CHAPTER 1: DIVORCE
The sun was already up when Gianna stretched on her bed and jumped up. Unlike her usual self, she did overstay in bed today. She pulled her phone not expecting anything new other than the usual Friday insults and commands.
‘The maids are all off for the weekend so you’ll take up from there.’
‘Made an order for some equipment to be delivered at the city hall, take a taxi and drive over to pick them.”
“I need my feet to be cleaned, my hair to be made and my clothes to be washed. Be waking up already!”
There were more than ten messages all of errands and insults of how poor she was and what a miserable beggar with no background would be sleeping till late hours.
This was a marriage she had given her whole since when she was eighteen. She was twenty one right now and that counts to exactly three years inside an abusive marriage.
Who abused her?
Alexander Solace was her legal husband who never noticed her all this year’s of marriage. He just completely ignored her existence in the castle and all her efforts to win this man's heart was proven futile. There was also this daily message that turned her heart upside down. Alexander Solace didn’t harass her, he just didn’t notice her existence.
“Victoria has an appointment with the doctor today, go be with her. You know what you need to do.”
“Fine!” Gianna pulled the phone over and went through some of the messages she saved send to her by Victoria.
‘I wonder how desperate you are. You should be out of that marriage and give me a chance to be with the man I love.’
‘You don’t have a background do you? You would be gone by now!’
Gianna went to the contacts and dialled Alexander’s number. After a while of ringing, the call went through. Alexander spoke first.
“I wonder what’s keeping you... Victoria has waited for an hour now!” he said in a deep voice.
“Am sorry about that. Alex, this isn’t working anymore. Meet at the hospital, I want a divorce!” Gianna said.
“Are you out of your mind? What do you need? Money? Fine... I’ll send it to you now!” he said.
“I don’t need money, I don’t need you either I need the papers signed!” Gianna finished her statement. “If you won’t show up in ten minutes after I arrive, don’t blame me!” then she cut off the receiver. Three good years wasted! She had given up, tired and hurt.
She had a quick bath and walked downstairs. She met with Katherine, Alexander’s mother and Mira, his sister in the living room watching. Mira was the first to react.
“What kept you so long? No work is touched till now!” she shouted at Gianna. Gianna walked towards the door without a word.
“Gianna, I see you’ve really grown into a big headed girl. Don’t forget where this family got you!” Katherine snorted.
“I'll never forget!” for the first time, Gianna replied to her mother in law. How could she forget where Alexander got her? Not from the pit of poverty, and not from just anywhere, she had followed him blindly. At this time, she wished she could meet the philosopher who said love is blind... So she could tell him...
“Thank you for coming up with a saying that could land me into the pit of hell!” she walked out of the castle without looking back. She didn’t do any morning chores as she usually did every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She went straight to the apartment where Victoria stayed.
Victoria was lying on the sofa with her smile as wide as always scrolling through her phone. She wasn’t a young girl who needed any company on hospital check ups, she was two years older than Gianna and strong enough to take care of herself. She wasn’t in any way related to Alexander Solace, but their story was indeed a long story.
“Miss. Clifford hope you’re prepared.” Gianna said. She clearly wasn’t in the mood for morning dramas and Victoria could see that. Instead of saying anything, she ignored her. “Are you or are you not going?” Gianna asked with raised eyebrows.
“Mrs. Solace, why are you in a hurry. Besides, you and I never crossed paths. This is just your duty ensuring my health is in condition.” Victoria sat up straight and said in words meant to ridicule Gianna.
“My duty indeed!” Gianna sneered and walked out of the door. Victoria was left in a daze. Did Gianna just walk out? How is that possible? She suddenly became cold, not the easy to harass lady she knew. Victoria quickly pulled the jacket and hurried out.
It was morning so the queue wasn’t long. Gianna didn’t stand in the queue for Victoria as she always did, she instead sat on the bench and left the line become long. Victoria came hurriedly towards her with a furious face. Gianna looked aside and pretended not to see her.
“Who do you think you are you silly bitch! Aren’t you just a lowly figure dragging herself to Alex? Your should be obedient as you always did!” Victoria snorted at her. Gianna didn’t bother, she just sat silently. A luxurious car pulled along in the parking area and Alexander Solace matches out and came towards them. Seeing Gianna wasn’t waiting on the cue, he frowned.
“Tell her to know her place!” Victoria complained to Alexander and even went ahead and gave him a side kiss. He didn’t react much as his gaze was focused on Gianna. Gianna stood up and looked directly at him.
“What is wrong with you? Victoria needs kidney transplant and you are the perfect match for her. How much do I pay you for that?” Alexander asked.
“I am always the perfect match for her. Yeah... Always!” Gianna didn’t smile, she maintained her gaze at him. “You want to pay me as you always have, but money can’t buy me another life if I loose right now! I’ve done everything you asked me to do, you know why? Because I thought one day my efforts would be rewarded and you will realise that I sacrificed so much for us, for our marriage and for your happiness. Am not doing it! Find another match!”