Chapter 4 Let's Just Get A Divorce

Bella's POV

"And yes, let's welcome to the show... BIG MAN!" The crowd live at the show screamed in cheers and jubilation as their favorite actor came into view to join the show.

"Awwwrn", I exclaimed in awe, my eyes glued to the TV as I watched the show electronically in the comfort of a five-star hotel where I was lodged.

Knock! Knock!

I shot my head at the door. "Who is there?" I queried, pressing the remote control to shut down the TV. There was no reply from the other end and I walked over to see for myself.

I saw a hotel attendant with a broad smile playing on her face and a bouquet of flowers in hand from the tiny security hole embedded in the door to my room. My face plunged into a skeptical frown.

I creaked the door open, curiosity getting the best of me. And with a swift movement, another hand snatched the flowers from the attendant, coming into view from the side of the door, that wasn't visible from the security hole.

A face I know too well, wearing a cute smile stood before me. Alex. How in God's name did he find me, and what was he doing here?

"Hey, babe," He greeted me with a wink, holding the flowers to my face as a loving husband.

He turned to the attendant, who was still smiling so happily like she was the one the expensive flowers belonged to. "Thanks. The surprise was a success". He told her, dragging her back from reverie. She nodded in agreement and walked away, leaving just Alex and me in the room.

I get it now. He had sought her help, pretending he wanted to surprise his wife cos he knew I wasn't going to open the door if he came in person. I snickered, somewhat impressed. Nice acting, Alex.

He flung the flowers across the room and started taking off his coat without a word. I became pissed. Why was he here in my space and still behaving like the boss? He just invaded my privacy and is silent like it's his right.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted out, furious.

"What does it look like I'm doing? He questioned with raised brows, backlashing my question with another question. "I'm here to take my wife home of course".

I was stunned and opened my mouth to speak but he added swiftly. "Listen, I forgive you for going way overboard and sending that trash to my office. But I won't tolerate you bringing it up again!"

Oh great! He thinks I'm just fooling around with him? I made to laugh but covered my mouth and smiled instead, still battling to stifle my laugh.

He looked at me quizzically, and his facial expression all the more tickled me, and I roared in laughter, unable to suppress it anymore.

"What's funny?" His face turned red with rage, seeing I ignored him and laughed the more. "Can you just stop!?" His phone blared in his pocket and he retrieved it still not breaking his gaze. He cut the call without even confirming who the caller was.

"Get your things we are going back to the house now!" He ordered, slumping on the couch beside him, to wait while I packed. "Dad's memorial is tomorrow and you wouldn't want to miss it for anything. You owe him that as his only daughter-in-law".

It pained me that he was trying to use his father's memorial to get to me because he knew how much I respected the old man. The only person who didn't behave like the proud Hayes. Sometimes I wondered how a calm man like him got married to a woman like Mrs Caroline. A complete contrast.

"Is this a joke to you, Alex? Didn't you get the divorce papers? I AM DONE! I'm not going anywhere with you. We're getting a divorce!"

He sprang to his feet with a speed that could be likened to that of light. "And who said so?" He demanded, looking deep into my eyes.

My heart dropped to my stomach. What is this? For a moment none of us spoke as we played the staring game. I couldn't understand where all this resistance was coming from. Why wouldn't he let me go...why?

"Isn't that what you've always wanted? And besides, Linda is back, and you-"

"Linda doesn't change a thing". He cut me off. "You are my wife, Bella. And it's your name that sits signed and stamped on our marriage certificate, not Linda's".

His declaration caught me off guard. "So you know I'm your wife, Alex?" I asked, with a calm, soft voice. "Yet you allow your family to treat me like-" My words were trapped by the burn in my throat, caused by the emotional strain memories of my three years with the Hayes brought me. ".....a piece of shit" I added, forcing the words out.

"I'm done, Alex. I don't want to be a part of your life anymore. Just go away!" I said, turning to walk out on him but he gripped me by the hand.

"I make the rules here, Bella. You're not going anywhere until I say so!"

I yanked my hands free from his grip, my morale rising. I mean who the hell does he think he is to tell me that? Even in a situation like this, all he cared about was his ego.

"And who are you to tell me that? I walked into this damn marriage on my own because I loved you. I wanted to save your family's name from being dragged in the mold; that

the...."I threw my two hands up in a gesture of exaggeration. "...almighty Hayes were ditched on their son's wedding day. But what did I get nothing but rejection".

He looked at me unfazed. "I don't know what you're talking about Bella. You're not rejected and you've never...been rejected. It's just that you're too blind to see that Mother loves you. She only corrects you because she loves you". He paced around flickering his nose with impatience. "I mean what else do you want? I always take care of your needs. Every fucking thing you need, Bella!"

My eyes and brows narrowed instantly in anger. "I wanted more, Alex. Why was it so hard for you to be that husband who stands by me when your mum says those hurtful things to me that you claim to be corrections? The husband that comes back home and appreciates every single thing I do for him!"

For a moment he stared at me. Something in his eyes told me I had hit a spot in him. "I wanted you to look at me with love and not those cold, soul-piercing eyes of yours that take sleep away from my eyes. But you did none of those". Leaving him in his state of self-reflection, I walked over to the bed and sat down.

I sighed shakily, "The damage is already done and I don't need them anymore. Let's just get a div-"

"We are not.... getting a divorce! Be careful what you wish for, because if you walk out of this marriage, you are going to regret it!".

I sprang to my feet, determined to make things clear to him. "No. You are the one that's going to regret it".

"I am not sparing any of my properties to you, Bella. Just so you prepare your mind for life on the street".

I scoffed, "To hell with your money, Alex. I'm only leaving this marriage with what belongs to me. And all I need are my artworks".

He was taken aback, "Your what?" He asked, feigning deafness.

"You heard me. My crazy miserable arts are going with me, Alex!"