Chapter Two

The silence of the kitchen was broken by Clara's voice, which pierced the air with a frantic cry. The knife clattered against the chilly kitchen floor as Janet's shaking hand suddenly released its hold on it in response to her startling. Her entire body began to tremble uncontrollably as fear crept into her eyes, making her appear to be a delicate leaf caught in a storm.

Clara stepped forward, her eyes locked on Janet's face, searching for answers. "What's happening? Why would you even think of doing such a thing?" Clara's voice trembled with a mix of worry and disbelief.

Janet's tears flowed down her cheeks and mixed with her distress. "I can't take it anymore," she replied, her voice trembling. The suffering and the hopelessness. All of it is excessive. All I want is for it to be over. I want to go away. ".

With a glimmer of hopeless desperation, Janet's eyes darted to the dropped knife. She lunged at it in a fit of rage, her hands outstretched. Clara's instincts intervened before she could take back the weapon that might lead to her death.

She quickly grabbed hold of the knife, kicking it safely out of Janet's reach, and carefully placed it in a safe place away from Janet.

Clara gently took hold of Janet's shaking hand as the immediate threat was dealt with, her touch a lifeline of kindness and assurance. Clara led her away from the eerie scene, away from the echoing cries of despair, and into the sanctuary of her room.

Since before the tragic passing of Janet's parents, Clara had been a constant in her life. She had been Janet's loving nanny throughout her childhood, nurturing and providing for her with unwavering love.

Clara had made the decision to stay by Janet's side after the heartbreaking loss, providing constant support and direction to help her get through the darkness of grief.

Clara was a crucial member of the household staff because of her expertise and unwavering commitment; she offered not only practical help but also comfort to the family's grieving members. Clara's sage advice and kind heart had brought Janet comfort in her darkest hours.

Clara asked, her face etched with worry, "Why do you want to end your life, Janet?".

Janet sniffled, her tears rolling down her cheeks. She responded with a voice full of desperation, "My husband wants a divorce.

Clara scowled as her brows furrowed. "Divorce, but why does divorce cause people to consider suicide?".

I just can't take it anymore," cried Janet in a trembling voice. I'm in the pits of despair. Let me put an end to my suffering. "

Janet's distress moved Clara, who moved in for a warm embrace. She thought back on their relationship from when Janet was a young child, recalling how she had supported Janet through tough times, escorted her to school when her parents were unavailable, and assisted her with homework and other tasks.

"Janet, I love you, and I would never act in a way that would cause you harm or disregard your feelings. Clara reassured her lovingly, "I promise, I'll always be here for you.

Janet was overcome with gratitude after seeing Clara's affectionate display. ".

Clara collected herself and took a deep breath. She reached into her pocket for a handkerchief and gently wiped Janet's tears away.

"Tom, please tell me more about your husband. Clara asked with concern in her voice, "Is he really set on divorcing you?

With a somber undertone, Janet nodded. Yes, he has been giving me divorce papers and pleading with me to sign them for the past two months. ".

Clara's heart sank, but she didn't waver. She inquired, seeking a full understanding of the circumstance, "Have you found out if there's another woman involved? Is that why he wants a divorce?".

Yes, he is seeing someone else, Janet managed to say through tears. Christina is the name of the person. She even sent me a message earlier today," she remarked, grabbing her phone to show Clara the distressing message.

Clara breathed slowly as she continued to think. She asked, hoping the family would step in and do something. "Have you tried to contact Tom's father?".

I did speak with him, yes. He promised to speak to Tom, Janet said, her voice trembling.

Clara's response, "Okay, let's see how that plays out," gave Janet some hope.

Clara gently suggested, seeking a different route, "But why don't you think about letting him go? Set him free if he's already in love with another person.".

Janet's face twisted in pain and surprise. With a hint of resentment in her voice, she demanded, "Why should I free him? Why should I leave him for someone else?".

Clara deliberated for a moment before speaking. "Janet, freeing him doesn't mean leaving yourself behind. It entails allowing yourself the chance to recover your happiness. You deserve to be in the company of someone who genuinely values and respects you. Setting your health as a priority is important. ".

Janet's tear-filled eyes, which were reflecting a range of emotions, were fixed on Clara. A glimmer of strength ignited within her weak soul as the weight of Clara's words descended upon her.

Yes, that's a much better option than taking your own life, Clara reassured the room. You can get a divorce from him and find a new partner. You've already mentioned that it's been two months since he last slept at home and since he started bringing the divorce papers. Maybe it's time to think about getting the divorce done. ".

Janet thought about it while inhaling deeply. "Alright, I get it now," she finally retorted. I'll proceed and sign the documents. ".

If you were to commit suicide, what would you gain from it? Clara asked, keeping in mind that he wouldn't be held responsible or subject to any consequences.

Clara's assertions were accurate, and Janet nodded in agreement. Janet picked up her phone and called her husband's father in an attempt to get his advice and support as Clara left the room. Her attempts to get hold of him were unsuccessful, unfortunately. After a while, exhausted from the emotional upheaval and with her mind racing about the future, Janet finally fell asleep.

***

A loud knocking on Janet's bedroom door woke her up from her sleep. When she hurriedly went to open it, she was surprised to see her husband standing there with the divorce papers in his hand.

"Take them, you worthless piece of garbage. Make sure you sign them right away," Tom mumbled, obviously drunk.

Janet looked at her husband with eyes that were both loving and worried. She gently extended her hand in an effort to help him get his bearings.

Janet questioned Tom, her voice tinged with worry, "When did you start drinking, Tom?".

I'm not sure. Simply put, sign the documents and go away. Tom spat out, bitterness dripping from his words, "I don't love you; I hate you.

Janet cried out in anguish, "Tom, why are you doing this?".

Just be silent, please. Tom retorted, jerking his hand abruptly away, "I don't love you. She shook as he shoved the papers into her hands before storming out of the room.

Feeling a weight on her chest, Janet entered her room. She was sitting on her bed and tightly gripping the divorce papers. She picked up her phone and called her husband's father in an effort to find comfort and advice. She did so with a mix of determination and desperation.

When he answered the phone, he said in a furious tone, "Hello? What do you want? My son wants to divorce you? Well, that's your own problem. It doesn't matter to me at all. He no longer adores you. Simply leave him alone and find a new spouse. ".

Janet was suddenly overcome with sadness and unhappiness as the line went dead.

Each word in the divorce papers served as a painful reminder of dreams dashed, and Janet's tears streamed down her cheeks as she read them. Her mind was flooded with regretful and painful memories.

She remembered the day her adored father passed away, leaving an unfillable void in her life. She felt abandoned in a world full of sorrow after the tragic car accident that took her mother from her.

She started thinking about her happy and hopeful wedding day. the joy that radiated from their loved ones as they rejoiced in the union of two souls deeply in love. Janet was drawn to a framed picture of her and her husband enjoying a blissful moment.

She suddenly thought back to the dreams they had once shared. Their family plans called for a son named Henry and a daughter named Angela. There were promises made, a ring put on her finger, and a lifetime commitment made.

But a more somber reality was hidden among the happy memories. The perfect image was tarnished by the abuse and neglect her husband had committed. The nights he had gone out, leaving Janet alone and uncertain, she could never forget. Knowing that he had spent those nights with another woman, she was forced to face the pain of learning of his infidelity.

She had considered killing herself due to the weight of despair, but Clara's words rang in her head and provided a glimmer of hope. "All is well," Janet sighed and took comfort in those three short words. ".

She decided to leave her toxic and unloving marriage by gathering all of her strength. She raised the pen and signed the divorce papers with trembling hands. Knowing that this choice signaled both an end and a new beginning, a wave of relief and sadness swept over her.

Janet said softly while closing her eyes, "Yes, this is the best decision for my wellbeing. I won't give my life to someone who doesn't care about me. ".

She braced herself and reached for her phone, dialing her husband's number in the hopes of finding some solace. She carefully crafted a message after the call was returned, putting her all into each word:.

Dear Tom,

I have loved you so much in my heart forever. I wished we could spend the rest of our lives together, but I've come to understand that you are not willing to give us that chance. By approving the divorce documents, I have released you from the constraints of our union. I'm grateful for the times we had together and the things we learned. Along with Christina, may God lead your way.

Yours sincerely.

Janet].

She sent the message with a heaviness in her voice, letting go of the last bits of a toxic love. In preparation for her journey of self-discovery and healing, Janet's heart was brimming with a mixture of sadness and fresh hope.

***

When the message arrived, Christina and Tom were present. They laughed together as their joy spread across their faces, and then they sealed it with an intense kiss.

Tom said with a gleam of victory in his eyes, "I told you she would sign the papers.

"Well done.". The question Christina eagerly asked, her voice full of anticipation, "So, when will you make me your wife?".

Oh my love, soon. Very soon," Tom remarked while cradling her in his arms.

With genuine gratitude in her voice, Christina expressed her gratitude. "My baby, I appreciate you so much. ".

Christina began to undress as the setting became more personal, her gaze fixed on Tom's face.

She said softly, with a playful twinkle in her eyes, "Let's make love.".

Tom answered, his voice full of desire, "Yes, let's.".

Christina reached inside Tom's pants and gently released the restrictions on his manhood. He was skillfully coaxed into ecstasy by her touching and teasing. They began to enjoy each other's company after she guided him toward her and placed him at the opening of her vagina.

In the bedroom, where their desires met, their chemistry grew hotter. As their eyes embraced passionately, Tom caressed Christina's breasts. They shared a passionate kiss that cemented their relationship.

With satisfaction in her voice, Christina mumbled, "I'm loving every minute.".

Tom answered with a voice of appreciation and pleasure, "Thank you, my baby.

They fell in love, their bodies intertwined in the utmost passion, and eventually gave in to sleep, their bodies spent and their hearts full.

While she was packing her belongings, Janet sobbed in silence inside the walls of her home, her heart heavy with grief. Recollections of the past and the things that were now over flooded her mind as she carefully packed each item into boxes.

After completing her packing, Janet picked up her phone and dialed her lawyer's number with trembling fingers. On the other end, she was greeted by the dependable attorney Thomas's familiar voice.

Janet greeted Thomas, her voice choked with emotion. "I must report my husband,". ".

Janet began her journey toward liberation as she uttered those words, looking for the direction and assistance she would need to travel the difficult road in front of her.