complete emotional meltdown as tears were streaming down her cheeks. Melissa gave Darian the divorce papers that were signed.
"So is this really it? Is this the end of us?"
"Yeah!"
"If it means anything, I am sorry!"
"Yeah, I am quite sure you are," Darian replied sarcastically; before darting out of the door. Melissa fell to her knees as she wept uncontrollably.
The End