The Wife's Return

Belle smiled at the few staff who recognized her. She tried not to grab anyone's attention. Okay, maybe a little. She may have kept her silence, but she has been possessed with her flair for the dramatic. She wore the perfect black dress, hugging her curves perfectly, and dark red lipstick like a typical movie villain. She contemplated adding sunglasses but thought nah, that would be too much.

She knew coming here at the law firm would be a hot issue in the making. People love to gossip as what can be observed with every eye trying to follow her every move subtly. She hasn't left the area, but they are already whispering. For the first time after a long time, she didn't care.

It was nice to feel liberated even in this last stage of her short-lived marriage. It was a marriage that made whispering feel like screaming.

Ah, there they are. She thought, spotting the conference room with glass windows. Perfect.

She opened the glass door with a wide grin, showing her perfect set of white teeth. Her brother, Preston, who was presenting something, stopped talking. "Katherine Isobelle?" He blinked several times to make sure that Belle wasn't just a hallucination. "Can you see her too?" He even asked.

Lace, one of the partners, nodded. Not sure what was happening.

"Sorry, brother. I wouldn't want to interrupt, but I am only free today, and this isn't something that can exactly wait." She got the folder from her bag and showed it to everyone in the room. "Urgent matter."

"What's that?"

"A special delivery by yours truly," Belle proudly says, with her voice almost sounding lunatic with the overly joyful tone. Her hand slowly sliding at the edge of the envelope was followed by the set of eyes in the room and maybe some of the staff outside. All were curious about what it could be, but only one person knew what was inside it before it was even opened.

"When did you arrive?" Preston asked. "What- Why are you here?"

"This won't take long, brother. We can have our little chit-chat some other time but let me finish this business quickly."

Lace awkwardly smiled at Belle, and she returned her smile, reserving apologies for later.

Even with the brave front, it took a moment of convincing and channeling confidence to meet the eyes of the man in the grey suit. He wasn't confused. In fact, Attorney Nikolai Laurent knew precisely what she came here for. He couldn't hide his anger at Belle's sudden appearance. There's that petty victory.

"Long time no see." Everyone became invisible. Their eyes spoke of the history they had hidden for themselves. Belle finally handed Nikolai the divorce papers she received a week ago. "I wanted to hand you this divorce papers myself."

"What's that?" Preston tried to look at what it was. At that moment, he didn't seem like a lawyer. He looked like an overprotective brother who was itching to punch someone when he heard the word divorce from his sister's mouth.

Seeing Nikolai being punched and physically getting hurt wouldn't be a bad thing in Belle's mind. She deliberately chose the perfect time and place for that to be possible.

Preston is usually composed, but his hands shook with confusion while holding the documents. "Why is my sister handing you divorce papers, Nikolai?"

Nikolai and Belle were exchanging glares and mental curses. Even with the increasing tension, Nikolai chose to keep his silence which infuriated Belle even more. He had always been like that since they got married. Some things never change, she thought.

He never spoke about what he felt. He always lets her guess and assume everything. Belle once thought they could trust each other, and lean on each other, but their marriage was a shit show. Nothing like she expected, or maybe she just expected much.

"You won't say a word still? I traveled for hours for what? Get a silence treatment? You haven't changed one bit, Nikolai."

"As I told you, you will be informed of the progress-"

"You can contact my lawyer. Keeping my fingers crossed you won't give her the same silent treatment you have given me. You could at least have the decency to inform me you are filing for divorce, but you... you can't even do that?" Belle forced a laugh. The silence made their voices echo, filling the room with tension and anticipation for their outside audience.

She turned to the other two, who had little to no understanding of what was happening. "Sorry for interrupting your meeting. You may all proceed. That was rude of me. I am so, so, sorry."

Walking out of the office with her chin up, everyone followed her gaze until several gasping followed after Preston's fist landed on Nikolai's face.

Belle turned one more time, checking on them.

"You fucking bastard!"

Her husband was ready to receive another punch with those nonchalant eyes. Nikolai wasn't fighting. He was seated on the floor, with a swollen face and blood on his lips. And yet, she is still not satisfied until Nikolai begs on his knees with tears on his face. That is not enough.

But for today, this would do.

There wasn't much to pack. All Belle brought was one small suitcase with clothes that were good for three days. After putting her phone on silent, she was aware that people were still trying to call her, and she intentionally planned to ignore all those tonight.

After what happened, Belle hoped she could get peace of mind and maybe a good night's sleep. It was the confrontation she had practiced so many times in her head, and it even came with different versions. It was what got her through those times when she felt s alone, tired, and lonely after Nikolai left.

'Answer my call, or I will go there.'

It was hard not to roll her eyes when she read Preston's message. He didn't even know where Belle was staying, but this was what she expected. There was no doubt he would bend and break the rules and maybe the law just to find her. They are not vocal with their worries and problems, but Preston has always been the protective older brother. She saw that side of him again today.

The phone started to ring; it took several rings before she finally pressed answer. After all, she feels guilty about hiding something as big as marriage. If Preston does something similar, heaven knows Belle would pull some sort of crazy act.

"Good... evening? Morning? Technically, it's morning, so that should be a good morning."

"Is this everything you have to tell me, Katherine Isobelle?"

Hearing her full name loud and clear gave Belle the shivers. Preston only does this on the very few occasions that she deserves a scolding. At her age, she never imagined she would hear that tone again.

"There's really no need to get angry, Preston." She kept her tone light. "Okay, you deserve an apology. I'm sorry for the mess I made at your workplace. I knew better, but I was blinded by... stupidity, I guess."

"Nikolai?" He even laughed on the other line. "You are married to that asshole who shared the same office with me since day one? Hell, I've known him since law school. You have known him since then! And none of you bothered to give me a hint? Really Belle? And you are telling me there is no need to get angry?"

"You can get angry if you like, but that would just be crying over spilled milk. I wouldn't want you to waste your time."

"Stop acting like this isn't a big deal!" Preston's voice was so loud that she had to distance her left ear. "Marriage, Belle! A fucking marriage!"

"You curse a lot today. Goodness..." She commented.

There was an exaggerated sigh, or maybe that was an exhale of frustration. She knew this was supposed to be a serious talk, and Preston was definitely playing the big brother role, but she couldn't help but think how oddly funny this situation was. They never really had a serious talk since he was so busy with college and then law school and then now, his law firm. For Preston to spare Belle the time to scold, what a special occasion this divorce really is.

"I'm sorry," She said in all seriousness. "You deserved to know the truth, I know, but it was a... spur of the moment thing. What's important is that everything is over. There's no need for us to get stressed. In fact, after this divorce, the stress would be over. We can all pretend it never happened. Just like that! I give you full permission to treat Nikolai like how you always treat him. You punched him, right? Then, you can call it quits."

"You're unbelievable, Belle. This isn't a game."

"I just want it to be over, brother." And that is the truth. They were long over, but it took a damn long time for her to realize that on her own. Maybe it was a good thing that he initiated the divorce papers, but it was an insult on her part to just have a delivery man mail her the letter, without any heads up.

At the very end of their marriage, Nikolai still managed to make her feel like trash as if everything he had done was not enough.

"Tell that to Nikolai's parents tomorrow."

She was starting to feel sleepy, but at that very moment, all the energy Belle thought she no longer possessed just ruled over her body.

"What?" She screamed so loud that if only the walls of her room weren't soundproof, she would surely be heard next door. "What did you say?"

"The famous Oliver Laurent called me to tell me himself that you will be meeting their family tomorrow. He specifically asked for his daughter-in-law's attendance. Oh, I would be there too."

"Shit."

"And guess what? He might have said something to threaten the firm, saying something like making sure we wouldn't get another client, something like that. I am not threatening you, Belle. I am merely sharing. Don't worry, I can handle myself. You ought to know still. Never mind planning an escape, Belle. They are not here to play games."

The lights from the buildings in the window view seemed twinkling, which made Belle dizzy. This was a conversation she wasn't ready to have today or ever.

"I would hate to be condescending, but I guess this is the price you pay for secretly marrying the son of arguably the richest man in this country."

Belle wanted to melt exactly where she was standing at that exact moment. It took a lot of courage to do what she has done, and she doesn't want to regret any of it except at that moment, she wished she had just silently signed the papers and moved on with her life.

Nikolai's family... isn't the kind of people she wants to be involved with; tomorrow, things will change.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Laurent."

Belle wasn't nervous... or at least, this is what she kept telling herself while earlier, she was looking at the mirror, combing her hair. Even after changing her mind for what felt like the hundredth time, she is still unsure if she chose the right dress.

Heck, she was even nervous thinking about what type of makeup look she would be wearing today. There was no need for her to please the parents. Her actions, however, say otherwise.

It was hard to show a sweet smile, but she managed just fine. On the inside, there was an uneasy feeling, an internal chaos she wouldn't like to admit was happening. Their presence made her almost forget that Nikolai was in the same room.

It was surprising to see Oliver Laurent smile. Nikolai has consistently described him as a strict father growing up, giving her the image of a grumpy old man. Adeline's fake smile was easy to spot, on the other hand. It was a contrast to the intense stare Belle couldn't help but notice.

The last person she noticed was Preston on the same table, with a stoic expression. Looking ready to attend a business meeting.

That's when she saw the empty chair next to Nikolai. The seat where Belle thought she was supposed to sit.

"Please, have a seat," Adeline said, pointing at that chair as if she could read what was on Belle's mind.

After finally taking a seat, she finds herself at a loss for words and unsure where her eyes should land. Coming here was like serving herself willingly, trapping herself in a spider's web. It would be better to be anywhere else but at that restaurant. It didn't help that there were no other customers. By this time, her plane was supposed to be flying, and she was probably looking at the skies, thinking about the concept of her next photoshoot.

There's apparently two Mr. and Mrs. Laurent here, huh?" No food was chewed, but Belle almost coughed and choked on nothing with Adeline's comment.

She was subtly attacking her, and everyone knew as much, but Adeline's sophistication was causing Belle to feel intimidated.

"I hope you didn't mind, Isobelle. I didn't know what food you would like, so I let Niko order for you." Adeline said with that fake smile. Her lips merely curled, and her cheek slightly lifted in a forced way.

"No problem. Please call me Belle."

The silence of the men was almost annoying, especially from Niko, who could be nervous or uncomfortable with having Belle seated so close next to him. Belle would like to think it was the latter. She would take whatever kind of effect she had on Nikolai-adding that to her list of petty victories.

"We're getting divorced." Out of the blue, Nikolai announced.

Silence. The announcement came as no surprise for everyone. Even his parents continued to munch on their food and ignore what Nikolai just said.

"And we don't want you to meddle," he continued.

"You should try the truffle," Adeline told her, not even giving her son a glimpse.

Belle wasn't sure whether the lack of screaming and fighting was a good or bad sign. From what she knew, their family speaks through codes and hidden meanings.

Treating their situation like a puzzle or strategic game makes her head feel like it's about to burst. Even after all the preparation, she finds herself at a loss for words and remains an observant outsider to a family that she is technically still a part of, even with the lack of a wedding ring on her finger.

"My son has his ways of getting on my nerves, doesn't he?" Adele was looking straight through her eyes. "I'm sure as his wife; you would know a thing or two about his... patience, or the lack thereof. Something he definitely got from his father."

"This is none of your business. We will handle this ourselves, Mother. I am begging both of you whatever it is you are planning," Niko pleaded. "Just stop wasting your time and let us handle this."

"You are right. Let's stop wasting our time." Oliver said. "No one is getting divorced."

"He never wanted to marry me in the first place," she butted in. Every word was a challenge to utter. She had already made peace with this fact but admitting it out loud was different. "I'm sure you wouldn't approve of me if you learned about this... marriage. It will be for the best if we pretend none of it ever happened."

"Really?" Adeline asked Belle. Gone was the pretend sweetness in her voice. "Do you think it's for the best?"

"Mom, Dad, why are you so involved with this?"

"We are not here for you," Adeline answered. She pointed her finger at Belle. "Or for you. If I heard about someone like you marrying my son, as you said, I don't even think a mistake disguised as a wedding would happen. But it already happened. You are still legally married to my son. We didn't take part in any of your decisions, but I think now is the time we rightfully meddle. Right, hun?"

Belle was furious. One of the things she hated the most was being forced on what she should or shouldn't do.

"For the love of God-"

"We know about the child," Oliver announced, making everyone fall still and silent.

Belle felt like it was a trap but only this time did she feel stuck, unable to make a single move.

It was like ice-cold water was poured over her body, and was left frozen to die, except that she will have to stay alive even when it felt like death already.

"A boy, I heard?" Oliver continued. "Discovered about him just in time for his first birthday."

Belle could not even bring herself to open her mouth. She was scared of what his parents could do with this information. What if they decide to get him? What if they take away her child? Thoughts like this start to run through her mind.

She would rather run away than let them take her son.

That moment, she wanted to storm off the room badly.

"I'm sorry, what?" Nikolai finally spoke, but Belle couldn't answer. She can't even look him in the eyes.

This secret can't be hidden forever. Maybe she withheld that information, but she wasn't hiding it. If Nikolai could have at least tried once to reach out to her, to see her and ask her how she has been, maybe he would know.

But he didn't. After losing Belle's first pregnancy, Nikolai looked at and treated her like a burden... an unwanted obligation.

But she tried. She tried so damn hard, but in the end, she got tired.

What difference can a child make?

He still hates her. He would still be forced. Maybe it would make him stay, but that impossible space to fill will always be present.

Her son doesn't deserve him as a father.

"What are they saying? Can you please explain?!" Nikolai raised his voice, stirred with the sudden revelation.

"We will proceed with the separation," she wipes her mouth with the napkin, finishing her meal. "And as initially planned, my lawyer will stay in touch. If you have anything to say, you may contact her with the number on the card I gave you."

Without a proper goodbye, Belle walked out as fast as she could. Not even giving anyone a second glimpse.

All this happened in just one day. How cruel can fate be? She hasn't even tasted a single day of independence yet.

Belle was impatiently pressing the elevator buttons. Repeatedly cursing in her head when it was still not opening.

"Belle."

Just when the day could not get even better.

"Fuck," she uttered under her breath."

"Was that true?"

He held her arm, but she was quick to brush him off. Looking into his eyes, she got a clearer view of his bruises from yesterday.

Now is not the time to get worried!

"Don't touch me."

"Is it true?" He asked again.

After almost two years of not seeing each other, here they are. They are standing eye to eye in front of the elevator.

There was a certain look of desperation on Nikolai's face that Belle had witnessed for the first time. His eyes were pleading, and the fearless lawyer Belle knew was gone, scared as hell with what could be the truth.

"You said it would be best if we never had a child."

"That was when-"

"You said it would be a mistake." She cuts her off. It was time for him to hear the words he had said before. These kept haunting her memory. Nikolai was never the same person after hurting her with those words. "When you said those, I was already pregnant."

Belle had the upper hand. Nikolai is hurting, probably regretting, but this isn't worth it. It would be better to bury the trauma of her past rather than relive it today.

"That was when we just lost our baby. I was hurt when I said those things."

"And? Didn't you mean it back then?" Tears were starting to fill her eyes. It was impossible to hold back all the loneliness and anger she had kept inside of her. "What difference does it make?"

When the elevator opened, she could no longer control her sobs. Belle immediately rushed in.

"You always wanted to get rid of me. Well, you got what you wanted. Send my regards to that woman you left me for and that child you raised together." She managed to say before the door closed.

This was a mistake, a huge one.

In her head is a long list of all the actions she was starting to regret. On top of that list was meeting Nikolai. Nothing should be added. Enough stupid actions.

Belle no longer cared if she packed her things messily in her suitcase; some were even scattered on the floor, but she was ready to squeeze everything into her luggage. The need to go home and forget what happened today was stronger than having well-arranged luggage.

It has only been days, and she missed her child terribly already. They were never separated for this long, and she couldn't believe she left for something that turned out to be not worth it. Clearly, that would be Nikolai.

She could have kept silent. Shut her mouth and just signed those damn divorce papers without slapping it on his face. It would hurt, and she'd spend some nights crying but at least, she could still have that peace she could never have now.

After making sure nothing important was left behind, Belle clumsily closed it, ready to go.

"Hello, Bon?" She walked like someone was chasing her from behind while on her way to the airport. "How is he, Bon?"

"Liam misses you terribly, Belle. I recently discovered that the sound of the rain calms him. Thank goodness, all I had to do was download audio and play it in the background- not do some ritual to create rain or something."

Belle laughed at the thought of that. Liam is comfortable with her friend Bonnie, but it can't be helped that he'd miss her. She's the mother, after all?."

"Don't worry. All of these will be over soon. I'm going home. I shouldn't have come here in the first place."

"Belle, we might have a teeny-tiny problem."

A cab stopped in front of her just in time when she reached the sidewalk. There was still some time left, and she could still catch the last flight today. About to enter the cab, she noticed Bonnie wasn't making any sound from the other line.

"Bon?"

"That man- I mean, Attorney Laurent no longer wants a divorce. I just received a call from his office."

"What the actual fuck?" She stopped in her tracks to let what she had just heard process in her head. Did she hear it right? "Nikolai no longer wants what?"

"He personally called me to say that he no longer wants a divorce but would still keep in touch to discuss... other matters. I think it would be best to solve it here before coming back."

The driver was already giving her a slightly pissed look. She sighed and gave in, taking a seat but not sure where she should be going after hearing what Bonnie just told her.

"What do you mean other matters?"

"Custody... and other legal matters involving the kid."

"He's not threatening us, isn't he? Did he say more?"

"Not much but he was clear with his request. So, he knows about Liam already? Even if you come back here, for sure, he wouldn't just seat still. We can get ready for the worse but our best scenario is for you to come up with an arrangement."

A lot had already happened, and she was almost sure things couldn't get worse. That was a lifetime's worth of unfortunate events that happened in a single day. Belle couldn't describe the feeling of disbelief. Covering her face with her hands, she stopped herself from screaming but let out an exasperated sigh.

Unplanned, but the route needed to change.

Nickolai is still Nickolai. Even when caught surprised, he still got his shit together. Unlike Belle, he wasn't a scatterbrain. She wanted to leave and be able to breathe. On the other hand, Nikolai took straight legal actions and was most likely ready to drag her down to death.

"Shit. You've got to be kidding me."

"A marriage and then now, a kid? Katherine Isobelle, you must really be out of your mind." Her brother angrily rants as soon as she presses the answer button. "You have a child! That, apparently, no one knows about! How can you keep this from me?"

"Preston, please," It seemed like the room was spinning, making her feel dizzy. Belle massaged her temples, thinking she could no longer handle more screaming and shouting for today. "I will talk to you soon, but I'm so sorry I need to end this call today. I promise." and without another word, she hangs up.

As soon as she was acquainted with silence again, tears started to form in her eyes. Finally, complete silence, yet all she could hear were the voices inside her head.

Would it still be acceptable to lie down and wallow in self-pity right now?

Her ex-husband- ah, the still-husband did not waste any time.

Now is a crucial time, not the time to get angry and let it get the best of her. It was a good thing she still had her one last card.

Belle finds herself standing outside of a house. She already had an idea that it would be a mansion, and Nikolai would be willing to spend much for the woman who owned the house, but a two-story mansion was just too much.

"I'm sorry, Miss. Who are you?" Someone from the house greets her after pressing the doorbell.

"Is Stella home?"

"I'm sorry, but may I ask who you are?"

She didn't say no. That bitch is most probably home, she thought.

"Can you tell her Katherine Isobelle Laurent is looking for her? Just some important matter."

That look on that woman who she thinks is the housekeeper changed when she introduced herself. She isn't a stranger in this home- or maybe her husband. Well, how could they not? Nikolai, for sure, hangs around here all the time. It was even a surprise that he hadn't packed his things yet and lived with Stella. He was so itching to leave her then, and he seems in a rush to divorce her now.

"I will tell her, Miss. For a moment."

There was a sense of urgency with how she walked-or rather, ran away from Belle. Patiently waiting in front of this beautiful home that she could have dreamt for her and her son. She wasn't even asking for this much. In their version of the story, she is playing the villain. It wouldn't feel right to ask for a lot when there's only too little Nikolai can give, not in terms of money.

As soon as she walked inside, Belle was given an unwelcome look. "Why are you here?"

"Aren't we close enough to greet each other at least, Stella?"

'You would never be her.' She knows this is what he kept on thinking before. Belle isn't stupid. Standing face to face with Stella, it would be fair to say that Nikolai was right, after all.

Stella's eyes were wide and brown. It can easily be used to convey emotions. Like how she angrily looks at Belle right now. But even with all the fierce front, the fear wasn't easy to hide. Her trembling hands and pale lips didn't escape Belle's eyes either.

"I don't think so."

"Okay, no problem. Can I take a seat?" Before Stella could even answer, Belle sat and made herself comfortable. "Do we need to introduce ourselves or... nah?"

"Can you just please tell me why you are here?" Belle was startled when Stella screamed all of a sudden. All it took was five minutes in the same room with the lover and the wife for Stella to lose patience already.

"Oh dear, you're in such a hurry! Relax, Stella. Can you please not scream at me? It's not like I'm the mistress here."

"Did you come here for Nikolai? Do you want him-"

"I came here to talk to you. Not Nikolai. You can tell him I came here. Maybe exaggerate the story. You know what? Add some lies. I don't care."

There was a faint sound of a laughing child from upstairs. It made Belle flinch, but it took almost every ounce of restraint not to react.

She knows who that was, and that kid has done nothing wrong, but boy, her heart is clenched when she thinks about how her son could have the dream of a life that kid is living.

Her baby deserves to be loved, to feel wanted-something his father could never give.

Keeping a straight face, Stella looked Belle in the eyes. "Then why are you here?"

"I need you to convince Nikolai to carry on with that divorce. Make that happen. Then, you can have him... all by yourself."