Chapter 5: DIVORCE 3

Back then, the Hamiltons were going through a little mishap in their company and needed an alliance. Harlow begged her father, Frank Blackwood, to help them. Frank is a businessman; he wouldn't just elevate anyone without getting anything in return. Harlow had demanded that Alanis marry her to pay her father. Since she was his most loved daughter, Frank agreed immediately and initiated the marriage to the Hamiltons. Alanis didn't deny the offer and got married to her. After years had passed, Frank died in a car accident, and the Blackwoods crumbled, leaving their little company thriving off the support from the Hamiltons. Alanis made Hamilton a multi-billion-dollar company in less than two years with her help. He elevated his family status more and made them richer than they ever were, but her family was reduced to nothing. Harlow hadn't always been like this either. She was once a top-tier hacker, a jewelry maker, and a professional scriptwriter, but no one knew because she had given up on that little dream of hers because of love. Her movies were always top-notch, making top producers around the world anticipate her next script because it would become the next highest-grossing movie of all time. But she let it all go because she was in love. She thought love conquered all, but she was only being stupid. Being on a one-sided love for years, she had forced herself into Alanis's world, and he had ruined her. "Of course I don't mind, you and my husband are friends, why would I be mad he's touching a single woman inappropriately?" Harlow responded politely. The Harlow of yesterday would throw tantrums seeing her husband with her sister in this position, but she didn't have the strength today. She was too exhausted to give a fuck anymore. She's tried to keep their marriage at peace. She did everything she could to make him love her. She gave him a child because she thought children built homes. She gave him good sex because she thought sex kept marriages alive. She cooked because she had been told that good food keeps a man at home. She cleans because she was taught to always keep her home in order if she wanted a happy family. Now she thought about all of these things. She laughed inwardly. "The divorce papers will be sent to you by morning, Mr Hamilton." "No need, I'll ask my lawyer to send it over by morning." "Alright." Harlow couldn't believe that after half a decade of shared life, this is how everything ends. She lost, after all of the help her father rendered to the Hamiltons, this is how they repay them. Claudia raised her left fingers slightly, and she saw a huge diamond ring dangling in her hands. She smiled. They were already engaged. As Harlow staggered away, Claudia interjected, "Alanis, I heard you plan to take Alex to the amusement park, you didn't cancel that for our trip together, did you? Harlow seems upset. At least just give her the last attention before our wedding." She said like an innocent child. Alanis said soothingly, "Don't worry about it, there are priorities. We can go to the amusement park anytime, but if the snow melts, we're never going to experience it anymore.". Harlow held herself from scoffing before these shameless people. Ignoring them, she dragged her feet towards her room before she passed out. That's the last thing she wanted. But Alanis grabbed her hands before she could move. Alanis paused, his brows drawing together after seeing her red, swollen eyes. He had been too occupied by Claudia that he hadn't noticed how bad his wife looked until now. When they arrived this morning after the accident, the doctor had told him his wife was pretending again, as usual, and that there was nothing wrong. But the bruises on her face and skin didn't look fake at all. Did they lie to him? "Is missing a trip to the amusement park worth crying over like this. I could make time to go with Alex this evening if it means so much to you." Harlow couldn't hold the tears that fell from her eyes anymore as she watched the man she's loved all these years. It's too late now. If only he had agreed yesterday. "You can take Alex to whatever amusement park in the city after our divorce, Mr Hamilton." "What happened to you?" He finally asked, and she smiled. "Nothing to worry yourself with. I'm perfectly fine, I don't think Claudia's legs can stay without your affection." At her words, she walked away.