Chapter 228 Independence
"I've recently graduated, and I've also just finalized my divorce," Ava confessed, her smile tinged with bitterness. "I find myself in possession of considerable wealth, without any need to tap into my family's fortune."
William, his hands nonchalantly resting in his pockets, inquired, "Did Alexander provide you with a settlement?"
Ava responded with an affirmative grunt, "Real estate, along with a 5% stake in his company."
William's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "He's shown quite a bit of generosity."
Despite his aversion towards Alexander, William had to concede that Alexander had displayed an unexpected largesse. By relinquishing five percent of his company's shares, he had ensured that Ava would never need to work again if she chose not to. She could simply bask in her newfound wealth.
"And what comes next?" William queried.
"Next…" Ava paused, contemplating before breaking into a laugh. "Next, I transform into a woman of wealth without having to lift a finger for it. I suppose I'm just extraordinarily lucky, aren't I?"
William observed her smile, a strained expression that seemed to be pulled at the corners by unseen forces. Despite the laughter, it was evident that her inner feelings were far from joyous.
"He's given it to you, so hold onto it," William advised. "You were his wife, after all. It's rightfully yours. You shouldn't let him off without ensuring you receive what you're due."
Ava released a deep sigh.
"I intend to find employment. I need to do something meaningful. Otherwise, what was the point of my college education?"
After a moment of consideration, William suggested, "Have you thought about joining our company? We have suitable roles in finance, if..."
"William," Ava interrupted, "I appreciate your offer, but it's not necessary. I'll handle my career path independently."
She didn't require assistance from Alexander, nor from William.
William had always respected Ava Anderson's decisions. Unless her choices were detrimental, he would never oppose them.
He needed to set himself apart from Alexander, demonstrating to her that he was a different man.
"Just remember, you can always turn to me if you need anything," he reassured her.
Ava hummed in acknowledgment.
"Hey, William, would you accompany me to look at a house?"
"Certainly, are you in the market to buy?" William asked.
"No, I'm looking to rent. I've just divorced, and I want to relocate."
Even though Alexander had declared the house to be hers, it was a place filled with memories of their shared life. Now that their union had ended, the house served only as a painful reminder of what once was. It was time for her to move on.
She needed to establish her independence.
From the beginning, she should have been alone. Her year-long marriage to Alexander had been an aberration.
Now, she was finally reclaiming her life.
...
Ava was determined to find a place on her own, so William refrained from intervening.
He simply drove her to the real estate agency.
The agent promptly showed them a property.
"This apartment has a great layout, with two bedrooms and two living areas, north-south exposure, and it's fully furnished. It includes two bathrooms, one in the master suite, and a secondary bedroom that could be used as a guest room or a child's room in the future. If you find this place too small, we have larger units available as well," the agent explained, assuming from their demeanor that they were not financially constrained. He showed them some of the more luxurious properties. Though more expensive, the spaces and decor were naturally more refined.
Ava offered an awkward smile, "We're not married. You've misunderstood."
"Oh, is that so?" the agent responded with an apologetic smile, "My apologies, I assumed you two were a couple."
