"These pieces of evidence are very strong. Your husband's face is clearly visible with his mistress in the room. This evidence is hard to dispute, no matter how hard your husband tries to deny or defend his marriage. Unless you, Isabelle, withdraw the lawsuit and are willing to reconcile with you husband."
"Do you really think it's possible for me to withdraw this lawsuit? I cannot accept his betrayal, especially when he has been betraying me with someone I considered like a sister. Love is one things, but being foolish is another."
"As long as you, Miss Isabelle, remain firm during the mediation hearing, there's a high likelihood of getting a divorce ruling in your favor. During the trial, your husband's side will likely push for mediation. You need to stay resolute and stick to your lawsuit."
"Excuse me for a moment."
The arrival of a waiter with their ordered food interrupted their conversation.
"Oh, please, go ahead."
The waitress began arranging the food on the table. Once the food was served, they started eating since they were already hungry, having skipped lunch.
**********
"Thank you for the food," Isabelle said gratefully after finishing her meal.
"The food here is good. We should come here again for a meal," Lydia suggested.
"Sure."
"Tomorrow, I'll file your lawsuit with the court."
After leaving the restaurant, they each went their separate ways. Lydia headed home, while Lara and Isabelle went back to their respective offices. Fifteen minutes later, Isabelle arrived at her office.
"Miss, someone is waiting for you in your office. She claims to be your mother in law," the receptionist politely informed Isabelle.
"Alright, I'll see her," Isabelle replied before making her way to her office.
Upon arriving at her office, Isabelle opened the door and walked in without paying attention to the person who was glaring at her. She took a seat in her large chair. Isabelle gazed at the person in front of her.
"What brings you here to my office, Ma'am?" Isabelle asked her soon to be ex mother in law with an unreadable expression.
"I just wanted to ask, why haven't you sent me my monthly allowance yet?" she replied with the softest tone she could muster.
"Sorry, Ma'am, I've stopped the montly allowance, and you can just request the money from your son."
"What...?" She exclaimed in shock, seemingly unable to believe it.
"How... how could you stop my allowance, my dear? How am I supposed to pay for our lifestyle and your sibling's overseas education?" She panicked.
"I suggest you ask your own child for an explanation," Isabelle replied calmly.
"But, dear, can't you just give me a little money? I really need it right now," She pleaded.
"I can't. If you have no other business here, you may leave my office."
"YOU'RE BEING ARROGANT, ISABELLE!!!" Her mother in law scolded angrily, glaring at Isabelle. "Remember, Isabelle, Zac has done a lot for your company."
-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-
The clapping of her hands echoed in the room, as it seemed ridiculous to her.
"Wow, you said that Zac has done a lot for my company? In reality, he has only done and caused chaos in my company," Isabelle remarked sarcastically.
"Nathan," Isabelle called out to her assitant.
-KNOCK-KNOCK-
"Come in," Isabelle said from inside.
Nathan entered the room and stood next to Isabelle's seat.
"Nathan, please explain to my dearest mother in law what Zac has accomplished while leading this company," Isabelle instructed Nathan, who nodded in agreement.
"Zac has never attended crucial company meetings; he always delegates his tasks to me. He only has to sign documents, and..."
"That's enough, Nathan. Hufft... Mother in law, you heard it for yourself, I didn't expect to live with people like you. Tell me, what's my shortcoming, mother? I've been sending you money every money. I've been sending money to your child studying abroad..." Isabelle said emotionally, feeling like nothing more than an ATM.
"That's enough, Isabelle. Do you want to know your shortcomings? Your shortcoming is that you cannot give birth, you are barren, Isabelle!!!" she replied, struggling to catch her breath, overcome with emotion.
-DEG-
Isabelle sat in silence, tears falling down her cheeks.
"Get out from this room now!" Nathan said, pushing Isabelle's mother in law.
"Don't be so insolent towards me. You're nothing but a servant here-" her words were cut off as Nathan pushed her out of the room and closed the door.
The door clicked shut, leaving Isabelle and Nathan alone in the office. Isabelle wiped away her tears and took a deep breath to compose herself.
"Thank you, Nathan," Isabelle said, her voice trembling slightly. "I couldn't have handled that without you."
Nathan nodded. "You don't deserve to be treated that way, Miss. You've been through a lot."
Isabelle managed a faint smile. "Lt's get back to work. We have a lawsuit to prepare, and I want to make sure I have everything in order for the divorce proceedings."
As they began reviewing the legal documents, Isabelle couldn't help but reflect on her marriage with Zac. She had once believed that they were a loving and supportive couple. However, recent events had shattered that illusion, and she was determined to move forward with her life.
Meanwhile, her mother in law stood outside of the office building, fuming with anger. She couldn't believe how Isabelle had treated her. In her eyes, Isabelle had become arrogant and ungrateful. She decided that she needed to find a way to regain control over the situation.
**********
TO BE CONTINUED...