Chapter 46 No Divorce, Just Widowhood
Paige was puzzled, "Is she really saying what I’m thinking?"
As Paige's scrutinizing gaze grew sharper, Pearl took a step back, "I'm sorry Xanthe, the truth is I'm not so experienced with... that area!"
She was busy, after all. Even before Paige had stepped into this role, her days were packed with endless tasks.
Paige offered a terse nod, "I thought you were... knowledgeable."
With that, Paige plunged headfirst into her work, deftly steering the conversation away from the awkward subject.
Pearl was relieved to see Paige engrossed in her work. Internal reflection began as she pondered on her own words. What had she said?
Just as she was mulling it over, Paige suddenly looked up, "The outfit you’ve prepared. You know my size?"
Pearl nodded with a smile, "Yes, Xanthe. I have all the accurate measurements. Your details were sent to me even before you arrived."
Paige nodded back, "Then prepare it for me."
"Prepare what?" Pearl asked, confused.
"The 'armor'," Paige declared.
After a while of marriage, it didn't feel right for them to live apart all the time. Besides, Paige believed she had done her homework on Raymond Carnegie. He led a simple routine: work, then home, no others.
He was consistent, an unassuming handsome spouse; quick to shower her with gifts from his bonuses and wages. If Paige continued to reject intimacy, it would be downright cruel.
She wasn't one to treat anyone unfairly.
Bringing up the 'armor' again made even Pearl blush in embarrassment.
But Paige commanded, and Pearl was to follow through, no questions asked.
After an extended hour of work, Paige left early, even though there was overtime to be done. Pearl had presented the "armor" that she had made ready, and it would be unreasonable to linger.
As soon as she got home, Paige took some time to give the apartment a little TLC. She then took a shower and slipped into the daring outfit Pearl had prepared for her. Catching her reflection in the mirror, even she couldn't help blushing. It was, perhaps, a tad revealing. "Raymond will probably have a heart attack if he sees me like this," she thought.
Just as Paige was about to change into something less provocative, a knock at the door broke her deliberation. Hastily, she wrapped herself in a bathrobe, tightening the belt around her waist as she made her way to the front door. There came Raymond, as she'd half-expected.
"No keys?" Paige asked.
Raymond looked stern, "Forgot them," he replied, his gaze sweeping over her. She'd obviously showered, just as always, yet something was different tonight. The room, dimly lit with only soft, ambient lamps, carried an air of intimacy. The bathrobe did little to conceal Paige's long legs, her height making it seem even shorter.
As Raymond, seated in his wheelchair, inadvertently caught a glimpse of the 'scenery,' Paige noticed his resolve waver. He had come to discuss their divorce, but entering that door, all his willpower seemed redirected at tempering his reactions.
Paige, having prepared for this encounter, found herself in a tangled mix of emotions. Should she... with Raymond? Yet, he seemed unmoved, imposing upon her the question of whether she should make the first move.
Out of nowhere, Paige blurted out, "That kick last time, it didn't hurt you, did it?"
Raymond, feigning composure but all too aware of her allure, especially post-shower and clad in just a robe, found it exceedingly difficult to concentrate on divorce discussions.
"I'm fine," he managed, hands unconsciously clenching into fists.
As if the question had bridged some gap, Paige took a deep breath, ready to say more, but Raymond beat her to it.
"Take a look at this. If there's no problem, we can discuss further," he said, handing her an envelope before making his way toward the bedroom.
Paige, with a flicker of curiosity, took the envelope, "What's this?"
Raymond didn't answer, instead propelling his wheelchair toward the master bedroom,
"There might be some changes at work in the next few days," Paige stated as she unwrapped the envelope. "That way, you won't have to put in extra time for more money. You could leave for home much earlier."
As she spoke, Paige had already unwound the string and reached into the envelope to pull out the contents. But as soon as she caught a glimpse of the document, she could make out the bold words 'Divorce Agreement'. She was stunned and couldn't believe that this was from Raymond.
In a swift motion, she pulled out the entire document from the envelope. There it was, Raymond's signature already on the paper.
Paige stood there, frozen for a good ten seconds.
What was the meaning of this?
Was he asking for a divorce?
But why; everything was fine, wasn't it?
Clutching the divorce papers, Paige hastened after Raymond Carnegie, "Mr. Carnegie, what's the meaning of this? We've only been married for a short time. Why divorce? Aren't we getting along fine? Or is there something you're not satisfied with?"
It was beyond her wildest dreams that Raymond would ever present her with divorce papers. Grandpa Bradley had admitted to her that Raymond found it difficult to find a wife for himself!
Even though their marriage had skipped the dating phase, they had lived together harmoniously since their wedding. She had kept their home spotless and cooked with variety.
Aside from the fact that their marriage hadn't been consummated, Paige thought they were leading an ideal married life.
In his wheelchair, Raymond had already reached the master bedroom. Paige trailed behind and, regardless of his desire to avoid her, she twisted his wheelchair around to face her, asking, "What am I doing wrong? Or do you perceive a problem with our union? You owe me an explanation.
Blocking his way, Paige stood firm, her foot planted on the wheelchair, preventing it from moving.
Raymond had been thinking that divorce was the best option, yet he hadn’t settled on the perfect justification!
Now confronted by Paige demanding a reason, Raymond found himself at a loss for what to say. Should he mention her breaking into his home? Her mysterious past? Or perhaps her extraordinary experiences over the last five years?
In the silence that followed, Paige declared with fervor, "Raymond, I know my background isn't great, and there are parts of my past that are hardly admirable. But I’ve never held your disability against you!
Even though our marriage might seem like a mismatch, with you bringing the house to the table, a house that's paid for with your paycheck; let me remind you that my earnings have always been there to support our living as well.
Let me lay it out for you, Raymond, we're not getting a divorce. No way!
Do you think I'm going to let myself be labeled as a two-time bride? Not happening!
I, Paige, don't do divorces... Widowhood is the only option for me!”
