Chapter 3 Cruel Mother-in-law

• "Naomi, wait!" Danny shouted, but I didn't stop. Ignoring his plea, Danny grabbed my hand and asked me to stay.
• "Where are you going?" Danny asked.
• "Somewhere I'll be valued as a human being," I replied.
• "Ha!" Danny waved his hand in front of my face. "Get inside! No need to cause trouble!" My husband pointed at the house.
• "First, call your mistress. Tell her you don't need her anymore and call her out," I said.
• Danny shook his head. "She's someone who can help my career. I still need her."
• "Okay. Then let me go as your wife!" I didn't bother to walk steadily to the car, leaving Danny still standing by the door. I could feel his shocked and disbelieving gaze.
• When I reached the car, my driver opened the door for me, and I got in. I looked at Danny in the mirror; his face was pale and shocked. But I didn't feel sorry for him. Wasn't this what he wanted?
• "Where would you like to go, Miss?" my driver asked in a curious tone.
• "To a nearby hotel," I replied. I needed a place to think and plan my next move.
• My driver nodded and immediately started the car. I looked out the window, seeing the house that I had thought of as my own slowly disappear from sight. I felt sad but relieved at the same time. I knew I had made the right decision.
• During the trip, I reflected. I remembered all the beautiful and bitter memories I had with Danny. I was disappointed and devastated. But I had to move on with my life.
• After arriving at the hotel, I went straight to the room I had booked earlier. I took off my shoes and jacket and lay down on the bed.
• I grabbed my cell phone and texted my lawyer to arrange a meeting to discuss my divorce with Danny.
• After that, I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. Despite everything I had, it still hurt to part with Danny in this way.
• Danny may have underestimated me, but I was going to prove him wrong. I am Naomi, and I will rise above this disappointment. I will start a new life, a life of my own!
• The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my cell phone ringing. I picked up the phone and saw the name on the screen: 'Mrs. Spencer.' I let out a long sigh, feeling heavy-hearted about picking up the call. But I knew I had to. I pressed the green button and put the phone to my ear.
• "Hello, Mom," I greeted in a voice that was still a little hoarse.
• "Heh, Naomi, did you leave Danny's house?" Danny's mom asked in a sharp tone.
• I sighed softly. "I did, Mom," I answered honestly.
• "Danny said you left in your lover's car. Shame on you!"
• I frowned. "Your son is the one who should be ashamed, Mom. He cheated on me and openly said he wanted to be with the woman he cheated with. You're so proud of Danny that he doesn't know what responsibility means."
• My words made Mrs. Spencer angry. "You are insolent! An orphan!" she shouted.
• Her words pierced my heart. But I knew I had to stay calm. "Yes, Mrs Spencer, I am an orphan. But I'm also well-educated!'
• "Naomi, Danny asked me to remind you to come home before he completely leaves you!"
• "It's okay, Mom. I'm ready to part ways with your golden boy. As long as Danny continues to treat me this way, I don't think I'll ever be happy."
• "Happy? If not Danny, who else would accept you, Naomi?"
• My heart grew heavier. But I tried to be patient. "God willing, there will be someone, Mom."
• There was a pause for a moment. "Okay, Naomi. Just don't regret it later!"
• The call ended. Tears started streaming down my cheeks. How poorly did my husband and in-laws view me?
• I set the phone aside and felt the tears welling up. Lost, hurt, and angry, it really hurt.
• However, this time I wouldn't be silent. I'd had enough of their patience. Just watch how I'll make them regret it!
• Not long after the call from Mrs. Spencer, my phone rang again. This time, it was my lawyer calling.
• "Hello, Mr. Corner," I greeted.
• "Hello, Ms. Anderson. I read your message last night. Do you need my help again with the divorce?"
• I sighed. "Yes, sir. I need help with the divorce proceedings."
• "Yes, Ms. Anderson. I am ready to assist you," Mr. Corner said in a professional tone. "But before that, I need some information to help me handle your case."
• "What do you need?" I asked.
• "To start with, I need evidence of your husband's infidelity. It can be text messages, emails, photos, or anything that can prove that your husband is having an affair," Mr. Corner said.
• "I already have that evidence," I replied.
• "Good," Mr. Corner said. "In addition, I will also need information about your and your husband's financial situation. It's very important for determining child custody, property division, and alimony."
• I sighed. "We don't have children yet, and as for my husband's property, I don't care about that."
• "Don't you want to claim the right to joint property? That is your right, Ms. Anderson," Mr. Corner advised.
• I smiled bitterly. "I don't want anything from Danny, Mr. Corner. I just want freedom and peace," I replied firmly.
• Mr. Corner was silent for a moment. "I understand, Ms. Anderson. But I still advise you to consider all options. You are entitled to your share of the joint property, and it could help you start a new life," Mr. Corner explained.
• "I don't need Danny's property. All I want is for this divorce to be finalized as soon as possible," I said in a firm voice.
• "Very well, Ms. Anderson. I respect your decision. I will do my best to ensure this process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible," he replied.
• I was quite relieved.
• "How long will it take for my divorce to be finalized, approximately?"
• "It depends on many factors, Ms. Anderson," Mr. Corner replied. "Divorce proceedings can take several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly both parties can reach an agreement. However, given that you and your husband have no children and you are not interested in joint property, the process may be able to go faster."
• "I will do my best to expedite this process. But I also need to make sure that everything is done correctly and in accordance with the law," Mr. Corner added.
• ***
• The following days were filled with many different activities. Although there was a sense of anxiety and fear about what was going to happen, I tried to keep my mind and emotions balanced. Every morning, I woke up and did a light exercise routine in my hotel room. Exercise became a way for me to release stress and maintain physical health. After that, I showered and had breakfast. I tried to always eat healthy food, to maintain my energy and mood. And when my condition stabilized, I was asked to come to the office.
• Company? An office? Given my position as the heir to the company?
• Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with panic.
• My mind was instantly racing. As the heir to the company, I knew that my presence in the office was not a simple matter. I would be faced with a lot of responsibility and pressure, especially under these circumstances.
• I panicked. I wasn't ready for this. I still didn't know whether I was worthy of the company.
• What if they couldn't accept me?