DIVORCING THE BILLIONAIRE

Hannah was soaked by the rain as she entered her mother's house. "What's wrong? Why are you soaked?"

"I'm fine, Mom. Maybe it's because of the cold," replied Hannah.

"Let's go to the hospital. You look pale. I'll call Jake," her mom said, noticing that Hannah seemed to be faint.

"Hey, Jake. Hannah is not feeling well. I want to take her to the hospital. She looks pale," said her mom to her husband.

"I have a lot of important matters to attend to this time, Mom. She can drive herself home. And she can go to the hospital by herself," said Jake on the other line.

"But she can't drive by herself. You know I can't walk."

"Okay. I'll drive to pick her up later." Jake hung up the phone after. However, Hannah was fixed on her mother's request to change clothes.

"Where are you going? You know it's raining so hard outside," her mom said, noticing her holding an umbrella.

"He was right. I can go alone by myself. He has a lot of important matters to attend to as always. I'll go home now, Mom. I'll cook his dinner," she said.

Hannah drove by herself to go home, even though she wasn't feeling well. She didn't hesitate to cook dinner for her husband and waited for almost an hour.

"You're home. I'll cook your dinner," she said when Jake finally arrived.

"Your cooking skills are as tasty as always. But I don't want to eat this recipe again," he said.

"Okay. I'll cook something different for you." But Jake only sipped the juice and left her behind. However, Hannah followed him in their room, helping her husband take off his clothes.

"Let's have our photoshoot tomorrow before my birthday comes," she said. And Jake only nodded and went to sleep. As tomorrow came, Hannah had trouble breathing while her husband sat next to her. They were having their couple photoshoot that day.

"Madam, come closer please," said the photographer. She sat closer next to her husband, who was now emotionless and just stared at the camera.

"Tomorrow is my birthday. I can't wait for it," said Hannah.

"Yeah. You're right. Tomorrow is another year of your existence," replied Jake.

Hannah rested her head on Jake's shoulder while holding his arms and smiled widely before the photographer took their photo.

"Madam, your picture is ready. Please take a look," said the photographer.

"Look, we look sweet here." But Jake only ignored her words and suggested that they get a divorce.

Hannah was shocked and hurt by Jake's suggestion. She had always believed that they could work through their problems, and the idea of ending their marriage was devastating to her.

"Why are you planning this? Can't we fix our problems?" she pleaded.

"Seeing you argue with me every day makes me feel tired and exhausted, Hannah. I give up now. Let's get a divorce so we won't argue with each other anymore."

Jake walked out and slammed the door while Hannah cried emotionally. She didn't expect her husband to want a divorce. She thought he had a surprise for her birthday, but she was wrong. Because on that day, her husband surprised her with the shocking news that he wanted a divorce. The photographers were also shocked. The billionaire wanted to divorce this innocent girl.

"Please Jake, don't do this. We can fix our relationship and make it last. Just don't do this. I can't let it happen. I know we don't have much time together, but we can rebuild a good relationship again," begged the wife.

"I'm sorry, Hannah. I'm tired of always waiting, and I have made my decision. Let's get a divorce," said the man.

As they talked more about it, she began to see that Jake was serious about the divorce. He didn't even care about her birthday.

"Today is my birthday. I thought you would remember, but it seems like you forgot."

She hugged her husband, but he didn't care. He grabbed his phone and talked to his lawyer about the divorce. Hannah was in serious pain as she left the room. No matter how much she begged her husband, he didn't listen.

"Where is he? Isn't he going to celebrate with you?" her mother asked.

"He's not feeling well, Mom." After the party was over, she tried to talk to her husband.

"We can have a new life if we get a divorce. We won't need to worry about each other. In fact, we can move on and start a new chapter in our lives," he said.

"I can't live without you, Jake. I'm going to miss those days we spent together. It's hard for me to blame you when you have already checked out." Hannah cried, but her husband didn't care to wipe her tears.

"Let's accept the reality that we're not destined to stay together forever. Whether you like it or not, I don't want to stop the divorce."

"This is not the time to say goodbye to each other. This is not the end. We will find a way to fix all of our problems."

"Of course it is. This time I'm going to say goodbye. It's the end of everything, Hannah. Why don't you understand? I do love my business."

"Then you can love me too, Jake. I'm important too."

"Enough is enough, Hannah! Let's get a divorce," he shouted.

Hannah cried desperately. No matter how much she begged her husband, it didn't work at all. As the days went by, it only got worse.

"We've been through so much together, and I can't imagine my life without you. I don't want to give up on us, and I hope you don't either. Let's go to counseling, let's try to communicate better, let's do whatever it takes to save our marriage. Please, don't do this. I'm begging you." But her husband is always shouting at her to stop begging. And this time, Hannah can't handle this situation anymore.

Over the next few weeks, Hannah and Jake began the process of separating their lives. They divided their assets and property. Since they don't have children, there's nothing for them to arrange in terms of custody. They tried to keep things civil, but there were moments of tension and conflict as they negotiated the terms of their divorce.

"Can you please stop crying? It's so annoying. It's too early in the morning. Damn it," Jake said, frustrated.

"I don't want you to run away, Jake. I can't," Hannah replied sadly.

"I said stop. I'm tired, Hannah. I'm tired of everything. I'm tired of this stupid relationship we have. If I was your lover in the past, then forget me. Find another in the present. I'm stuck with your possessiveness. Tomorrow, we'll be going to sign the divorce," said Jake, running his hand through his hair as he stood.

"All I wanted was your love. Why can't you give me some time?" pleaded Hannah.

But Jake only slammed the door as he left her, leaving Hannah in serious pain. As they met with their lawyers to finalize the divorce papers, Hannah broke down in tears. She realized that she was losing the person she had loved for so long, and that her life was going to be very different without him. Jake was also emotional, but he felt that the divorce was the right decision for both of them.

"At what time are you planning to sign the divorce papers? I don't want to waste any more of my time on you," asked Jake. His words hit Hannah too much but she's pretending not to cry.

"Give me a little time to sign the divorce papers, Jake. I promised you that I'll sign it," she said.

"Okay, then. I'll agree. But don't make it longer. I have a lot of matters to deal with in my business," Jake said. Hannah is almost holding her chest as Jake left. She knew she couldn't avoid it. But for the sake of her life, she had to do it to make things fair, even though it hurt. Two days passed, and she had now made the decision to sign the divorce papers. Jake was excited about it.

She swallowed her pain before she stand up and went to the table which where the divorce paper is located. Hannah closed her eyes and sighed after holding the pen as she sit down. While Jake sit in the left side. The divorce paper is waiting for her to sign. She looked at his husband as she opened her eyes and said.

"I don't want to get a divorce with you."

"Oh, come on. Do you think our life will be fine if we don't get a divorce?" said Jake. The pen seems to be broken when Hannah holds it tightly while their lawyers wait for her to sign the paper.

"Are you really determined to do this?" asked Hannah.

"Yes, I am," Jake replied.

"You don't want to see me again?"

"Of course I don't. The divorce paper is waiting. Go and sign now," Jake insisted.

Hannah bit her own teeth trying not to cry about her husband's decision. She doesn't want to get a divorce, but she has no choice but to agree. She signed the divorce paper and spoke after.

"Finally, the wait is over," Jake said.

"Now the agreement is over. You can now leave and do whatever you want. And promise me not to see each other," Hannah said.

They both took off their wedding rings afterward. Her ex-husband smiled widely, not for her but for the divorce papers. As they signed the papers, Hannah reached out to take Jake's hand. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to her. However, both of their lawyers also congratulated them.

"Congratulations to both of you, Mr. Jake and Hannah Montana."

"Thanks a lot," Jake replied.

"Thank you so much for the effort and time you have given to us," said Hannah, quickly wiping her tears and gasping for air.

In the end, Hannah and Jake went their separate ways. It was a difficult and painful process, but they both knew that it was the right decision for them. They would always carry the memories of their marriage with them, but they were ready to move on and start a new chapter in their lives.

"Don't ask me where I am planning to go. We're over," said Jake.

"I wish you were happy with your new life," said Hannah. They both stopped walking and faced each other.

"I wish you had good health, and I hope you achieve success in every dream you have," said Hannah.

"I wish the same for you. May you always find success in your new life," said Jake.

"Although it's difficult to say goodbye, I know it's time for us to go our separate ways. I will always treasure the memories we shared and the love we had for each other, but I also understand that it's time for us to move on and pursue our own paths in life. I hope happiness always finds you and guides you in your new life. Goodbye, Jake," said Hannah.

"Promise me that we won't see each other. I will move on and create new happiness in my life. Enjoy and take care of yourself. Goodbye, Hannah," said Jake.

Those were the last words they spoke. And both smiling at each other. Jake turned to the left path while Hannah turned to the right path. The two ex-couples didn't turn around to look at each other. Hannah was seriously biting her lips in pain, holding her chest. But soon, she wipes her tears and smile wide. They continued walking until they were gone. This time, they were going to move on and begin their new journey. They had to learn to navigate their new lives as single people, establish new routines, make new friends, and even start new romantic relationships.

One day later, Jake was having dinner with his family. This time, he officially announced that he and Hannah were now separated. Both of his parents were surprised.

"What did you say? You're getting a divorce?" asked his mom.

"You're getting a divorce? It can't be. Why?" asked his dad.

"We were having a bad relationship and we were always arguing with each other. That's why we are getting divorced," replied Jake.

"I can't believe it. Why is it so sudden? Why didn't you tell us that you were getting a divorce? What about her? How can she live without you? You know that she loves you too much, Jake," said his mom.

"You're such an irresponsible husband to leave her like that. We love her so much. You didn't even give us a grandchild. How can we be happy?" said his dad, feeling frustrated.

"Is it fair to leave her like that? Finding another woman like her is not easy, Jake. If you are happy today, you'll regret it someday," said his mom.

"I'm happy with my decision, Mom, Dad. I can find another woman. I will find someone even better than her. I promise," Jake promised.

"We were hoping that you would be satisfied with your decision. But we didn't expect this. We can't accept it," said his mom.

"You're not both happy. However, my decision has brought me happiness and freedom," replied Jake. But his dad was filled with emotions.

"You only love your business, Jake. If you love your business, you can love her too. You wasted those 5 years courting her. You took her love and now you left her feeling numb? And don't you think everything will work out fine after the divorce? That's not what you're thinking, Jake. Someday you'll realize that it's hard to blame when you've already lost. You'll hate to see her with someone new."

"Uh, I don't want anyone to announce this on social media," said his mom. His dad agreed too.

"I never thought I would have an irresponsible son. What did my colleague say? My billionaire son divorcing his innocent wife. Let's go, honey. We're leaving now," said his dad.

Both of his parents left the dining table then. Jake sighed as he watched their unfinished plates. They weren't happy with his official announcement. His dad's words lingered in his mind suddenly. But it only took a second for him to realize that, despite his parents' reaction, he didn't regret announcing their official separation.

"I'm happy about it," said Jake.

He also told his friends about it, but they were disappointed in what he had done. But who were they to decide Jake's life? The divorce was also talked about on TV and social media. He started packing his stuff because he was leaving for a one-year vacation in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Hannah also officially announced it to her parents. Just like Jake's parents, they didn't like it. But they didn't have a choice and instead comforted their daughter.

"Marrying him was a waste. If we knew it would turn out like this, we wish we had disagreed with you marrying him at that time," said her mom.

"Someday, he will realize that leaving you was the stupidest choice of his life," said her dad.

"You can find a man better than him. Just don't give up. That pain will fade away. No matter how sad and true your story is, we're always here to support you, Hannah. We will help you build a new chapter in your life," said her mom, so proud of her.

"Your mom is right. We accept your announcement. If you have plans for your life that will make you happy, we won't go against your will," said her dad.

"Thank you for always being by my side. I'm so proud of you both," said Hannah. And they hugged each other afterwards. Hannah picked up her phone and called her best friend, Samantha. Samantha was her only friend who always listened to her problems and gave her of advice.

"The announcement about you really surprised me. I never thought he would leave you like this. He didn't even listen to your words," said Samantha as they sat in the living room.

"No matter what, I need to take all that nonsense somewhere else to make him realize what he's doing," said Hannah.

"After the announcement, I heard that he's leaving. One of his friends mentioned it," said Samantha.

"It doesn't matter to me where he wants to go. I have my own plans too," replied Hannah. And Samantha got excited.

"Really? What are you planning to do? Are you going somewhere?" asked Samantha. She pouted her lip and sigh before she could reply.

"I'm planning to go wherever I really want to

go. That's where I can help myself move on and start a new chapter in my life," replied Hannah.

"If you want to get it, then let's go. I'm trusted you, Hannah. Be strong to hold on. The destiny had its plan," said Samantha. Hannah held her hands and nodded with a hope. Samantha was right. She must've hold onto her faith.

Hannah started packing her stuff. She removed all the photo frames she had with Jake. It was all over. It was time to forget everything. It felt like trying to force a ring to fit when it no longer belonged. The man she once loved was now just a memory. No matter how hard she tried to forget, the memories kept coming back. But Hannah was serious about her decision. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes, releasing all her grievances with a sigh. If she needed to cry, she would cry, but she didn't want her eyes to cry anymore. She had already made up her mind to change her path towards a new life.

"Forget the painful past I had. Now, I will welcome the new destiny that awaits me," Hannah said and smiled freely.