Chapter 8 Tie
Audrey stared at Violet, moment
frozen.
Violet took off her sunglasses and raised an eyebrow. “Hey, what’s going on? Ms. Beaumont, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me? By the way, you look like you’ve shed a few pounds. Come on, spill the beans–did you secretly start a diet while I was away in Mazaida?”
Audrey felt a sudden sting in her eyes at Violet’s teasing.
“Violet.”
The moment Violet heard Audrey’s voice, she sensed something
was wrong.
Being her best friend, Violet knew Audrey better than anyone.“Audrey, what’s happening? Did someone hurt you?”
Violet stood at the door, and the dim light from the conference. room made it hard to see Audrey’s face. But as Violet got closer, she noticed the redness around Audrey’s eyes and the tears welling up.
Audrey rarely looked like this.
Before Violet could ask more, Audrey blurted out, “Violet, I’m getting a divorce from Theodore.”
Chapter 8 Tie
Violet’s heart dropped. “Audrey, is it that jerk…”
“It’s me,” Audrey said, biting her lip. After a brief pause, she continued, “Violet, I’m the one who asked for the divorce.”
Violet was taken aback.
While others might not know, she had watched Audrey’s love for Theodore grow deeper over the years, a love so profound it felt like it could transcend life itself.
So when she heard that Audrey was the one initiating the divorce, her immediate reaction was disbelief.
But then Violet noticed the empty space on Audrey’s ring finger, where her wedding band used to be.
That ring had been a constant presence since the day Audrey put
it on.
“Audrey, what on earth happened while I was gone?”
Audrey lowered her gaze and said, “Violet, I had a miscarriage…”
Her voice was soft, like she was telling someone else’s story.
But Violet knew that every word was a dagger to Audrey’s heart, leaving deep, painful wounds.
“That jerk! I’m going to confront him right now!” Violet exclaimed, ready to storm out.
Chapter 8 Tie “Violet!”
“Audrey, don’t stop me! I need to ask him how he could do this to you! Sure, your dad pressured him into marrying you, but if he really loved Ava, he could have said no, right? Besides, if it weren’t for you five years ago, The e would be dead!”
Violet’s eyes were red, her body shaking with anger.
Audrey forced a weak smile. “I’m okay, really. Don’t leave.”
She knew better than anyone that confronting Theodore wouldn’t change anything.
Plus, Violet’s family had just teamed up with Theodore’s family. If Violet upset him now, it could ruin everything the Hawthorne family had worked for.
Audrey couldn’t stand to see Violet risk the family’s interests for her.
Violet’s heart hurt for her friend.
She thought, “Okay? Audrey’s a real person with a heart that’s been stomped on over and over. How can she be okay?”
Violet said, “Let’s go! We’re going shopping! You still have Theodore’s extra card, right? Let’s max it out today! You’ve put up with that jerk for two years, and now you’re getting a divorce. Don’t let him off easy!”
Chapter 8 Tie
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Despite her words, as Violet dragged Audrey through the mall, Audrey still didn’t use the extra cal to pay.
1
Once Theodore got back from his business trip, they could finalize the divorce.
She wanted to cut all ties with him, including financial ones.
“This one, this one, and this one–I’ll take them all! Charge it!” Violet said, excitement lighting up her face.
The cashier smiled as she took the card from Violet, quickly returning with two cups of water.
Violet took the drinks and turned to check on Audrey.
To her surprise, she found Audrey standing in the men’s tie
section.
“Audrey, you’re not really thinking about buying that jerk a tie, are you?” Violet asked, walking over and glancing at the tie Audrey was holding.
Audrey paused for a moment.
She explained, still browsing, “It’s not for him. My brother’s birthday is coming up, and I thought I’d get him a tie as a gift. What do you think of this one?”
“Looks good, perfect even,” Violet replied, relieved it wasn’t for Theodore.
Chupier V TIC
“Then I’ll take this one. Can you wrap it up for me, please?” Audrey said.
“Sure thing!” the cashier replied with a smile.
Just as the cashier reached for the tie, a hand shot out and grabbed it away.
“Ugh, I think this tie would look awesome on Theodore. Ava, don’t you think?” Grace said, her voice full of arrogance, acting like Violet and Audrey weren’t even there.
Without waiting for Ava to answer, she lifted her chin and told the cashier, “I’ll take this tie. Wrap it up!”
