After Divorce: Choose Back Ex-Wife of Regret

[KYLE]

"Sign the contract. We're divorced."

I'm instantly frozen when I heard Joenathan's words. On the table in front of my eyes, Joenathan placed a document. I could read there is 'Divorce Agreement' and the signature with Joenthan's name below it.

"What do you mean?" I asked looking at Joenathan in disbelief.

"Aren't my words clear? I want a divorce from you," Joenathan said firmly.

I was still silent, trying to digest his words. Something sharp stabbed into my chest, making me tight. All words were stuck on my lips, nothing I could say to Joenathan.

"Why are you still silent? I need your signature now!" Joenathan reprimanded me more sternly.

"Why, Joe? We've been married for two years," I replied in a shaky voice.

"Zeeva is back. I won't waste the chance to be with her after she's been missing all this time," Joenathan replied confidently.

My bitter smile curved. That name, Zeeva, I still remembered it. I knew that Joenathan loved Zeeva, his fiancée who had been missing for the past two years.

At the time, I agreed to Joenathan's contract marriage offer because I needed medical treatment for my mother. Of course, we didn't love each other. But over time, I came to love Joenathan, while Joenathan didn't.

Now I couldn't believe he was actually throw the divorce papers to me so easily. What kind of heart he own?

"Why are you doing this? No, Joe. You can't just sacrifice our marriage," I also answered firmly.

Joenathan sighed, sounds annoyed at me.

"Do you think there is love in our marriage? Don't you remember our agreement that I would return to Zeeva if she came?"

I felt even more suffocated by Joenathan's words. All this time, I had been in denial about the fact that Joenathan would never forget Zeeva.

"But I've given everything to you, Joe. So what about the night you asked me for sex?" I asked.

My memory replayed the moment we finally had sex-after two years, he seemed very cold to me, and that moment was the first time Joenathan had ever touched me.

I thought our marriage had worked.

I thought Joenathan had forgotten Zeeva.

I really believed in my hope that Joenathan's love would change for me. However, reality hit me so hard that I forgot the facts: Zeeva was a woman who was precious to Joenathan-more than anything else.

Joenathan would do anything, hurt anyone, just to be with Zeeva again and again.

"Let's just say I made a mistake that night. I couldn't control myself," Joenathan said, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"You can't just give up on our marriage, Joe, we already-"

"Kyle! I've never loved you this much, and I didn't want to marry you in the first place!"

I burst out laughing as Joenathan raised his voice. For a few seconds I could only flinch as I looked at him in disbelief.

It was so painful. I looked down briefly, feeling the breaking heart very strong, because of the futility of my efforts for our marriage.

"I don't accept rejection from you, Kyle. My decision is final," Joenathan said with emphasis.

"Event though Zeeva lost her mind because of the accident and she didn't love you anymore, you still want to break another women's heart to be with her, right?" I asked him, with a tone of voice that trying to keep calm.

"Stop saying something so silly, you're being so dramatic," said Joenathan.

"Kyle, you're better off divorcing Joenathan and letting him be with the woman he loves."

That voice made me look away. Catherine's figure walked towards us with her intimidating aura. While beside Catherine, there was Liam - Joenathan's father.

"You know Joenathan never loved you. So why are you still together?" Catherine asked.

I saw the look of disdain on Catherine's face. That woman, Joenathan's mother, had never approved of my marriage to Joenathan.

I had never been treated so kind. I was always underestimated and belittled.

"Mrs. Catherine, for me marriage is not something to be played with," I retorted.

Catherine laughed sarcastically. "Don't forget that you come from a poor family, you don't deserve to be a daughter-in-law here."

My chest tightened. Although it wasn't the first time Catherine had said something like that, it hurt. I had no defense from anyone here.

"That's right. We've endured enough shame because everyone knows the family's daughter-in-law is you, the daughter of a poor family," Liam said.

"Why are you saying such mean things to me?" I asked with irritation.

I saw no compassion in the eyes of Catherine, Liam, or Joenathan. They all seemed to deliberately show that my existence was worthless.

"It seems that my efforts failed to make you love me, Joe," I said in a low voice.

Joenathan chuckled. "Of course I won't love you. You think you're special? Better sign those divorce papers quickly!"

"Don't you have any love for me, Joenathan? We've been together for two years-"

My body jerked slightly as Joenathan suddenly pulled my hand. His strength was strong as he roughly forced me to bend down to the divorce papers. Joenathan then handed me a pen.

"Here. Sign. I don't need you anymore, Kyle. Our marriage is over," Joenathan said for the umpteenth time.

I felt like I had no hope of keeping the marriage alive. Even though I resisted, Joenathan's strength was very strong as he gripped the back of my neck to bend me over.

Joenathan really wanted me to end this marriage. He gave up our marriage just to be with Zeeva, the woman he loved.

I was finally forced to sign our divorce papers. A single tear fell, but I hurriedly wiped it away to avoid being seen. I then stood up and put down the pen in exasperation.

"Alright. Our marriage is over now. I'll leave here and we don't have to see each other again," I said without hesitation, even though my heart ached.

Joenathan did not confront me. He let me walk away to our room.

As soon as I got to the room, I burst into tears. I felt the pain that my efforts had been in vain. But I forced myself to pack some clothes into my suitcase. I also called Angela, my best friend.

[MESSAGE]

[Angela, I'm coming to the city where you live. I'm divorced from Joenathan]

After sending a message to Angela, I accidentally saw a folder of documents that belonged to me. I picked up the document folder that I had deliberately kept hidden, and opened it.

On the back of the folder, there were ultrasound test results and a pregnancy certificate.

I've had these since two weeks ago, and I haven't told Joenathan yet. Do I have to take this baby with me now?

I thought Joenathan already loved me and would be happy if he found out about my pregnancy, but his attitude made me feel that my pregnancy wouldn't change anything.

I put the folder of documents into my suitcase and stroking my stomach.

"I'm sorry I had to take you away from your father," I murmured to my child on there-my only possession.

[JOENATHAN]

"You've been married for four months, but why is Zeeva not showing any signs of pregnancy?

Albertto, my father's question, made me and Zeeva look at each other. We had indeed been married for six months, but Zeeva had yet to getting pregnant.

To be honest, Zeeva and I have of course having sex so many times. But until now, Zeeva hadn't gotten pregnant. I had a bad feeling even though I tried to calm myself down.

"Soon, Robert, your grandfather, will be handing over the inheritance. You as the first son of the Dore Family must have a child to succeed the company," Albertto said.

I looked at Zeeva, who was visibly upset, and took her hand. I tried to calm her down with a faint smile.

"We've been trying to get Zeeva pregnant, Dad," I assured Albertto.

"You have to make sure you have a son in order to get a big share of the inheritance, Robert," my mother Catherine said.

"Can't you give the inheritance to Gerald's son?" I wondered.

"Gerald does have a grandson, but he is my younger brother. So Robert waited for me as the first son to have a grandson first," Albertto explained.

Albertto was very keen that the inheritance of Robert, my grandfather, should remain with the next generation of our family. That's why Albertto wanted me to have a son as per Robert's terms on the company's inheritance rights.

Gerald, father's younger brother, already has a grandson. But since he was the second son, it would have to wait whether Albertto's grandson's bloodline from me would be a son or a daughter.

If I have a daughter, then the person who inherits the company after me will be Gerald's grandson. The company will be led by the very greedy Gedald family.

"You must keep the company in the hands of your father's descendants, Joe," Catherine said.

I let out a long sigh. I felt uncomfortable with Zeeva because of the demands of my family's inheritance rules. Who would want to go through a marriage with such heavy demands?

"I'll try to do a pregnancy program when it gets closer to the inheritance distribution," I said reassuringly.

"The distribution of the inheritance will be two months later," Albertto said, pressing his sentence with a sharp gaze.

"Can't you give us more time? What if I'm still not pregnant?" Zeeva interrupted the conversation.

I saw Albertto and Catherine's gazes sharpen. Along with that, I grasped Zeeva's hand tighter in order to calm her worries.

I knew Zeeva was secretly upset. Because all this time, Zeeva had been questioning the health of her womb for fear of not being able to give me a child soon enough.

"Whatever happens, you must find a way for Joenathan to have a son," Catherine replied without compassion.

Alberto nodded approvingly. "Your marriage was made to benefit each other's business. Don't ruin our family's good reputation," said Albertto.

I actually wanted to refute Albertto's words. But I couldn't say anything.

"Zeeva and I will strive for that," I said somewhat unwillingly.

***

"The results of Mrs. Zeeva's uterine health examination revealed that there is inflammation of the uterus or endrometriosis. This inflammation has caused Mrs. Zeeva's fertility rate to drop dramatically, making it difficult for her to get pregnant."

I was speechless as the doctor examined Zeeva's uterus. Beside me, Zeeva was frozen with a look of shock and fear on her face.

"Does that mean... I won't be able to get pregnant, Doctor?" asked Zeeva.

"Most likely, yes. Because this endrometriosis disease includes ovarian cysts, and the cure rate is almost impossible."

Zeeva and I both collapsed. I didn't expect Zeeva to have complications like this. My anxiety began to grow as I remembered Albertto, my father's request.

This was not something I had expected. Although I had gotten a bad feeling, but I had not thought as far as Zeeva having a serious uterine complication.

"No way. Didn't you give me the wrong diagnosis?" protested Zeeva, sounding exasperated and panicked.

Doctor Patricia shook her head. "Of course I didn't misdiagnose you, Mrs. Zeeva. That's what happened to you."

Zeeva laughed sarcastically. "How could that be... impossible. I always take care of my body, and my body gets expensive treatment!"

"Zeeva, stop," I intervened to calm Zeeva down.

"I can't accept this-"

"Zeeva, I told you to stop talking!"

I unintentionally raised my voice after Zeeva didn't stop talking. It felt dizzying to think of this diagnosis as well as Albertto's request for a boy.

"Is there a cure?" I asked hopefully.

Unfortunately Doctor Patricia shook her head with a pitying expression.

"There isn't. The disease cannot be cured because it has the potential to recur," said Doctor Patricia.

I let out a long breath as I felt very uneasy.

After the consultation was over, I took a very agitated Zeeva out of the room. I held Zeeva's hand quite tightly.

"We have to tell this to my parents," I said.

Zeeva seemed to disagree. "What if they tell you to find another woman? I can't be far from you."

I was getting agitated. Without answering, I took Zeeva's hand and held it. I didn't have any solutions right now.

***

"You have to find a way to get a boy, Joenathan. At all costs."

Albertto's words during the discussion about the diagnosis of Zeeva's uterine disease rang in my ears. I was really anxious about how to comply with my father's request.

On the other hand, I had the option of finding another woman, but I didn't want to leave Zeeva. I didn't want to waste another chance at a relationship with Zeeva.

"How can I get a son without marrying another woman?" I muttered uneasily.

I was now in the room I shared with Kyle. The discussion a few moments ago made Zeeva so angry with my parents that she chose to go to her parents for a while.

I instantly remembered Kyle, who was always gentle no matter what our situation was. Even if my parents treated her badly, Kyle never helped or got angry.

How is she doing?

Will I be able to have a son if I'm still with Kyle?

When I was thinking about Kyle, my pair of eyes accidentally saw Kyle's personal safe. During the time we were together, I never looked into the safe. Now my curiosity was aroused.

I walked to the safe and opened the door with the password I already knew. I saw an abandoned cloth, I pulled on it and an object fell to the floor.

Instantly my whole body stiffened at the sight of the object that had fallen. It was a test pack.

"What is this?" I muttered, picking up the test pack. There were two red lines on it.

My heart stopped beating for an instant.

"Kyle got pregnant? Since when did she hide this?!"

[KYLE]

"It's been four months already. Aren't you going to tell Joenathan about your pregnancy?"

I sat down with an exasperated sigh right after I delivered the food to the customer's table. Angela's question made me look at her in exasperation.

"Could you please not mention the guy's name, Angela?" my snide reply to her question.

Angela looked at me very seriously. She even changed her sitting position to face me.

"Kyle, your belly is getting bigger. You need to ask Joenathan responsibility. Are you letting him have a happy marriage while you-"

"I'm happy, Angela. I don't need to ask him to come over or tell him about my pregnancy," I said, cutting Angela off.

Angela was silent for a moment, somewhat dumbfounded. This wasn't the first time Angela had asked me to tell Joenathan about my pregnancy.

Four months ago, since my divorce from Joenathan, I moved in with Angela. I was also helping her with the restaurant as well as earning a wage.

In this remote town, I was lucky to get a job looking after another shop despite being pregnant. I know, some people who know me pity my condition.

"You think I don't see how you're struggling with your pregnancy?" asked Angela, sarcastically.

I sighed heavily, then gave her a faint smile. I tried to reassure Angela because she was always worried about me.

"I don't want to talk about that man, Angela. I'm not sure he wants to take responsibility," I replied, confidently denying it.

Angela snorted. She seemed to be quite annoyed that I was denying her over and over again.

I just stood up and intended to do some other work. But my attention was distracted when I heard the tinkling of the restaurant bell.

"Welcome to the restaurant-" my voice trailed off as soon as I saw who was coming.

My whole body was transfixed looking at the familiar figure of a man walking toward me. Everything seemed to stop spinning when I saw that figure again-the one who ditched me to be with another woman.

Four months ago, and the pain in my chest was still there.

Seeing Joenathan come back after so long made me remember our breakup. I also remembered how wasted I felt because Joenathan chose to be with Zeeva.

"Joenathan?" my voice came out, sounding soft.

Now, Joenathan stood before me. Four months had passed and not much had changed in him. His gaze was still sharp, his aura intimidating, and he looked like he had something pressing.

"We finally meet again, Kyle," Joenathan said, greeting me.

I hadn't been able to utter any words.

Wait. How did Joenathan find out where I was?

"Why did you come here?" I asked, irritably.

I was really sick of seeing his face again.

"I can find you anywhere and anytime, Kyle. No matter how far you go-"

"Get out of here. I don't want to see your face," I cut in firmly.

Joenathan looked surprised at my reaction. He probably wouldn't have expected me to be this angry with him.

Did Joenathan think I still loved him?

It couldn't be after four months and all the way he had treated me.

"Kyle, I need to talk to you," Joenathan said. "It's something very important. I know I've made a big mistake to you, but please listen to me."

I laughed sarcastically when he said that. I looked away, deliberately showing him I was disgusted.

"Didn't you hear what I said? I don't want to see you here, Joenathan. Who invited you?"

Joenathan looked somewhat stunned. Instead, he took one of my hands and looked at me very intensely.

"I know you're very angry with me over our breakup. But I really want us to talk to each other, Kyle," Joenathan replied, trying to persuade me.

I looked over to Angela who looked worried and was waiting for me. Through my gaze, I pleaded for Angela's help as well as signaled my unwillingness to see Joenathan.

"Kyle..." Joenathan grabbed my hand. "I'm so sorry for how I treated you. All this time, I couldn't stop thinking about how you were doing."

At that moment, I tried to release Joenathan's grip. But his strength was very strong as if he really needed me.

"Joenathan, let go of my hand! I don't love you anymore, and I don't want anything to do with you!" I said in a low voice.

I tried not to cause a scene that would distract some of the patrons in the restaurant. Moreover, I was pregnant and Joenathan's strong grip was hurting my hand.

I was suddenly afraid that Joenathan would be even harsher to me.

"Kyle, I'm really sorry and apologize. Can we talk for a moment?"

"What are you doing? Let go of your hand!"

Joenathan's body was pushed backwards as his grip on me slipped.

I almost staggered and fell down had Angela not caught my body. As soon as I looked away, I saw Anthony who was pushing Joenathan's body away.

"Who are you?" Joenathan asked Anthony.

Anthony furrowed his brow. "I should be the one asking you. Who are you? Oh, are you Joenathan the CEO of Big Dore Orc Company who dumped his wife?"

I suddenly panicked when Anthony said that. He, Anthony, is the man who helped me since three months ago. We first met at this restaurant, and until now Anthony has been taking care of me.

"What do you mean, I don't know you-"

Joenathan's words trailed off. He looked at me and Anthony in turn. Until a few seconds later, Joenathan laughed sarcastically.

"Oh, have you found another man, Kyle? Or... are you pregnant not with my child, but this man's?"

SLAP!

I spontaneously slapped Joenathan after that remark. I knew this would attract the attention of many visitors around us, but I couldn't help myself.

"Don't talk so carelessly. Do you think I'm the kind of person who hangs out with any men like you having sex with many women?" I snapped, sarcastically.

My heart ached at his question. I didn't care if he eventually found out about my pregnancy, but he made a hurtful accusation.

Joenathan held one of his cheeks, then looked at me in disbelief.

"You said you love me, Kyle, why are you slapping me now?"

"I loved you then, Joenathan. Not now," I said firmly. "This is why I didn't want to tell you about my pregnancy."

"You shouldn't do this to me," Joenathan said. "If you were pregnant with my child, why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought I could tell you, but seeing your reaction now... you still think I'm a lowly woman."

At that moment, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I suddenly closed my eyes while holding my stomach. My body staggered slightly when I felt a jolt in my stomach.

"Kyle, are you okay?" Anthony immediately asked and approached me.

"Kyle, come with me. I want to talk to you about something-"

"Go away, Joenathan! I don't want to see your face!"