Chapter 204 The Inevitable Divorce
The term "double standard" had become a thorn in Alexander's side, a phrase he was weary of hearing. Yet, much to his vexation, he found himself unable to refute it.
Indeed, he was torn. He relished the time spent with Isabella, but was irked by the thought of Ava in the company of another man. His own feelings were a mystery to him. Perhaps it was merely a primal male instinct, and he was not immune to its influence.
"Do you need to speak with Ava? Should I pass her the phone?" William queried, his tone pressing.
"That won't be necessary," Alexander retorted, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance. "Inform Ava that I'll meet her at City Hall at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. I'll bring the marriage certificate. We're getting a divorce."
William was taken aback, struggling to believe what he had just heard. He was about to respond when the line went dead.
He was aware that the topic of divorce had been broached before, but various obstacles had always hindered its fruition.
Their impending divorce was akin to the fable of the boy who cried wolf; it was challenging to predict when the wolf would truly appear. Yet, deep within, William harbored a hope that this time, the wolf would indeed arrive.
After freshening up, William exited his room.
Ava was engrossed in arranging flowers, their fragrance providing a soothing comfort.
Upon hearing footsteps, she swiveled around to find William approaching. A gentle smile graced her face as she greeted him, "You're up."
He advanced towards her, his towering figure casting an imposing shadow over her.
Yet, unlike Alexander, his presence was less domineering and more congenial.
"Where's Vicky?" William inquired.
"Victoria went out to enjoy herself," Ava responded.
William's brow furrowed in disapproval, his expression hardening, "That irresponsible child just ran off to play."
A faint smile played on Ava's lips, "She's not being irresponsible. She was with me initially, but I grew tired and returned to my room to rest. It's only natural for her to go out. Don't fault her."
William heaved a sigh, his countenance turning grave.
Ava paused her flower arrangement and looked up, "What's the matter? Is something wrong?"
"There's an issue. It involves you."
"Me?" Ava set down her scissors, "What is it? Tell me."
His serious demeanor stirred unease within Ava.
"Alexander called. He's been searching for you."
Ava was taken aback, staring at him in disbelief for a moment before regaining her composure, a bitter smile on her face, "Really? He actually contacted you?"
She had switched off her phone, wanting to disconnect from the world.
Switching off her devices, immersing herself in books, and taking leisurely walks provided her with a sense of tranquility.
"What did he want?" she asked.
Alexander, who had been with Isabella, must have tried to reach her and ended up contacting William.
His eagerness to locate her suggested urgency.
Recognizing the look in her eyes, William knew Ava had deduced the reason. He cut to the chase, "He wants you to meet him at City Hall tomorrow morning at nine. He's seeking a divorce."
A heavy silence filled the room as Ava returned to her task, methodically snipping the stems and arranging the flowers one by one in a vase.
With a serene smile, she responded simply, "I understand."
The inevitable had finally come to pass.
They had discussed divorce on numerous occasions, but this time it felt more tangible, more imminent. No more delays—they were truly to get divorced this time.
