Chapter 5

After changing out of my damp clothes and into a fresh set, I stepped out of the house. The cool breeze brushed against my face as I made my way to the car, ready to embark on another day. As I drove, the sun began to peek through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the world around me.

Arriving at my destination, I parked the car and stepped out, gazing up at the magnificent five-story building that stood before me. Its sleek exterior, constructed entirely of glass, shimmered in the morning light, reflecting the bustling energy within. This was no ordinary building; it was my company, a testament to seven years of tireless dedication and hard work.

With a sigh of both pride and weariness, I pushed open the glass doors and entered the bustling mall. The air was filled with a symphony of sounds - the chatter of shoppers, the clinking of coffee cups, and the aroma of freshly brewed beverages wafting through the air. People hurriedly moved up and down the escalators, their arms laden with shopping bags, their faces filled with anticipation. The mall was a vibrant tapestry of life, pulsating with activity and possibility.

I stepped into the elevator, its polished metal doors closing with a soft hiss. As it ascended, I watched the floors pass by, each one housing a different store, a different dream waiting to be explored. Finally, the elevator chimed, signaling my arrival on the first floor. Stepping out, I made my way down the corridor toward my office, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of paper and ink.

With a sense of purpose, I opened the door and stepped into my sanctuary. The office was spacious, adorned with tasteful decor, and bathed in natural light. The centerpiece of the room was a large, plush chair, positioned perfectly in the center, commanding attention and respect. Taking my place in the chair, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, ready to face the challenges and triumphs that awaited me in the day ahead.

After what felt like an eternity, a gentle knock resonated through the silence of my office. Startled, I straightened my posture and called out, "Come in." The door creaked open, revealing Nicolas. He entered the room, followed closely by a group of men, each with their purpose for being there. My assistant, was the last to enter, ensuring that the door was securely closed behind them.

With a warm smile, Nicolas pulled out a chair and settled himself comfortably in front of me, leaving my assistant standing awkwardly beside him, as if unsure of his place in this gathering. "Hey buddy," Nicolas greeted me, his voice filled with a mix of concern and support.

Before I could respond, the lawyer, a man of few words but great importance, stepped forward. "Good morning, sir," he greeted me respectfully. "We have successfully obtained Mrs. Nelly's signature on the divorce papers. Now, it is your turn to sign the papers." As he spoke, his assistant swiftly produced the necessary documents and placed them delicately on the table before me.

Taking a deep breath, I reached out and grasped the papers, feeling the weight of the moment in my hands. With a steady hand, I uncapped my pen and carefully etched my signature onto the pages, sealing my fate and closing a chapter of my life.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I couldn't help but inquire, "So, when can I expect the finalization of the divorce?"

The lawyer, his voice calm and reassuring, replied, "You will be officially divorced in six months. I will submit the papers to the court today itself, initiating the legal process."

Acknowledging their presence, I nodded and said, "Very well. You may take your leave." With that, the assistant lawyer gathered the signed papers, placing them securely in his briefcase. The four of them exited my office, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the weight of the impending changes that lay ahead.

"You must be strong," Nicolas said. "I know it's difficult, but you have to be strong for your baby."

I sighed, feeling overwhelmed. There was so much happening all at once, and on top of it all, there was that wild cat at home. I couldn't help but wonder where I had gone wrong.

"Where did I go wrong?" I asked my anger and hurt simmering beneath the surface. "I thought we were a happy married couple. She didn't even leave the house. How am I supposed to watch her with my uncle every day? It's just too much to handle."

"Don't worry, I'm here for you," Nicolas reassured me. "You will overcome this pain. Now, focus on Priscilla and the health of your baby. Who knows, you might even fall in love with her," he added jokingly.

I scoffed. "I can never fall in love again. I'm done with women. I'll just stay single for the rest of my life." I said I can't imagine myself falling for that girl, she is too wild for her good…

"Never say never, my friend," Nicolas chuckled, and I couldn't help but chuckle along.

"I need a favor from you, man. Can you please take care of my company until Priscilla gives birth? I have to make sure she's well taken care of. She's too young to handle pregnancy all by herself," I explained.

"Are you still asking? Of course, I'm here for you. I'll take care of your company while you're away," Nicolas replied, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for his kindness.

"Alright, man. I need to head home now. God knows what that girl is up to," I said, rising from my chair. "I'll catch up with you later," I added, and Nicolas nodded in agreement. With that, I left the office.

Seriously, I don't know what I would do without a friend like Nicolas. He's always got my back, and I can always count on him to lend a helping hand.

....

I gracefully parked my luxurious car in front of the magnificent mansion, the engine purring softly as I turned it off. I carefully gathered the bags containing my belongings, cradling them delicately in my hands. As I approached the grand entrance of the house, the maids swiftly appeared, their attentive eyes fixated on the bags I carried. With a courteous nod, they graciously relieved me of my burden by taking the bags

Stepping into the opulent mansion, I was greeted by the melodious sound of laughter emanating from the dining room. Curiosity piqued, and I furrowed my brow, recognizing the unmistakable voice of Priscilla. With measured steps, I made my way toward the source of the mirth, the anticipation building within me.

Upon entering the dining room, a scene unfolded before my eyes. My beloved grandmother, a regal figure seated on the plush couch, was surrounded by the radiant presence of Liz and Laura, Priscilla standing in front of them. Their infectious laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

Priscilla posed an unusual question to the group, "Have you ever wondered why scientists don't trust atoms?" Everyone looked curious yet confused, waiting for an answer. "It's because they make up everything," Priscilla replied, triggering a round of laughter. I couldn't help but join in, despite thinking the joke was a bit silly.

Then Priscilla moved on to another joke, asking, "Have you ever wondered why the bike couldn't stand up by itself?" The group eagerly awaited her response. "Because it was too tired to stand up," she replied, causing the group to erupt into yet another round of laughter. That's when I remembered that she was supposed to be in the room where I had left her to take a rest…

"Priscilla," I exclaimed, my voice tinged with exasperation, "didn't I explicitly instruct you to stay in your room?" As I spoke, all eyes in the room turned toward me, awaiting my response. "How on earth did you manage to come out?" I inquired, genuinely perplexed by her disobedience.

To my surprise, my grandmother interjected, defending Priscilla's actions. "I'm the one who opened the door for her," she confessed, her voice filled with conviction. "How could you possibly lock her in the room when we are all here to take care of her?" I should have known that my grandmother would take Priscilla's side; she had always been like this, fiercely protective and willing to bend the rules.

"Granny," I blamed, my frustration evident in my tone, "you shouldn't have done that. I left her in the room to rest, but you went ahead and let her out. And didn't I explicitly tell you to stay in bed?" I directed my glare toward Priscilla, hoping to convey my disappointment.

Priscilla, however, responded with a pleading expression, her words laced with vulnerability. "If you scold me, I'm going to cry," she whimpered, her voice trembling. "And if I cry, I will be overcome with sadness. And if I become sad, I will be consumed by depression... Remember the promise I made to you? I will have no choice but to break it." Her puppy face only intensified my internal frustration, making it difficult to maintain my composure.

I clenched my jaws, attempting to suppress my mounting frustration. This girl was truly testing my patience, pushing me to my limits. "I'm sorry," I gave in, my voice softening, "I will not scold you. Please don't be sad now. I've brought you all the things you need for school. Come, I will show them to you." I hoped that by distracting her attention to something positive, I could ease the tension that had built up between us.

" Did you bring me all those things? "Priscilla squealed happily, all the sadness disappeared on her face..