Chapter 10 Filing for Divorce
George’s smile vanished at her words.
Anthony’s briefly softened expression hardened instantly.
His knuckles turned white around the phone.
“Abigail, are you sure about this?” he growled.
“Papers are signed. Meet me at the café by your office at noon,” she replied coolly before ending the call.
Anthony clutched the phone like he meant to break it.
George stood up nervously. “I should go. Got contracts to review.”
Anthony said nothing, his face dark as a thundercloud.
After George departed, Anthony suddenly hurled his water cup to the floor.
Though normally composed, Abigail’s recent behavior had left him agitated and unsettled. The memory of those divorce papers made him clench his fists, his jaw tight with
anger.
“If you want to play this game, Abigail,” he growled, “you’ll walk away with nothing.”
Chapter 10 Filing for Divorce
2/7
Abigail arrived at the café at noon to find Anthony hadn’t shown
- up.
She ordered a cappuccino, relishing its taste. Though it was her favorite, she’d usually chosen black coffee to match Anthony’s
taste.
Looking back on her marriage, she saw how she’d disappeared. She’d become Mrs. Robinson first, Marcus’s mom second, and Abigail last.
They say you have to love yourself before anyone else can love you. Only now did she understand why.
Her phone rang – Felix calling. She answered.
“How are you feeling, nervous?” Felix asked.
Abigail shook her head, “There’s nothing to be nervous about; this day was bound to come sooner or later.”
“That’s good. I’m handling a case nearby, so if you need anything, just call me,” Felix offered.
Abigail smiled and nodded, “Okay.”
Just then, Anthony walked in, catching the scene.
It had been a long time since he had seen Abigail smile like that.
Chapter 10 Filing for Divorce
3/7
His expression darkened, suspecting she was talking to her new
man.
Yet as he neared Abigail, he masked his concern, determined to maintain his composure and control.
“Sit,” Abigail said, watching Anthony sit down across from her.
She took the divorce papers out of her bag and slid them toward him.
Anthony folded his arms, his eyes mocking. “I know you’re just trying to get my attention, Abigail. I’m too busy for these games. You’re being annoying.”
A bitter smile crossed Abigail’s face. His arrogance was her own doing, built up over years of indulgence.
“I’m done explaining myself, Anthony. Just review and sign the divorce papers if they’re acceptable.”
He scoffed. “What’s this really about? Are you upset I didn’t rescue you first from the fire?”
He continued: “Michelle’s health ha been fragile. Her life was at risk. Plus, she went in to save Marcus. And you got out safely anyway, so what’s the problem?”
Abigail stared at this man she’d loved for eight years, suddenly seeing a stranger. How could he speak so coldly after all this time?
Chapter 10 Filing for Divorce
“Anthony, my health isn’t good either. When I gave birth to Marcus-”
4/7
“Not this again,” he cut in. “I know childbirth was hard. That’s why I never made you work. I’ve supported this family, and you’re still complaining about nothing.”
In that moment, she understood–her words meant nothing. To the Robinsons, she was just their caged bird. Even wanting freedom seemed absurd.
“Just sign the papers. We’re done.” She had no interest in further discussion.
Anthony’s brows furrowed in frustration, “Abigail, if you’re not going to take the easy way out, don’t blame me. We’ll divorce, but I’ll have Marcus, and you’ll need my permission to see him,” Anthony warned.
He’d expected her to crumble, but she remained calm.
“The agreement already gives you Marcus’s custody,” she stated simply.
Anthony’s jaw tightened as he finally grabbed the papers and read them.
“This is ridiculous,” he sneered. “You don’t want the kid but demand half our assets? Aren’t you reaching too far?”
“Half the marital assets are mine by law,” she said calmly. “Fifty percent is as low as I’ll go.”
Chapter 10 Filing for Divorce
Anthony sneered, “Every penny in this house was earned by me. Have you ever brought in a cent? And now you have the audacity to negotiate with me?”
5/7
Abigail thought back to the day Anthony brought her flowers, asking her to quit school and work.
He’d said successful men needed supportive wives who handled everything. And she had – from Diana’s illnesses to Marcus’s needs, even finding a specialist for Diana’s treatments.
She’d managed it all, sparing Anthony any worry.
Yet now, none of the Robinsons remembered any of it.
“The law says married couples share assets, Anthony. No matter what, we were a couple. I didn’t want things to get ugly, which is why I brought the agreement to you. If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to file for divorce,” Abigail stated.
Anthony looked at Abigail, surprised by her assertiveness. She had never spoken to him like this before.
For a moment, he doubted if she was serious.
But that thought quickly left his mind.
This was Abigail, the one who stayed by his side day and night when he was sick, the one who never left him even when he was almost disabled.
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6/7
Why would she do all this if not because she loved him deeply? Someone like that could never really leave.
Feeling reassured, Anthony stood up with a sneer and tossed the agreement in front of her.
“Fine, I’ll wait for your lawsuit. You won’t get a single cent,” he said, losing his last bit of patience as he turned to leave the café.
Abigail wasn’t surprised by this outcome.
Abigail had expected this.
She finished her coffee, dropped the agreement in the trash, and headed to the bus stop.
“He refused. Moving forward with the lawsuit,” she texted Felix.
Felix replied, “Alright, let’s meet tonight.”
Abigail had scheduled a house viewing with a realtor – she couldn’t stay at Amy’s forever.
She found him easily when she arrived at the address.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said.
“Not at all, Miss Taylor,” the suited young man smiled. “Just arrived myself. Shall we?”
Given her jobless status and pending lawsuit with Anthony, Abigail’s budget was extremely limited.
Chapter 10 Filing for Divorce
She needed to be careful with every expense.
She had been clear with the agent about her needs: a modest, clean space, preferably near the city, but most importantly, affordable.
7/7
Her heart sank when she recognized their destination – an elite apartment complex in the city center, among the most exclusive in town.
The pristine grounds and security checkpoint, where the agent had to show his credentials, confirmed her thoughts.
This place was far beyond her means.
After walking through the complex, Abigail spoke up uncertainly.
