2 The Divorce

Anna remained crumbled on the floor as tears rolled down her eyes while Renee’s words rang through her head. She had been with Daniel for two years and even though he didn't love her she had hoped that at least he trusted her and would vouch for her. But just a little smoke show that Renee had put on and they've all believed her while forgetting all the things Anna had done for the family. “Ma’am Anna, you really need to leave now,” the Butler, Lee, walked up to her. Anna chuckled sadly, wiping off the tears from her face. “You also want to get rid of me, Lee. Am I such a repulsive person?” Lee shook his head as he helped her stand up. “No, Ma’am. It’s just Daniel and his father has brought out all your bags and they're threatening to burn it if you don't leave right away.” Lee has been with the family for a very long time and he has always adored Anna. He knew it was impossible for her to have tried to drown Renee. But no one would ever value the input of a butler so he had kept his thoughts to himself. He stared at Anna as she tried to stand up but wobbled on her feet. “Let me help you, Ma’am,” he said, extending his arm. Anna took his arm, tears clouding her eyes. He led her to the front of the house where all her bags were tossed out on the road. “After wasting two years of my life to the Monroe family this is the thanks I get,” Anna said, her voice filled with anger. “If it makes you feel better, I believe you didn't do it, Ma’am,” Lee finally spoke. Anna gave him a grateful look. “Thanks, Lee.” She pulled out her phone and dialed the number of her only friend, Lily. Lily picked up on the first ring. “Don’t tell me they've managed to piss you off at the birthday party too,” Lily said immediately. Anna laughed, “It’s a lot. Can you come pick me up?” “Of course.” Then Anna hung up and waited for Lily in front of the gate. The house was a bit quiet as the guests had all dispersed and the family members had joined Daniel at the hospital. Anna didn't have anything to her name, all her flashy life was paid by Daniel so now as she was leaving she was empty-handed. A few minutes later, Lily pulled up in front of the house with her new Royce Rolls. She stepped out of the car dressed in a simple gown with light make-up. Anna often envied how effortlessly her friend looked so beautiful even without trying. Her dark curls were flying around in the wind as she furrowed her brows. “What happened?” Lily asked. Anna shrugged, “No time to explain, can I do it when we get to your place? I wanna crash there.” Lily nodded as she helped Anna load her bags into the trunk of the car. “Take care, Anna,” the butler waved at her. “You too, Lee,” Anna smiled at him as Lily drove away. After a few minutes' drive they arrived at Lily’s mansion. Lily’s parents were very wealthy business people living in Hong Kong. They spoilt Lily with a lot of gifts and money hoping that Lily would take over the family business someday as the only child but Lily was not interested yet and still trying to figure out what her thing was. “Alright, spill. The silence is killing me,” Lily said. Anna chuckled, “Daniel and his family asked me to leave.” Lily’s eyes widened in surprise, “What?! Why?” Anna recounted her ordeal with Renee and Lily sighed. “That bitch! I didn't know she would go that far.” Anna shrugged, “It's just sad that nobody believes me.” “I'm sorry, Anna. I don't want you to get hurt but maybe this is for the best,” Lily said. Anna furrowed her brows but kept quiet. She knew Lily hadn't always liked the fact that she agreed to get married to Daniel two years ago. Anna and Lily had been friends since they were babies even before Anna’s parents died in that ghastly accident when she was two years old. “I know you’ll probably say I don't like Daniel which is true because you’re obsessed with him and he barely glances at you.” “You’ve spent two years with him. You stuck with him when Renee abandoned him but he's never noticed you.” “He’s always treated you badly and now his entire family has joined because they don't have any use for you again.” Anna sighed, she knew Lily was right. “You’re right, Lily, that's why I can assure you that I’m no longer obsessed with Daniel.” “Oh no, I don't believe that. You can't tell me you don't love him again after crushing on him since we were kids,” Lily chuckled. Then she saw the look Anna gave her and she raised her hands in surrender. “I know, I’m sorry it’s an insensitive joke but it's true.” Anna chuckled at Lily’s expression. “I’m serious, Lily. I've spent two years of my life doing exactly what the Monroe family wants, I think it's time I make them pay.” Lily grinned, her mind already whirling with thoughts on how to make them pay. “What do you have in mind?” Anna smiled, “Do you still have your hacking skills?” Lily faked a gasp, “I feel insulted.” Anna chuckled. “Sorry, Lily.” “What are we hacking?” “Renee’s phone. I need to get my hands on incriminating evidence that would cause a scandal in Monroe’s family.” Lily frowned as she brought out her laptop and began tapping furiously at the keyboard. After what seemed like hours but was just a few minutes, Lily pulled up the pictures on her laptop. “Is this the evidence?” Lily asked. Anna nodded, “The public knows that Daniel was jilted by Renee at the altar two years ago, they also know he got married but they don't know who he married.” Lily smiled as she realized what Anna was trying to achieve. “The media will carry the news of Daniel’s unfaithfulness.” “And I will send a copy of the divorce papers anonymously of course,” Anna smiled. “You will be divorcing Daniel while keeping your identity hidden, exposing his deceit, and ruining his family reputation,” Lily nodded. Anna grinned, “That’s the first step, Lily. I will have my revenge on all of them, but it's a gradual process.” “Cheers,” Lily chuckled, handing Anna a glass of wine as they toasted. “To destroying the Monroe family,” Lily said. Anna laughed, “To revenge and justice.” The following morning while Daniel was still in the hospital he received a letter. He opened it and was shocked when he saw the divorce papers from Anna. “That bitch! What right does she have to request for a divorce?” he mused. He turned on the TV and saw the news headlines. His eyes widened as he stared at the pictures displayed on the television screen. “Wife of Daniel Munroe files for a divorce after a scandalous affair he had with the same woman who jilted him two years old.” Just then Daniel’s phone rang. He felt his heartbeat race through the roof as his father’s number was displayed on the screen of his phone. “Hello, Dad?” “Clean up your mess, Daniel!” Daniel swallowed. Maybe sending Anna out wasn't such a good idea.