Chapter 1 THE DIVORCE

Chapter 1

Xander POV

This court is now in session. The matter before us is the divorce case of Xander and Olivia McBean. Mr and Mrs MCBean, the Court will appreciate it if you state your appearance. "The judge announced," leaning forward in an expectational gesture.

"My honor" Olivia accorded, standing in the witness box. Xander McBean is my husband, we've been married for five years now, but.. she trailed off, using her elbow to wipe the streams of tears in her eyes., Sniffing into the mic that was clung on her shirt. I'm sorry, my honor, sometimes I feel so emotional expressing my experience with Xander, and I am sure this will be my last encounter with my husband.

Attorney Mike, our family lawyer and a close acquaintance, stood beside me as I took the witness stand, my eyes fixed intently on him, awaiting a defensive strategy to conclude this case. "I cannot divorce my wife," I whispered, my hand instinctively reaching for the Bible placed on the witness box.

"Your Honor, Xander McBean loves his wife, Olivia McBean, despite their struggles and conflicts. However, he still holds a significant portion of his assets in her name, which he later transferred, citing her greed as the reason. Mike spoke as planned, each statement he made was laced with hidden intentions and calculated moves."

We both turned to face the judge, unsettling thoughts of losing Olivia racing through my mind. "Mr. Xander McBean," the judge called out, striking the gavel against the block to silence the murmurs from the gallery. He continued, "Very well, we will hear your testimony, and then this case will come to a close. Let's proceed, Xander."

"I have nothing to say, Your Honor," I blurted out, placing my hand on the Bible to signify the truth, my voice shaking. The courtroom erupted into gasps and murmurs. Just as I felt a light touch on my back, urging me to turn, my mom's voice pierced the chaos.

"What have you done, Xander? You've ruined Ally's childhood by trying to play the victim!" Her words lingered, filled with sincerity and concern. I could feel her heartbreak as she witnessed the legal battle between Olivia and me.

A vibrant-looking police officer, dressed in a casual outfit with a jacket emblazoned with "911," approached my mother, who was already visibly distraught. He gently grasped her hand, his fist enclosing hers. "Ma'am, please, the court session is still in progress. I advise you to wait in the gallery."

"Xander, what have you just done?" Teddy's voice echoed, but my gaze remained fixed on the judge, ignoring his pointed questions.

"The court has heard Olivia's testimony," the judge said, "but Xander's reasons are known best to him." He chuckled softly, his eyes glancing at me before returning to Olivia. The child's custody will be awarded to both parents, with detailed parenting plan to implemented, asset will also be shared.

"Your Honor," Olivia interrupted, her index finger raised above her head. "Yes, proceed, Mrs. McBean," the judge nodded. "I don't want Xander's assets," she declared, her voice firm. I felt a pang of shock, like a rollercoaster dropping in my stomach, as I watched her reject the offer. My eyebrows shot up in astonishment.

"Okay, let's proceed," the judge said, after reviewing the evidence from both parties. "Even if..." He paused, adjusting his glasses on his nose. I turned sideways, feeling anger well up inside me, my fist clenching tightly, the tension visible in the lines of my veins. Shame gnawed at me, threatening to undermine my professionalism and confidence as I faced the judges.

"The court has granted the divorce, citing irreconcilable differences," the judge declared. "Assets will not be divided, as requested by the other witnesses. A detailed written order will be issued within 14 days from now." With that, he struck the gavel, finalizing his judgment.

I walked out of the courtroom, my suit jacket slung over my shoulder, but Olivia's piercing stare and rigid posture drained my strength, rooting me to the spot. I halted beside her, where she stood frozen, her hands on her hips. "I'm sorry, Olivia," I murmured, attempting to grasp her arms, but she recoiled, pulling away from my touch.

"Your apologies aren't necessary, Xander," Olivia said, her voice calm but shaky. "Just take care of Ally, she's yours." She sniffled, rubbing her arms to ease the tension that was palpably sinking into her. "I will be traveling to Phoenix soon." I replied, "It's fine if you want to leave, but just know that I love you, Olivia." I assured myself, my words falling flat as she remained unmoved by my declaration.

"Teddy, you'll be taking the driver's seat," I said, sliding into the passenger's seat. While he stood beside the door, he gazed admiringly at the painting of the court compound, his expression a mix of glare and fascination. "Mind if we go somewhere special?" Teddy asked, turning the key in the ignition. "Anywhere, Ted," I replied, my tone indifferent.

As we drove away from the court compound, the tension between us was palpable. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me, leaving the drama of the divorce proceedings behind. Teddy, sensing my mood, reached out and turned up the radio, filling the car with the sweet sounds of jazz.

We drove in silence for a while, the music filling the void between us. I gazed out the window, watching the city give way to the suburbs, the scenery blurring together as my mind wandered.

"Hey, you okay?" Teddy asked, breaking the silence.

I turned to him, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just processing everything, I guess."

Teddy nodded sympathetically. "It's a lot to take in. But you're free now, Xander. You can start fresh."

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I don't know, Ted. I feel like I've lost everything. My marriage, my family...what's left?"

"You have me, and Ally too," he assured me, pulling up to a sleek, glamorous club in the city. "Welcome to 'The Diamond Club'!" he announced, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Damn it, Ted"