"Please do me a favor and check the status of our divorce."
Those words rang in William's ears. His mind is repeating Nyla's words in a loop. For her to think of the finality of divorce must have left a big scar in her heart. His mind is constantly thinking about how lonely his daughter might have been all her life not receiving love from her parents and then husband.
Richard and William were having breakfast bonding in a coffee shop. They sat in the window seat on the patio of the establishment so they could breathe fresh air. It is 6:30 in the morning and only a few patrons have arrived.
"I still have to express my apology to both Nyla and James. I know they just followed our whims and they suffered." Richard said after sipping from his cup of coffee.
William was awakened from the trance when Richard spoke. At this point, Richard didn't know about the abuse Nyla suffered while married to his son James. William didn't mention it.
He and Richard Johnson are still friends. They both have realized the mistake of arranged marriage considering divorce is already an option so there are ways to sever the connection in just a few years. Considering both parties' circumstances, can they really blame the couple for how they handled their marriage?
"Yeah... ahhh I would like to confirm, James proceeded with the divorce, right? Since Nyla signed the divorce papers before she went and moved where I cannot reach her."
"I think so, yeah. Our family lawyer once mentioned an update on it when I was talking to James. I was torn between being angry at his decision and ashamed because we made them marry. So I ran away from the confrontation. I'm sorry."
"Oh okay. I... ah... you know I was able to locate Nyla. She tried to be a stranger but was still very respectful to this old man. I apologized with all my heart so we came to an understanding. I will try to make it up to her so she can accept me to be her father again. So the divorce... she was asking if it was finalized. But she was expecting it since she cooperated fully and knowing you have a family lawyer, it should be easy. She never asked for anything, my Lala... have always been obedient and altruistic..."
"Lala? You mean you found Nyla?" A surprised voice suddenly boomed and the two old men turned their heads at the owner of the voice.
It was James, already in casual clothes. His shift just ended at the hospital. After getting his order, he saw the two old men by the window when he was looking for a table to sit at.
"Ahhh I didn't expect you to have a night shift. Did you just finish your duty? Have a seat son." Richard pulled a third chair for him. James, hurriedly sat down with his order on a tray of hot coffee and ham and cheese croissants.
"Uncle, please tell me, where did you find Nyla?"
"Son," William sighed, calling his daughter's abuser son was a bit heavy in his heart, "Your father and I made a big mistake of forcing you into marriage 4 years ago. We are very sorry for imposing on you."
"Yes, yes... but you found Nyla?" James asked impatiently.
"Yes. She's in Ziegler City. She moved there when she moved out of your mansion. She started a new life there and settled nicely." William answered, a bit confused at James' reaction. Richard noticed it too.
"Why are you looking for her? Is there anything else to say to her? You divorced her and from what I can tell, perhaps it was not a harmonious marriage that was why you ended up on that decision. Am I right?" Richard gave an inquisitive look to his son.
"I... I withdrew the divorce petition 3 months into the process..."
"What?!" William and Richard exclaimed.
James shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He slowly slipped his hot coffee, obviously choosing his words carefully.
"Uncle, I was a very bad husband. I left Nyla in her loneliness yet I accepted her efforts as if she owes them to me. I sincerely apologize. I made Nyla's life hell during those 2 years we've been together. I am really sorry."
"I am not innocent myself. I raised her to be obedient and fearful. I regretted it when she sent me a message asking for forgiveness that you divorced her."
"Huh, why should she ask for forgiveness when James asked for a divorce?" Richard asked.
"When they married, I told her I would disown her if James divorced her.
"What?!" It was the father and son's time to be surprised.
"So that was why she was so sad that time... I was abandoning her and it means you will disown her..."
"But what changed? Why withdraw the divorce application?" Richard asked.
"I never knew the space she occupied at home until she was gone. In those two years, her presence filled my home. Even the curtains, my bedsheets, the plants outside... everything was touched lovingly by her, in consideration of me, my likes, my preferences. Everything was about me... hoping I spared some glance to her which I chose not to give." James stared at his croissant, still untouched.
"Eventually I had to admit that I... I really miss her, everything about her lingers in my home. I want to talk to her so please Uncle, let me woo her back."
"I will have to ask her. I want her to accept me too so I need to be careful of my actions myself. But James, as for getting her back, I believe she's completely enamored by the President of White Hat Financial..."
"What?! Mr. Humphrey?!" The father and son once again exclaimed. There is no one in the business industry including banking institutions that are not familiar with White Hat Financial. At some point, almost every starting business has dealt with them.
"You are father and son. Anyway, yes, the son of course. The business was passed down a few years back. And from what I have gathered, he's ruthless, domineering, and possessive. Let me see first what Nyla has to say..."
The three men, lost for words, ate silently. Until William broke the silence again.
"Son, I will call Nyla later. Tread carefully and brace yourself. I've met him already and he is a force to be reckoned with."
"She's still married to me. Technically she's still mine..."