Divorce To Restart: Vengeful Ex-Wife Strikes Back!

Chapter 1 The Dinner

THE TAYLOR'S HOME, NEW YORK

Butterflies ran free in Nina's belly, making her the happiest person on earth. It's been so long since she had desired the gift, and it finally came to her when everything seemed to be heading for the rocks. Her eyes lingered on the paper in her hand, and she squealed in extreme delight. It's been days since she kept the news to herself, hoping she wouldn't let it all out in excitement before the right time. Now that the day had finally come, she couldn't wait to tell the world. Humming a Beyonce tune to herself, she changed from her outing attire to something more comfortable and headed to the kitchen.

"What would you like me to prepare for dinner, ma'am?" Tania, the kitchen help, asked Nina.

Nina smiled sweetly at her. "There is no need to worry, T. I will cook myself."

She raised a brow in surprise. "Why, ma'am? There is a lot to cook today. Are you sure you can handle it? Is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine. I am just willing to do it today. But you can help me with the veggies."

"Alright, ma'am."

Nina checked the time to be sure everything would be ready before dinner. The recipe had been building up in her head throughout the week, and she was most excited by the apple pie dessert. Her husband, Asher, loves pies and creams.

Halfway through the cooking, Andrea, Nina's best friend, made her way into the house, looking radiant. "Hey, girl." Andrea cooed, tossing her bag to the couch before heading to the kitchen.

Nina rinsed her hands out, pulling her friend into a hug. Even though they had seen each other two days ago, Nina wasn't surprised that Andrea had her hair dyed bright red. Extravagant is one word to describe her.

"That's new." She pointed out, feeling the tip of the hair.

Andrea giggled, twirling. "Well, I thought it would be nice to show my fierce side."

"When were you ever not fierce?" Nina asked, smiling.

She flipped her hair, wiggling her brows. "Can't remember," Andrea replied, causing them to laugh.

"You arrived just in time, Andrea. I didn't realize I would need a lot of hands. Please help me." She said, grinning from ear to ear.

Andrea raised her perfectly manicured nails, blowing at it. "You are seriously not asking me, of all people, to help you with that, right? It's your terrain, not mine."

Bursting into a loud laugh, Nina sniffed. She knew Andrea would never be able to help even if she wanted to. She would only end up making a mess of the entire place. Being a daughter of a wealthy household enables Andrea to do nothing all day and stay beautiful while others run her errands on her behalf.

"I knew you wouldn't. Just thought to pull your legs a bit." Nina smirked as she diced onions.

Andrea rolled her eyes, chuckling. "You and your silly self. Anyway, I know today is Sunday, and you cook for the family. But don't you think you are being too enthusiastic about this? It's not like he would be grateful in any way." She hissed suddenly, looking angry.

"Come on, it's not that serious. I am making Asher's favorites today. I am sure he will love it." Nina responded.

Her friend didn't look convinced in any way convinced. She folded her arms, frowning. "Tell me something. When have you ever not made his favorite? Do you remember how he left you at the table last Sunday because you kept asking if the food was okay? How about all the favorites you had to trash because he wouldn't come home for days? Do you also have an explanation for that? Asher is an asshole and doesn't deserve you. I wish you would give up and file for divorce."

Nina's mouth felt dry as she remained focused on the cooking. It has been a hard couple of years for her. Many times, she wonders if there must have been something she did wrong to Asher to deserve the cold treatment. She can't tell when it happened or how their relationship went sour. During their dating and first year of marriage, Asher was sweet to her. He never made her feel like she had to do the world alone.

Being an orphan, Nina knows what it means to be rejected and unwanted. She didn't get anyone willing to adopt her and had to live in different foster homes over the years. But having determination has helped her push through the little opportunity she had and was able to go to college, where she met Andrea.

Andrea has been nothing short of a guardian angel to her despite being a heiress to a multimillion-dollar company. Andrea never degrades Nina and loves her dearly like a sister. She became the sister and family Nina never had. Nina has nothing hidden away from her friend, and she knows how her relationship started with Asher.

They met during his introduction to the staff of the company at the time he replaced his retiring father as the CEO of M&M Foods, where she works as the head researcher. Everything felt blissful until three years ago when Asher became a different person. He wouldn't even acknowledge her pain anymore. But Nina has always believed in love and family, things she has never had. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.

"Say something." Andrea cut into her thoughts as she chewed on one of the diced carrots.

Nina sighed, holding up a hopeful smile. "You don't have to worry about me anymore, Andrea. It will be different this time, I can assure you."

"What are you hiding?"

"It's a big news. You will have to wait until dinner to find out."

"Hmmn." Andrea made a funny face. "You sneaky young lady. Dinner is only minutes away. I don't mind waiting."

Andrea couldn't keep her promise, and she kept bugging Nina for the news. Nina stood her ground, even though she hitched to say it. It is always hard for her to keep something away from her friend.

Dinner kicked off when Asher's parents, Darren and Leila, arrived. Asher appeared more relaxed than before, and it soothed Nina's heart. He even went as far as complimenting her meal. Nina felt like the universe was in her favor.

"I thought you said you would tell us the news you have during dinner," Andrea announced.

Nina cut her a side glare when the others raised their heads. "It's until dessert." She said, trying hard not to groan. Andrea can be a brat sometimes or many times.

"Is everything okay?" Asher asked in his relaxed voice that had sent Nina reeling the first time they met.

She blushed like a teenager. "Yes, baby. I made your favorite kind of dessert, and I am sure it will complement the news I have for everyone."

"It had better be good." Leila, in her snobby voice, mumbled.

Nina ignored her always moody mother-in-law calling Tania to serve the dessert. Seeing everyone enjoying the dessert, Nina cleared her throat, squaring her shoulder.

"So, the news that I have been holding onto for what feels like the longest days of my life is." Nina paused, reaching for Asher's outstretched hand while holding his gaze sweetly. "I am pregnant, guys." She announced, smiling widely.

Chapter 2 He is Sterile

THE TAYLOR'S HOME, NEW YORK.

The silence that followed her announcement wasn't what Nina expected from the people she considered her family. She looked from one person to the other, her smile fading. Her hands rubbed at her belly unconsciously.

"Didn't you all hear me? I get that, and it is the shock. But this is good news. I am six weeks pregnant. I am carrying the first grandchild of the family." She said, staring at her parents-in-law.

Asher blinked in shock and didn't know what to say until he felt someone kick his foot under the table, like someone touched by a hot pan. He yanked his hand out of Nina's hand, hissing loudly.

"What did you just say?" He bellowed.

Nina stared in evident confusion. "You heard me, baby. I am pregnant. We are having a baby."

Asher got up from the chair, ruffling his hair. He took his time to come up with the right things to say as he kept pacing the room back and forth. Pausing abruptly, he pointed a shaky finger at Nina.

"Is this some joke, Nina? How can you be this shameless? What are you trying to prove by humiliating me in front of my family?"

She glanced around again, wondering why no one was saying anything. Not even Andrea, who is a known chatterbox. "B...baby, why are you doing this? What do you mean by trying to humiliate you?" Nina asked with her lips quivering.

"Of course, that is what you are plotting. Fucking tell me why you will claim to be pregnant with my child?"

Confusion pulled at every vein on her face as she met him. "Because you are my husband."

"Husband?" Asher gritted, slamming the table in anger. Nina hiccuped, shocked by his reaction. "How dare you lie to my face? You and I know that thing you are carrying, if truly you are, is not mine!"

"W...why can't it be yours?" Nina felt stupid for asking the question, but that seemed the only thing she could say.

"Cut the crap! I am fucking sterile, Nina! I can't reproduce!"

Nina gasped out in shock. "What?" She swallowed hard. "What-What are you saying? How-how did I get pregnant then?" She stuttered, looking around for anyone to say something to back her up.

Asher cackled. "Are you asking me? It is obvious now that you are a cheat! If I didn't get you pregnant all this while, how is it that you are pregnant now? I have been diagnosed as sterile long before I met you. Have you ever heard me pester you for our lack of children? I knew you were cheating on me, but I never expected that you would summon the courage to go to this extent."

Uncontrollable tears rolled down Nina's face; she felt weak and clueless about where the accusation came from. "Why are you doing this to me, Asher?" She turned to her friend. "Andrea, please tell him that I would never hurt him or be with another man. Please."

Andrea shrugged with her head bowed, stabbing at her pie. "It's not like you told me about any pregnancy. How am I supposed to know you aren't telling a lie?"

Nina's eyes fluttered in shock, and her mouth was agape. It's almost as if she doesn't recognize the person before her. Andrea sounded cold, which wasn't like that half an hour ago.

"Where is all of this coming from? Darren, Leila, can you please talk to Asher? We haven't been on good terms lately, but he's not telling the truth. Listen, Asher, I will never cheat on you, baby. Asher." She tried to reach for his hand, but he slapped it off, causing her to wince in pain.

"Don't you ever try to touch me again? You are such a wicked person, Nina. If you wanted to humiliate me, couldn't you have done it in the privacy of our room? You had the guts to bring to me another man's child and still admit it in front of my family. When did you lose your sense of shame? That child is not mine!" He gritted.

Nina shut her eyes as she balled her fists, feeling the dullness cut into her palm. It doesn't look like a prank anymore. Her husband is dead serious! She turned her red eyes to him. "I get that I haven't been attractive to you lately, but can you not lie to my face and everyone else? You insisted that I take birth control pills whenever I am ovulating, and we have sex so that I don't get pregnant. Because, in your own words, we do not need to rush it. I decided to stay off the pill six months ago because I thought falling pregnant might change your cold attitude towards me. But this is far too extreme, Asher. I do not like this joke of yours."

Asher gritted, flaring his nose. Feeling a different emotion engulfed him. He yelled, "You bitch!"

While attempting to hit her, Darren stopped him. "Don't you dare try it, young man!"

Nina cowered, sobbing. "Asher...please." She mouthed.

"Where the hell did you get that from, young man?" Darren questioned. "I never taught you to hit a woman. What has come over you all of a sudden?"

"She came over me! This bitch!" Asher bickered.

"Can you calm your nerves, and let's settle this?" Darren cleared his throat.

"Dad, that child is not mine. I can't possibly get her pregnant."

"What's with the pills then?" Darren asked.

"I only asked her to take it so she wouldn't suspect anything. How am I supposed to know she would go ahead to cheat on me? I have heard rumors of how she makes out with one of her colleagues during break times, and that is when she always claims to be busy refusing to eat lunch with others."

"Is this true?" Darren asked Nina.

Nina mumbled like a deaf person, and she looked at Andrea, who now has a disgusting look on her face. Leila didn't bother to hide her displeasure. Nina felt like she was trapped in a room with no ventilation, and she might pass out from suffocation soon. Everything Asher is saying sounds alien to her ears. She can't seem to understand him, almost like he is speaking a different language and talking about someone she doesn't know about.

"I swear on my life, I have never cheated on Asher." She looked straight at her husband. "And if you were sterile, why didn't you tell me? And how, then, did I get pregnant?" She asked, feeling her chest tighten.

"Because you are a whore!" Asher growled. "And I am never going to take that child from you."

Nina sobbed louder, her voice breaking as she spoke. "Stop this, baby. Please. Asher, I would never do anything to hurt you or damage our marriage. Remember the promises we made to each other. Please. Andrea, please tell him I would never hurt him." She cried, turning her head around to catch pity from any of them, but they all looked unbothered.

Sucking in a breath, he pinched his nose. "I can't do this anymore, Nina. I have had enough! I tried understanding you and enduring your cheating hobby, thinking you would have a change of heart and remember the love we share. But now I have had enough of you."

"W-what are you saying?"

With a fixed jaw, he flared his nose at her. "I want a divorce."

Chapter 3 The Divorce Papers

THE TAYLOR'S HOME, NEW YORK.

Nina's heartbeat raced as he dropped the bombshell on her. Immediately, she went down on her knees and tried to touch his legs, but he kicked her off. "Asher-"

"I am going to get a divorce from you!" Asher repeated himself, this time with more finality in his tone.

Nina felt the ground spin under her. She hoped this was a nightmare and she would wake up from it. The tears kept pushing their way out of her eyes, burning her cheeks. She slapped herself to be sure she wasn't having a bad dream, and it hurt badly.

It seemed she had finally crossed the thin line between life and its unforeseen circumstances. She never thought something like this would tear her world to pieces today. Probably, if she knew, she would have remained in bed.

Even though Asher had been acting strange for a while, they were refined and cordial with each other. He still makes love to her and kisses her goodbye whenever they arrive at the company. Even if she did cheat and he is genuinely sterile, he shouldn't throw a divorce in her face like that. Nobody does that.

Nina gulped hard, struggling to get up. Her legs wobbled, but she maintained her stance. "A-Asher, baby, I get it that you are angry. You probably don't even know what you are saying right now. Divorce is too expensive of a joke, baby. Come on, please." She said. Nina moved towards him, caressing his arm while finding it difficult to breathe.

Without sparing her a glance, Asher pushed her, and she fell to the cold floor. "I just warned you not to touch me with those filthy hands of yours. What do you think of me? A weak man? Do you think I will get smitten by your lies and let you get away with it? I have had enough of your treacherous self. I want all of this to end. I should have known better marrying a nobody like yourself!" He ranted, walking away.

Despite the pain that pulled at her waist, Nina crawled to Asher's parents, crying. With a shaky voice, she pleaded. "Please, Darren. Help me talk to him. Leila, I will never cheat on him. I didn't. This baby is his." When they didn't respond, she crawled back to Andrea. "Andrea, what are you doing? Why aren't you saying anything? You know the many things Asher has done to me and how much you despise his behavior towards me. Why aren't you defending me this time? He is lying against me, Andrea, and you know it."

Andrea scoffed, refilling her glass of wine. "Please, girl. I am too shocked at the moment to hear you."

Nina stared in utmost disbelief, and her body retreated backward in shock. Asher returned at the same time and flung a document at her.

"That is the divorce papers; sign it and leave my house right this minute," Asher said, glowering at her.

"You-You can't mean this, Asher. I beg you. You can't just throw over five years of our lives away. Please, baby, let's talk this out. We can do a DNA test. I am not lying to you. I will never cheat on you. I love you more than life itself."

"Shut up!" Asher yelled. "DNA? You are seeking a way to manipulate that again. You are such a fraud, Nina! Have some fucking shame! I regret every minute of my life with you. And I don't want ever to see you again!"

Nina's head ached, and her body seemed to be tearing apart. Nothing made sense to her. Things don't just happen for no reason. Her eyes felt heavy from the tears. She sniffed, struggling to stand up.

"What did I ever do to you, Asher? Why are you so determined to make my life miserable? What offense did I commit that you despise me to do much to the extent of lying against me? Baby, I have been with you through the hardest times you have had since you became CEO. You know my schedule like the back of your palm. I don't even need to visit anyone because Andrea is the only person I am close to, and she practically lives here. I entrusted you with my life. What more can I give for you to believe me?" The tears choked her.

She wiped it off quickly to get her words out, even though shaky. "What changed, baby? Is there someone else? Is this why you no longer want me? I thought you said-I meant the world to you. You couldn't go a single day without talking to me. Why? Why? Why now? Why are you doing this to me, Asher?!" She wailed, falling to the ground again. Her voice seems to be fading off.

"You-" Asher wanted to say something, but Andrea stood up just in time.

"Of course, there is someone else," Andrea said, approaching Asher.

Nina sniffled. "You-You know who it is? Why didn't you tell me?"

She flipped her hair, caressing Asher's jaw before kissing his lips. "I didn't say anything because there was no need to tell. You were going to be disposed either way."

Nina's brows furrowed as she tried to process what just happened. She glanced up at her husband and friend. This time, Asher had his arm wrapped around Andrea protectively with his lips to her forehead, and she had her head on his chest. A shrilled noise rang in Nina's ears. For a second, it felt like she went deaf. Looking towards Asher's parents, they look very relaxed.

"Perhaps-did-" Her voice trailed off, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Did...did you know about this?" She stuttered, asking both parents.

Leila snorted. "So? Our son's happiness is what matters."

Nina turned back to Andrea. "Why would you do this to me?! I trusted you! You are my sister, Andrea!"

Andrea approached her. "Sister? The last I checked, my mom is aware of the number of kids she gave birth to." She bent before Nina, holding her gaze; hatred burned in them. She looked like an entirely different person from the one Nina knows. "Sorry, but not sorry, Nina. You don't deserve him. People like you shouldn't ache for people like us. I have been dying for the day you will finally move out. But you did everything too well, making it hard to get you to leave. Asher loves only me. And I think we have done enough harboring your homeless self. I hope you won't try to act stubbornly. Now that you know the truth, you should sign the papers and leave. No one wants you here. Hand me a pen and divorce paper, baby." She called out to Asher, and he did as told. "Sign the damn papers, bitch!"

"You were planning this all along?" Nina found herself asking Asher.

"Don't make me hit you! You are ruining our dinner. I need you out of here as soon as possible!" Andrea bellowed in her face.

With shaky hands and a sad soul, Nina collected the pen. As she signed on it, tears dropped onto the papers, soaking it. Her life crumbled before her, and Nina could not do anything about it. She is finding it hard to process.

"There, it wasn't so hard, right?" Leila hissed after Nina finished signing the paper.

"You have five minutes to pack whatever it is you might need. For the sake of our friendship, that is why I am giving you this much time. You have done enough." Andrea said, eyeballing her with contempt.

Like a zombie, Nina got up and headed towards the room. As instructed, she picked up the few things her hands could carry. Andrea didn't wait for the five minutes to be up before pushing her out into the deserted night, knowing she had nowhere to go.